Top-Rated Schools in Oakville: Elementary & Secondary Guide for Homebuyers
Welcome to Oakville’s education scene! If you’re looking at homes in Oakville and you have (or will have) school-aged children, you’re in for a treat. Oakville is consistently rated among the top municipalities in Ontario for academics, and finding a home in a great school zone here is a smart move—not just for your kids but also for long-term value. In this guide I’ll walk you through some of Oakville’s standout elementary and secondary schools, give you what makes them special, and share tips for incorporating school-zone strategy into your real-estate decisions.
Why Oakville schools matter
Oakville isn’t just a great place to live because of its lakeside trails and vibrant downtown—it’s also a community that prioritizes education. According to one data point, Oakville test-scores are about 18 % higher than the national average.
What that means for you: when you buy in a strong school catchment you’re giving your children a better academic foundation, a smoother transition into high school and beyond—and you’re making a smart real-estate decision (stronger demand, better resale).
When you’re looking at school zones here, think of three key things:
Academic performance: How do the schools rank / perform on standard tests and provincials?
Programs & fit: Does the school offer French immersion, arts, athletics or special programs that suit your child?
Neighbourhood-feel & practicality: How far is the commute? What’s the local community like? Does the school zone match your budget and lifestyle?
With that in mind, let’s dive into the top schools.
Top Elementary Schools in Oakville
Here are some of Oakville’s most highly-rated elementary schools. These schools frequently show up near the top of local rankings and are in neighbourhoods that families prize.
1. Forest Trail Public School
Forest Trail PS is regularly listed among Oakville’s highest-performing elementary schools. Located in the West Oak Trails area (further west Oakville), families appreciate its strong academic performance, supportive culture and “tight-knit” feel. If you’re buying in this area you’ll want to consider the house-hunt in West Oak Trails / Bronte Creek / Glen Abbey to stay within its zone.
2. E.J. James Public School (French Immersion)
This French immersion–only elementary (Grades 2-8) school is located in the Morrison / Old Oakville area; it posted an overall strong score of 93.4% in recent rankings. GTAWestLiving+1 If your child is (or will be) leaning toward French immersion, this school is a top option—and the neighbourhood comes with higher-end pricing. But if the budget allows, being in this zone is a significant plus.
3. New Central Public School
A JK-6 English-track school in Old Oakville, New Central PS jumped up in recent rankings (from #12 to #3 in one list) with Grade 3 scores of 93.3% and Grade 6 of 92.1%. GTAWestLiving If you’re looking for a strong English-track elementary school in a prime location (think Lakeshore, central Oakville) this one deserves your consideration.
4. Munn’s Public School (French Immersion)
Located in College Park / East Oakville, this Gr 2-8 French immersion school posted high performance: Grade 3 average 91.5%, Grade 6 93.7%. GTAWestLiving+1 A strong choice for families who want French immersion and live in the East Oakville side.
5. Pilgrim Wood Public School (JK-8, English & French Immersion)
Serving the Glen Abbey neighbourhood (West Oakville), Pilgrim Wood offers both English and French immersion paths. It’s ranked #5 in some recent lists thanks to stellar Grade 6 scores (97.4%). GTAWestLiving+1 With larger student body (~920) and full JK–8 span, it gives families a longer-term anchor in one school rather than switching after Grade 6.
Top Secondary (High) Schools in Oakville
When your child reaches high school, choosing the right zone matters for programs, university preparation, peer culture—and resale value of your home location. Here are some of Oakville’s top secondary schools.
1. Oakville Trafalgar High School
According to rankings, Oakville Trafalgar is consistently Oakville’s highest-ranked public secondary school (score ~9.0 in one list). Canadian University Real Estate+1 Located in the Morrison / Old Oakville area, it’s a destination school for many families seeking strong academics, diverse programs and a downtown-adjacent lifestyle.
2. Iroquois Ridge High School
With a ranking around 8.8, Iroquois Ridge is another strong option in Oakville, offering excellent academics and a growing reputation. Canadian University Real Estate Families in the newer West Oakville / Joshua Creek area often look to this school zone.
3. Gaétan Gervais Secondary School
Located in College Park / East Oakville, this school holds a high ranking (approx 8.7) and offers a balanced mix of academics, athletics and community programs. Canadian University Real Estate+1 If you live or plan to live in East Oakville, this zone is solid.
4. Abbey Park High School
Situated in Glen Abbey, Abbey Park is known for its advanced placement (AP) offerings, strong STEM clubs and excellent extracurriculars. Wikipedia For families in West Oakville, Glen Abbey, this is often the target high school zone.
Beyond Rankings: What to Consider
While rankings and academic performance matter, the “right” school is about fit, culture and your child’s needs. Here are important non-ranking factors to weigh:
School programs: French immersion? IB? Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM)? Art or music emphasis? For example, some Oakville schools host gifted clusters or robotics teams. Wikipedia
Commute & logistics: Ease of drop-off/pick-up, after-school programs, walking/biking routes, and whether your home will be in the designated zone (or you might be out-of-zone).
Peer environment & culture: A welcoming school culture, strong parent-community engagement, and safe environment all matter.
Future resale: Homes in top school zones tend to appreciate well. If you’re relocating for education and want to make a good long-term real-estate decision, zoning is key.
Budget considerations: Often, the highest-ranked schools are in more expensive neighbourhoods. You might find excellent schools in slightly more affordable pockets—so explore all your options.
School-Zone Strategy for Homebuyers
If you’re buying a home in Oakville and education is a priority for you, here’s a strategic approach:
Define your budget + preferred area: Are you open to West Oakville, East Oakville, Old Oakville, or are you prioritizing budget-friendly zones?
Identify your schooling priority: Elementary only? Secondary as well? French immersion? Specific programs?
Map the top schools to neighbourhoods: Use the lists above to match schools to areas—e.g., if you want New Central PS (Old Oakville), your home search will focus around there.
Check home listings & school zones simultaneously: Ensure the property you’re considering is within the catchment of your target school. If not, factor in transportation or acceptance risk.
Balance lifestyle + resale: If you plan to live long-term, being in a strong school zone gives you dual benefits: your kid gets a solid education, and your home retains strong value.
Work with a real-estate broker who knows school zones: An agent familiar with Oakville’s catchments, rankings and neighbourhood dynamics (walkability, family friendliness, after-school programs) will make a big difference.
In Summary
Oakville is truly a family-friendly community when it comes to education. From strong performance on standardized testing to a variety of programs—French immersion, gifted clusters, AP courses—there are options for every child. Whether you’re considering Forest Trail Public School, E.J. James Public School, Oakville Trafalgar High School or Abbey Park High School, the key is aligning your home search with your schooling priorities.
By locking in the right school zone—and pairing that with a neighbourhood and home that fit your lifestyle—you’ll set your family up for both educational success and long-term real-estate strength. If you’d like help mapping homes to top school zones in Oakville, I’m here to guide you every step of the way.
Wishing you and your family wonderful success as you find a home that fits beautifully—both for everyday living and for your child’s education. Welcome to Oakville.
