August 23rd, 2019 | Neighbourhoods
Exploring Toronto: Back To School
Alas, summer is almost over.
Fall is at our doorstep, kids are heading back to school, and the real estate market is getting ready to heat up again, one last time before the year is over (we discussed the 4 seasons of real estate here, if you are curious).
Whether you’re in the market for your forever home, or planning to sell yours, it’s always a good thing knowing what is going on in your neighbourhood.
Did you know that many buyers purchase their home based on the schools located in the neighbourhood? As parents, we do understand the importance of sending our Benji to a great school. And as realtors, we do understand the importance of making a good investment and living in a nice neighbourhood that can offer that and more. At the end of the day, buying a home is not an everyday purchase!
So here we are, providing you with 6 Toronto’s schools that earn the top ranking in the Fraser Institute’s 16th annual “Report Card on Ontario’s Elementary Schools” this year. And of course, a comparison with the neighbourhoods they are in, with the latest sold reports.
Should we start?
How the ranking works
The report examined the performance of 3,046 schools, based on nine academic indicators. The indicators are derived from students’ scores on standardized tests in reading, writing and math. Each school is then assigned an overall rating out of 10.
The results
Sixteen schools across Ontario scored a perfect 10. Six of them located in Toronto:
- Avondale Elementary Alternative School
- Havergal College
- Islamic Institute of Toronto
- Northmount School
- Sathya Sai School
- St. Sebastian Catholic School
Several other schools in the GTA also earned perfect ratings, including four in Mississauga, one in Brampton and one in Ajax. You can access the full rankings here.
But let’s focus on Toronto’s schools. Where are they located and what’s going on in their neighbourhood, real estate wise.
Avondale Elementary Alternative School
This school is located near Yonge & Sheppard, in the Willowdale Community – near the south-east border.
In this vibrant and cosmopolitan urban centre you will find luxury condominiums, custom built homes, shining office towers, a newly renovated shopping mall and theatre complex, an ultra modern civic centre, a world-class aquatic centre, as well as a highly acclaimed Centre for the Performing Arts which hosts local and world class entertainment.
If you are one who plans ahead for their kids, know that Willowdale is also the home of the Earl Haig Secondary School which has an outstanding academic reputation.
But, how are the sales doing in this community? Check out the sold report for the past month below.
Havergal College – all girls private school
Havergal College is located near Avenue Rd and Lawrence St W, in the Lytton Park Community.
This is one of Toronto’s most exclusive neighbourhoods.
Here you will find beautiful homes on large lots and outstanding recreational facilities.
See the sold report below to see what’s going on in the neighbourhood.
Islamic Institute of Toronto
This institute is located in Scarborough, in the Malvern Community, near Nelson Rd. and Finch Ave E.
This neighbourhood is famous for its rural roots retained by preserving mature trees, ravine woodlots and parklands.
Malvern is a multicultural area with over sixty different ethnic groups represented here. The most dominant are of Afro-Canadian, British, Chinese, and East Indian background.
In addition, its affordable real estate has traditionally attracted many new Canadians to this neighbourhood. Check out the sold report for the past month below.
Northmount School
Northmount School is located near Don Mills Rd and York Mills Rd, in the Don Mills Community.
You have probably heard of the iconic shopping plaza that opened here in 1960, and turned into the Shops at Don Mills, where shoppers can enjoy an outdoor retail experience like nowhere else in Toronto.
In addition to great shops and restaurants, a plethora of special community events and festivals are held at the Shops at Don Mills throughout the year.
See the sold report below to see what’s going on in the neighbourhood.
Sathya Sai School
Sathya Sai School is located near Warden Ave and Ellermer Rd, in the Wexford Communuty.
This is a multi-cultural neighbourhood, whose diversity is celebrated on Lawrence Avenue, with an international array of food shops and restaurants.
This mix includes East and West Indian, Caribbean, African, Mediterranean, Greek and Italian businesses.
For the sold report, see the chart below.
St. Sebastian Catholic School
This school is located near Dufferin and Wallace, just north of Bloor St. in the Wallace Emerson Community.
This is a neighbourhood in transition from former industrial area to residential and commercial.
Moreover, the West Toronto Railpath, a reclaimed public space that has been compared to the High Line rail trail in New York City, is one of the newest and most exciting neighbourhood landmarks.
Thinking of moving there? Check out the latest sold report below!
Do you live in any of this neighbourhoods or are you planning to move? We offer monthly sold stats on over 200 neighbourhoods in Toronto – if you’re wondering what’s happening in your area, sign up for our newsletter below!
