Ontario Elementary Schools Ranked: Top Performers and Strugglers Revealed

Ontario has unveiled a detailed ranking of its elementary schools, revealing both the highest and lowest performers across the province. The report, published by the Fraser Institute on October 5, 2023, evaluated a total of 3,052 public, Catholic, and independent schools based on nine academic indicators derived from the Education Quality and Accountability Office (EQAO) test scores.

Among the top achievers, more than 20 schools from the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) achieved a perfect score. Notable institutions that tied for first place include AI-Manarat Heights, a private school in Mississauga; Cottingham, a public school in Toronto; St. Agnes of Assisi, a Catholic school in Woodbridge; and High Park Alternative, also a public school in Toronto. This marks a continuation of a trend observed in the Fraser Institute’s previous report on secondary schools, where the leading institutions were also predominantly located in the GTA.

On the opposite end of the spectrum, several schools in the GTA received low marks. Willow Park in Scarborough ranked 3,021st with a score of 1.2 out of 10, followed closely by Baycrest in North York at 3,015th with a score of 1.3, and Santa Maria, a Catholic school in York, which ranked 3,009th with a score of 1.4.

In a statement, Paige MacPherson, a senior fellow at the Fraser Institute, emphasized the importance of the report, stating that it provides parents with insights into their child’s school performance that are not readily available elsewhere. She highlighted a common misconception that school rankings are fixed, asserting that every school has the potential for improvement, regardless of its type or student demographics.

For instance, Burleigh Hill in St. Catharines has been identified as one of the fastest improving elementary schools in Ontario. Its score surged from 4.5 in 2018 to 9.9 in this year’s report. Similarly, Tyendinaga Public School in Shannonville saw an impressive increase in its score from 1.6 in 2018 to 5.4. Notably, 43.5% of Tyendinaga’s students have special needs, showcasing that improvement is possible across diverse educational environments.

MacPherson stated, “It doesn’t matter where a school is ranked, or what challenges its students may face. The evidence is clear—all types of schools, located all over the province with different types of students, are all capable of improvement.”

While the Fraser Institute’s report provides valuable data, it also stresses that parents should not rely solely on these rankings when selecting a school for their children. The report advises that various other aspects—such as school programs and community engagement—should also inform their decisions. Parents are encouraged to visit school websites and engage with school principals, teachers, and other parents to gain a comprehensive understanding of what each institution offers.

As the educational landscape in Ontario continues to evolve, this report serves as a reminder of the ongoing opportunities for improvement and the importance of informed decision-making in the pursuit of quality education.