Education is one of the top reasons families choose Oakville, Ontario. The town consistently ranks among the best in the province for academic performance, and in 2026 that reputation is stronger than ever. Oakville ranks 3rd overall in Ontario cities according to Fraser Institute methodologies — a remarkable achievement for a single community.
Whether you’re looking at public, Catholic, French immersion, or elite private options, Oakville has something exceptional in every category. Here’s a comprehensive guide to the top schools, their Fraser Institute scores, where they’re located, and what makes each one stand out.
What Is the Fraser Institute Ranking?
The Fraser Institute is a Canadian think tank that publishes annual Report Cards on Ontario schools, rating them out of 10 based on nine academic indicators drawn from provincial EQAO standardized test results in reading, writing, and math. The rankings cover over 3,000 elementary schools and 747 secondary schools province-wide.
It’s important to note that Fraser rankings measure academic performance only — they don’t capture arts programs, athletics, school culture, or extracurriculars. Use them as one tool among many when choosing a school for your child.
Top Public Elementary Schools in Oakville
Oakville’s elementary schools are served by the Halton District School Board (HDSB) for public schools and the Halton Catholic District School Board (HCDSB) for Catholic schools. The city is also notable for its unusually high number of French Immersion schools, many of which rank at the very top of the province.
1. Forest Trail Public School — Fraser Score: 10.0/10
Neighbourhood: West Oak Trails • Grades: 2–8 (French Immersion only) • Feeds into: Garth Webb Secondary School
The ‘#1 elementary school in Ontario’ title belongs to Forest Trail, which earned a perfect 10.0 out of 10 in the 2026 Fraser Institute Report Card — ranking first out of 3,052 elementary schools province-wide. It’s a French Immersion only school, meaning instruction begins in French from Grade 2. Located in the attractive and family-oriented West Oak Trails neighbourhood, Forest Trail has held a top position consistently for many years. Homes within its catchment are among the most sought-after in northwest Oakville.
2. Munn’s Public School — Fraser Score: 9.2/10
Neighbourhood: College Park (serving Falgarwood, Wedgewood Creek, Joshua Creek) • Grades: 2–8 (French Immersion only) • Feeds into: White Oaks Secondary School
Munn’s has an impressive Fraser rating of 9.2 and has been a consistent top performer in the province for well over a decade. Serving approximately 487 students across East Oakville neighbourhoods, it’s a French Immersion only school known for math, reading, and writing scores that rival the very best in Ontario. The school draws students from a wide range of Oakville communities, giving it a diverse and vibrant student population.
3. Pilgrim Wood Public School — Fraser Score: 9.5/10
Neighbourhood: Glen Abbey • Grades: JK–8 (English & French Immersion) • Feeds into: Abbey Park High School
One of the few top-five schools that offers both English and French Immersion tracks, Pilgrim Wood is a standout option for families who want flexibility. With approximately 920 students, it’s one of the larger elementary schools in the city and is located in the well-established Glen Abbey neighbourhood. It also offers a gifted program from Grade 1 to 5. Its location next to the Glen Abbey Community Centre makes it a hub for family life in west Oakville.
4. E.J. James Public School — Fraser Score: 9.0/10
Neighbourhood: Eastlake (Old Oakville / Morrison) • Grades: 2–8 (French Immersion only) • Feeds into: Oakville Trafalgar High School
E.J. James consistently ranks among Oakville’s top schools and is the feeder school for prestigious Oakville Trafalgar High School. Located in the highly desirable Eastlake and Morrison neighbourhoods of southeast Oakville, buying a home in this catchment comes at a significant premium — but for families prioritizing academics and long-term real estate value, it’s hard to argue against.
5. James W. Hill Public School — Fraser Score: 8.1/10
Neighbourhood: Clearview • Grades: JK–8 (English) • Feeds into: Thomas A. Blakelock High School
A strong English-track option in the Clearview neighbourhood, James W. Hill earns an 8.1 from the Fraser Institute and is well regarded for its EQAO scores and vibrant extracurricular program — from jazz band and sports to environmental and film clubs. It’s a great all-round community school with consistent performance year over year.
Top Public High Schools in Oakville
Oakville’s secondary schools are genuinely among the best in all of Canada. Three Oakville high schools tied for 8th place in Ontario in the most recent Fraser Institute rankings — an extraordinary result for a single community. Here’s the full breakdown.
1. Oakville Trafalgar High School (“OT”) — Fraser Score: 9.6/10
Neighbourhood: Clearview, Ford, Morrison, Old Oakville • Grades: 9–12 • Specialty Programs: Engineering & Robotics, Health Science, ICT, STEM
Oakville Trafalgar is Oakville’s second-oldest high school, first opening in 1908, and it remains the gold standard for public secondary education in the town. Earning a 9.6 out of 10, it consistently ranks among the top secondary schools in Ontario. Located in the prestigious Old Oakville and Morrison neighbourhoods — where real estate is among the most expensive in the city — ‘OT’ draws families from across the region who plan their home purchase years in advance to secure a spot in its catchment.
2. Abbey Park High School — Fraser Score: 9.3/10
Neighbourhood: Glen Abbey • Grades: 9–12
Abbey Park has one of the most impressive improvement stories in Ontario, rising from a Fraser score of 8.1 to 9.3 in recent years — even with 13.9% of its students being English Language Learners. Tied for 8th in the province, it’s a well-rounded school with strong roots in mathematics, drama, music, and sports. It also boasts excellent facilities including a weight room, home economics kitchen, and track. Homes in Glen Abbey are typically more affordable than Old Oakville, making this catchment a favourite for value-conscious buyers.
3. Iroquois Ridge High School — Fraser Score: 9.3/10
Neighbourhood: Joshua Creek, Wedgewood Creek, Iroquois Ridge North • Grades: 9–12 • Specialty Programs: Business, Arts & Culture SHSM
Also tied for 8th in Ontario at 9.3, Iroquois Ridge is the go-to destination for families in the booming northeast Oakville communities of Joshua Creek and Wedgewood Creek. It’s one of Oakville’s larger schools and is highly targeted by families relocating to the area. The Joshua Creek feeder area is widely considered one of the best places in Oakville to buy — a top-ranked elementary school, modern homes, and a top-10 high school all in one neighbourhood.
Other Strong Public High Schools
- Garth Webb Secondary School — Fraser Score: 8.8/10 | Northwest Oakville (West Oak Trails). Strong academics and feeds from the top-ranked Forest Trail elementary catchment.
- White Oaks Secondary School — Fraser Score: 8.4/10 | Southeast Oakville. A large, diverse school with a wide range of programs and extracurriculars.
- Thomas A. Blakelock High School — Fraser Score: 8.0/10 | Clearview / Southwest Oakville. A solid, well-rounded school with strong community ties.
- École secondaire Gaétan-Gervais — Fraser Score: 9.3/10 | Northeast Oakville. Oakville’s top French-language secondary school, also tied for 8th in Ontario. An excellent option for francophone families or those committed to full French
Top Private Schools in Oakville
Oakville is home to several of Ontario’s most prestigious private schools, drawing students from across the GTA and internationally. Note that many private schools do not participate in EQAO testing, so Fraser Institute scores are often unavailable — but their reputations speak for themselves.
Appleby College
Location: Lakeshore Road East, Old Oakville • Grades: 7–12 (Day & Boarding)
Founded over 100 years ago, Appleby College is consistently regarded as one of the finest private schools in all of Ontario. Situated on a stunning 60-acre campus along Lake Ontario in Old Oakville, Appleby offers both day and boarding programs and draws students from across Canada and internationally. The school is known for its rigorous academics, exceptional arts and athletic facilities, and a strong university placement record. Tuition ranges from approximately $40,000–$70,000+ annually depending on the program.
St. Mildred’s–Lightbourn School
Location: Linbrook Road, South Oakville • Grades: JK–12 (Girls only)
One of Canada’s top all-girls schools, St. Mildred’s–Lightbourn is known for its faith-forward approach to education, strong leadership programs, and exceptional academic outcomes. The school has previously earned a perfect Fraser Institute score of 10/10 at the elementary level. It offers a rich range of programs from JK through Grade 12, with a focus on developing confident, capable young women.
MacLachlan College
Location: Sheridan Park Drive, Oakville • Grades: Pre-K–12 (Co-ed)
MacLachlan College is a co-educational independent school known for its small class sizes and experiential learning approach. Serving students from Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 12, the school emphasizes critical thinking, real-world application, and preparing students for an evolving world. A strong choice for families looking for a more intimate, individualized school environment outside the traditional large-school model.
Why School Zones Matter for Oakville Real Estate
In Oakville, school catchment areas have a direct and measurable impact on home prices. Homes located within the boundaries of top-performing schools like Iroquois Ridge, Abbey Park, or Oakville Trafalgar typically command a 5–10% price premium and sell faster than those in lower-ranked catchments.
For buyers planning ahead: school boundaries are street-by-street and can change. Always confirm your target school’s current catchment with the Halton District School Board (HDSB) or Halton Catholic District School Board (HCDSB) before making an offer.
Thinking about buying in Oakville and want to make sure you’re in the right school zone? I can help you map out your options and find a home that ticks every box — for your family today and your investment long-term. Let’s talk.