Toronto's public high school education system is mature and well-established, making it a key reference point for many Chinese families when choosing where to settle. Compared with other cities, Toronto not only has the largest public education system in Canada but also concentrates a batch of prestigious schools with excellent academic performance and rich course resources. These schools generally offer IB courses, AP courses, Gifted programs, or STEM-enhanced projects, focusing on the comprehensive development of students' academic abilities and overall qualities. Thanks to quality educational resources and a community atmosphere that highly values education, many Chinese families choose to settle in communities centered around prestigious school districts to create a good learning and growth environment for their children.
In these key public high schools, the proportion of Chinese students is relatively high, and the college entrance examination atmosphere is strong. The results are outstanding. Not only do a large number of students enter top Canadian universities such as the University of Toronto, the University of Waterloo, UBC, etc., but there are also many successful cases of entering Ivy League schools, Stanford, the University of Chicago, and other American universities. With the increasing expectations of parents, how to choose a school, how to enter a key high school, and how to stand out in the "competitive yet orderly" study environment have become focal points of attention for parents.
This article will systematically review ten high-quality public high schools in Toronto and its surrounding areas according to the Fraser Institute ranking.
01
St. Robert Catholic High School
Top 1 in Toronto
St. Robert Catholic High School (referred to as St. Robert CHS) was founded in 1975, affiliated with the York Catholic District School Board (YCDSB), located in Markham, Ontario. It is a Catholic public high school known for its rigorous academic style and IB program. The school places high demands on student discipline and character education, integrating Catholic values and emphasizing the all-around development and spiritual growth of students. As one of the few Catholic high schools offering a complete IB Diploma Program, St. Robert CHS has consistently ranked among the top in academic public high schools in Ontario and is favored by Chinese and international families.
Academic Performance:
Course Offerings:
The school offers the standard Ontario curriculum and the IB International Baccalaureate program. IB courses include mathematics, physics, chemistry, biology, English literature, history, French, economics, etc. The IB program operates under a unified global standard, suitable for students who wish to challenge themselves with intensive coursework and have plans for international higher education. In addition to core courses, the school also provides a rich selection of elective courses such as religious education, drama, music, computer science, and business studies.
Graduation Outcomes:
St. Robert CHS consistently ranks among the top ten in Ontario. Graduates achieve excellent university admission results, with most entering top Canadian universities such as the University of Toronto, McGill University, UBC, the University of Waterloo, and Queen's University. IB graduates also possess strong competitiveness when applying to universities in the United States, the United Kingdom, and other countries, with some students being admitted to international institutions like Cornell University and University College London (UCL).
Address
8101 Leslie St, Thornhill, ON L3T 7P4
Website
https://www.ycdsb.ca/srobert
02
York Mills Collegiate Institute
Top 1 in Toronto
York Mills Collegiate Institute (referred to as York Mills CI) was established in 1957, affiliated with the Toronto District School Board (TDSB), and located in North York. It is a traditional老牌public high school renowned for its stable academic performance and excellent college admission records. The overall atmosphere of the school is mature and steady, focusing on basic teaching and the cultivation of students' self-management skills. Although the school does not offer IB or Gifted programs, it maintains high academic standards and college admission rates through long-term accumulated teaching experience and alumni resources, making it suitable for families with clear goals who value basic education.
Academic Performance:
Course Offerings:
The school follows the Ontario standard curriculum, providing several university preparatory courses, including mathematics, English, physics, chemistry, biology, economics, French, computer science, etc. It also offers diverse elective courses such as accounting, photography, media, and social sciences, suitable for students with different interests and developmental directions. The course setting focuses on laying a solid foundation, with a reasonably balanced pace.
Graduation Outcomes:
York Mills CI performs excellently among TDSB public schools. Graduates mainly enter top Ontario universities such as the University of Toronto, York University, the University of Waterloo, McMaster University, etc. Some high-achieving students can also apply to universities outside Ontario such as UBC and McGill University, making it a "stable and progressive" public elite school.
Address
490 York Mills Rd, North York, ON M3B 1W6
Website
https://schoolweb.tdsb.on.ca/yorkmills
03
Bayview Secondary School
Top 9 in Toronto
Bayview Secondary School (referred to as Bayview SS) was established in 1990, affiliated with the York Region District School Board (YRDSB), located in Richmond Hill. It is one of the most academically reputable public high schools in the Greater Toronto Area. Known for its rigorous teaching management, excellent IB program, and outstanding university admission results, it has long been popular among Chinese families. The school culture emphasizes self-discipline and academic exploration, encouraging students to develop leadership and a sense of social responsibility while pursuing excellence. The advanced facilities and strong faculty make it a popular choice for both local and international students.
Academic Performance:
Course Offerings:
The school is one of the first public high schools in Ontario to offer the IB Diploma Programme, with a complete IB Diploma Program curriculum including advanced mathematics (Analysis and Approaches), physics, chemistry, biology, English literature, French, economics, history, and more. In addition to the IB program, Bayview SS also offers a variety of Ontario university preparatory courses and electives, covering fields such as music, computer science, and business. The IB program has strict admission standards and is suitable for students seeking challenges and international development.
Graduation Outcomes:
Bayview SS consistently ranks among the top high schools in the entire province of Ontario. Most graduates are admitted to top Canadian universities such as the University of Toronto, UBC, McGill University, and the University of Waterloo. The international recognition of the IB diploma also enables many students to be accepted into prestigious universities in the United States and the United Kingdom, such as Cornell University, Imperial College London, and NYU.
Address
170 Centre Street, Milton, MA 02186
Website
https://www.yrdsb.ca/schools/bayview.ss
04
Bur Oak Secondary School
Top 11 in Toronto
Bur Oak Secondary School (referred to as Bur Oak SS) was founded in 2007 and is an emerging powerhouse affiliated with the York Region District School Board (YRDSB), located in northern Markham. Despite its short establishment time, it has rapidly risen to the ranks of the top public high schools in Ontario due to its excellent academic performance, comprehensive course offerings, and high university admission rates. The school excels in mathematics, science, and business courses, with a high-quality student body and a rigorous academic atmosphere, making it one of the most popular new elite schools in Markham.
Academic Performance:
Course Offerings:
The school offers the standard Ontario curriculum and some AP courses, covering mathematics, physics, chemistry, biology, English literature, economics, accounting, computer science, etc., and emphasizes interdisciplinary literacy and project-based learning. The school's course offerings are solid, with a moderate course density, especially encouraging students to participate in extracurricular activities such as DECA and math competitions to enhance comprehensive capabilities.
Graduation Outcomes:
Bur Oak SS achieves impressive university admission results, with many graduates being admitted to top Canadian universities such as the University of Toronto, the University of Waterloo, McGill University, UBC, and Queen's University. It particularly excels in mathematics and business-related fields, with some students also being admitted to American universities like Boston University and New York University.
Address
933 Bur Oak Ave, Markham, ON L6E 1G4
Website
https://www.yrdsb.ca/schools/buroak.ss
05
Pierre Elliott Trudeau High School
Top 12 in Toronto
Pierre Elliott Trudeau High School (referred to as Trudeau HS) was founded in 2002, affiliated with the York Region District School Board (YRDSB), located in Markham, Ontario. It is a prestigious high school highly favored by Chinese families due to its high academic standards and excellent university admission results. The school is named after the former Canadian Prime Minister Pierre Elliott Trudeau, with a strict school ethos and a strong faculty. The campus environment is clean and safe, with close teacher-student relationships and a strong academic atmosphere. Extracurricular activities are diverse. Trudeau HS is particularly renowned for its IB program, being one of the first public schools in Ontario to offer the IB Diploma Programme. Over the years, it has achieved numerous awards in mathematics, science, and debate competitions.
Academic Performance:
Course Offerings:
The school offers a complete Ontario curriculum system, providing multiple AP and IB courses, including calculus, chemistry, biology, physics, English literature, French, etc. The IB program places extremely high demands on critical thinking, writing ability, and time management, making it suitable for academically ambitious students. In addition to core subjects, the school also offers a rich selection of elective courses such as music, drama, visual arts, and computer science.
Graduation Outcomes:
Trudeau HS consistently maintains a leading position in the provincial rankings. Most graduates are admitted to top Canadian universities such as the University of Toronto, the University of Waterloo, UBC, McGill University, and Queen's University. Each year, some students are also accepted into top American universities like Cornell University, NYU, and Boston University.
Address
90 Bur Oak Avenue, Markham, ON L6C 2E6
Website
http://www.yrdsb.ca/schools/trudeau.hs/
06
Markville Secondary School
Top 12 in Toronto
Markville Secondary School (referred to as Markville SS) was founded in 1990, affiliated with the York Region District School Board (YRDSB), located in Markham. It is one of the highest-performing public high schools in Ontario. Known for its high teaching quality, stable faculty, and strong academic atmosphere, Markville SS has consistently ranked among the top five in Ontario according to the Fraser Institute, making it a highly sought-after elite school district for many Chinese families. The school culture emphasizes discipline, independent learning, and teamwork, aiming to create a challenging yet supportive learning environment for students.
Academic Performance:
Course Offerings:
The school follows the Ontario curriculum system, providing comprehensive university preparatory courses and diverse elective courses, including mathematics, physics, chemistry, biology, English literature, history, French, computer science, and business studies. It also offers some AP courses for high-achieving students. The course settings are flexible, with a heavy academic workload but abundant resources, suitable for students with strong learning abilities and clear university goals.
Graduation Outcomes:
Markville SS has an extremely high university admission rate. Graduates are mostly admitted to top Canadian universities such as the University of Toronto, the University of Waterloo, McGill University, UBC, and Queen's University. Some students are also admitted to American universities like Carnegie Mellon University and New York University. The school particularly excels in mathematics, science competitions, and writing.
Address
1000 Carlton Rd, Markham, ON L3P 7P5
Website
https://www.yrdsb.ca/schools/markville.ss
07
Milliken Mills High School
Top 16 in Toronto
Milliken Mills High School (referred to as Milliken Mills HS) is affiliated with the York Region District School Board (YRDSB), located in eastern Markham. It is a high school welcomed by local and international students due to its IB program, cultural diversity, and strong support. The school has a stable academic atmosphere, encouraging students to explore diversity and develop critical thinking. It performs well in science, humanities, and art education. Compared to highly competitive traditional elite schools, the atmosphere at Milliken Mills is more balanced and inclusive.
Academic Performance:
Course Offerings:
The school is one of the authorized IB schools in Ontario, providing a complete IB Diploma Programme, including mathematics, science, English literature, history, French, business management, etc. Additionally, the school offers Ontario university preparatory courses and a rich selection of electives, covering fields such as drama, music, and computer science. The IB program has no admission barriers but requires high levels of self-discipline and learning ability, making it suitable for students seeking international training.
Graduation Outcomes:
Milliken Mills graduates are admitted to top universities such as the University of Toronto, the University of Waterloo, McGill University, and York University. IB program graduates also enter international universities. Due to its strong support for international students, it is a preferred choice for many new immigrants and international students.
Address
7522 Kennedy Rd, Markham, ON L3R 9S5
Website
https://www.yrdsb.ca/schools/millikenmills.hs
08
Unionville High School
Top 24 in Toronto
Unionville High School (referred to as Unionville HS) was established in 1985, affiliated with the York Region District School Board (YRDSB), located in Markham. It is a public high school renowned for its emphasis on both art education and academic performance. The school houses the renowned Arts Unionville program, which specializes in music, drama, visual arts, and dance. At the same time, it also boasts excellent academic achievements, making it a comprehensive elite school with strengths in both humanities and STEM. The school culture is open and inclusive, valuing the development of individuality and interests, and is one of the star school districts highly favored by Chinese families.
Academic Performance:
Course Offerings:
The school follows the Ontario curriculum system, offering a variety of university preparatory courses, including AP courses and diverse electives, covering fields such as mathematics, English, science, history, economics, and computer science. The Arts Unionville program is renowned for its high-level art training and has a competitive admission process requiring professional reviews or portfolio evaluations. The school's course arrangements are flexible, suitable for students pursuing both academic and artistic development simultaneously.
Graduation Outcomes:
Most graduates from Unionville HS are admitted to top Canadian universities such as the University of Toronto, the University of Waterloo, UBC, McGill University, and Queen's University. Art-oriented graduates are frequently accepted into top art colleges such as OCAD University and Sheridan College.
Address
201 Town Centre Blvd, Markham, ON L3R 8G5
Website
http://www.yrdsb.ca/schools/unionville.hs/
09
William Lyon Mackenzie Collegiate Institute
Top 24 in Toronto
William Lyon Mackenzie Collegiate Institute (referred to as Mackenzie CI) was founded in 1960, affiliated with the Toronto District School Board (TDSB), located in North York. It is a key high school renowned for its rigorous academics, strength in STEM fields, and innovative courses. The school is particularly famous for its Gifted Program (gifted program) and MaCS Program (Mathematics and Computer Science Enhancement Program). It is a popular school district among Chinese families in the Toronto area. The Mackenzie CI school ethos is positive and forward-thinking, focusing on fostering critical thinking and technological literacy. The course design balances depth and challenge, suitable for students with clear goals and strong learning abilities.
Academic Performance:
Course Offerings:
The school follows the Ontario curriculum system, providing several Advanced Placement (AP) courses, including calculus, computer science, chemistry, biology, physics, etc., along with a rich selection of elective courses such as artificial intelligence, programming, business management, drama, and visual arts. Its MaCS program has extremely high requirements for students' mathematical, technological, and research abilities, with admission requiring passing a selection exam. The course schedule is fast-paced and challenging, particularly suitable for students with outstanding STEM abilities who wish to delve deeply into STEM fields.
Graduation Outcomes:
Mackenzie CI ranks among the top public high schools in Toronto. Graduates are mainly admitted to top Canadian universities such as the University of Toronto, the University of Waterloo, UBC, and Queen's University. Students in the MaCS program have extremely strong competitiveness in STEM university applications, with many being admitted to popular majors such as engineering, computer science, and mathematics. Some students are also admitted to top American universities such as Carnegie Mellon University and New York University.
Address
20 Tillplain Rd, North York, ON M3H 5R2
Website
https://schoolweb.tdsb.on.ca/williamlyonmackenzie
10
AY Jackson Secondary School
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