Markham consistently ranks among the top cities in Ontario for secondary education, with several schools placing in the province's top 20. Parents moving to the area or choosing between catchment zones—whether in Markham or neighboring cities like Mississauga—often ask the same question: which high school will give my child the best foundation for university and beyond?
This guide breaks down the top-ranked Markham high schools for 2026, explains how rankings are calculated, and walks you through specialty programs, EQAO scores, and what to consider when making your decision.
Top ranked Markham high schools for 2026
Markham is home to some of Ontario's highest-performing secondary schools, with several institutions consistently earning top spots in provincial rankings, often competing with Toronto's top high schools for the best scores in the GTA. St. Augustine Catholic High School leads with a Fraser Institute score of 9.6 out of 10, placing sixth among 746 Ontario schools. Close behind are Markville Secondary School and Pierre Elliott Trudeau High School, both scoring 9.2 and ranking twelfth provincially for their strong academics and Advanced Placement programs.
1. St. Augustine Catholic High School
St. Augustine Catholic High School holds a near-perfect Fraser Institute ranking and stands as one of York Region's top Catholic secondary schools. The school serves grades 9 through 12 and blends faith-based learning with rigorous coursework. Students here consistently score well on EQAO assessments—Ontario's standardized tests for reading, writing, and math—and the school offers a STREAM Focus Program that combines science, technology, religion, engineering, arts, and mathematics.
2. Markville Secondary School
Markville Secondary School is a York Region District School Board school in central Markham serving roughly 1,300 students. The school ranks first in York Region for grade 9 academic math and grade 10 literacy. Markville runs one of the most extensive Advanced Placement programs in the area and offers five Specialist High Skills Major streams, including Business, Information and Communication Technology, and Health and Wellness.
3. Unionville High School
Unionville High School is best known for Arts Unionville, a regional program that draws students from across York Region who excel in music, drama, dance, or visual arts. Admission to the arts stream is competitive and based on auditions or portfolio reviews. Beyond the arts, Unionville maintains strong academics and offers a wide range of clubs and sports teams.
4. Bayview Secondary School
Bayview Secondary School has built a reputation for academic strength, particularly in STEM subjects. The school offers advanced courses that prepare students for university-level science and math programs. Extracurriculars include robotics clubs, competitive sports, and community service opportunities.
5. Pierre Elliott Trudeau High School
Pierre Elliott Trudeau High School opened in 2002 in Markham's Berczy Village area and serves grades 9 through 12. The school offers French Immersion, Advanced Placement courses, and Specialist High Skills Major programs in Business and Health and Wellness. Facilities include science labs, music rooms, and modern technology centers.
6. Bur Oak Secondary School
Bur Oak Secondary School is a York Region District School Board school in northeast Markham with a Fraser Institute score of 9.3. The school emphasizes student achievement through clubs, committees, and sports teams. Teachers use transparent grading practices and offer extra help when students ask for it.
7. Bill Hogarth Secondary School
Bill Hogarth Secondary School focuses on teaching methods that promote critical thinking, creativity, and teamwork. Character education is woven into the curriculum, helping students develop values and decision-making skills. The school offers a range of courses and extracurriculars for students preparing for college or university.
8. Father Michael McGivney Catholic Academy
Father Michael McGivney Catholic Academy is a York Catholic District School Board school known for its Student Leadership At McGivney program, which involves students in organizing school activities. The school provides Catholic education with a focus on academics and community service. Some graduates have returned as teachers, reflecting the school's lasting influence.
9. Middlefield Collegiate Institute
Middlefield Collegiate Institute serves students in the Markham-Scarborough boundary area and follows the motto "High Expectations, High Achievement." The school offers university, college, and workplace-bound courses, plus Specialist High Skills Major programs in Transportation, Health and Wellness, and Information and Communication Technology. Support services for English Language Learners and Special Education are available.
10. Milliken Mills High School
Milliken Mills High School is a long-standing Markham institution serving a diverse student population. The school offers a full curriculum with opportunities in academics, arts, and athletics. Guidance and support services help students navigate course selection, university applications, and career planning.
How Markham high school rankings are calculated
School rankings in Ontario come primarily from the Fraser Institute's annual Report Card, which uses standardized test results from the Education Quality and Accountability Office—EQAO for short. EQAO is Ontario's independent testing agency that measures how well students perform in reading, writing, and math at grades 3, 6, and 9. Higher scores generally point to stronger academic outcomes, though test results only capture one part of what makes a school effective.
The Fraser Institute also looks at graduation rates and how many students go on to college or university after high school. Schools are assessed on how many students graduate on time and successfully transition to post-secondary education. Year-over-year trends matter, too. A school that steadily improves its scores might be more appealing than one with a single strong year followed by a drop.
Rankings don't tell the whole story. A school with many English language learners or students with special needs might score lower on standardized tests, even if the teaching is excellent. Rankings are a helpful starting point, but they're not the only factor to consider.
What the EQAO scores mean for Markham schools
EQAO scores show how students perform on standardized tests in reading, writing, and math. Every Ontario student takes these tests, and the results are public, making it easy to compare schools across the province. A strong EQAO score typically means 80% or more of students are meeting or exceeding the provincial standard in a given subject.
Markham schools tend to perform well above the provincial average. Many top-ranked schools in the city have EQAO scores in the high 80s or low 90s across all three tested areas.
EQAO results are just one measure of academic success. Some schools with slightly lower scores might offer exceptional arts programs, innovative teaching, or strong support systems that don't show up in test data. Looking at EQAO scores alongside program offerings and school culture gives you a fuller picture.
Specialty programs offered at Markham high schools
Many Markham high schools offer programs beyond the standard Ontario curriculum, and these often require a separate application or meet specific admission criteria. Programs like these give students a chance to explore interests more deeply and can strengthen university applications.
- International Baccalaureate (IB): A rigorous, globally recognized diploma program for students who want an extra academic challenge. St. Robert Catholic High School in Markham offers the IB program.
- Regional Arts program: Unionville High School's Arts Unionville stream is for students talented in visual arts, music, drama, or dance. Admission is competitive and based on auditions or portfolio submissions.
- French Immersion: Core subjects are taught in French, helping students become fluent while earning their Ontario Secondary School Diploma. Several Markham schools, including Pierre Elliott Trudeau, offer French Immersion at the secondary level.
- Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM): A Ministry of Education program that lets students focus on a career sector like health, technology, or business while earning their high school diploma. SHSM includes hands-on learning, industry certifications, and co-op placements.
- Advanced Placement (AP): University-level courses taken in high school that can earn college credit if students score well on the AP exam. AP students are better prepared for college and more likely to graduate in four years. Markville Secondary School runs one of the most extensive AP programs in York Region.
How to choose the right Markham high school for your child
Choosing a high school can feel like a big decision, especially when Markham has so many strong options. The "best" school isn't the same for every student—it depends on learning style, interests, and where you live.
School boundaries and catchment areas: Most students are assigned to a school based on their home address. York Region District School Board (YRDSB) and York Catholic District School Board (YCDSB) both have online boundary maps where you can enter your postal code to see which schools serve your area. A catchment area is the geographic zone that determines which school your child is assigned to attend.
Optional attendance and transfers: Families can sometimes apply to attend a school outside their catchment area if space is available. This process is called optional attendance, and approval depends on enrollment capacity. Contacting the school board directly is the best way to find out if this option is open.
Your child's learning style and interests: Think about whether your child does better in a structured, traditional setting or prefers project-based learning and creative exploration. If they're passionate about the arts, Unionville might be a good fit. If they're drawn to STEM, Markville or Bayview could work well.
Visiting the school: Attending an open house or booking a tour is one of the best ways to get a feel for the environment. Most Markham high schools hold open houses in the fall, and staff are usually happy to answer questions about programs, extracurriculars, and support services.
Academic support options for Markham high school students
Once your child is enrolled, you might find they need extra help in certain subjects or want to get ahead in preparation for university. Several layers of support are available in Markham, starting with what's offered at the school itself.
In-school support: Most Markham high schools offer homework help periods, learning resource teachers, and guidance counselors who can assist with both academic and personal challenges. These services are free and built into the school day.
Community and library programs: Markham Public Library and local community centers sometimes offer free or low-cost academic programs for high school students, including tutoring, study groups, and workshops on topics like essay writing or exam preparation.
Private tutoring: Some students benefit from one-on-one support outside of school, especially when preparing for EQAO, working through challenging credit courses, or getting ready for university applications. Platforms like TutorLyft connect Markham students with vetted local and online tutors across all high school subjects, with no subscription required.
If your teen is struggling to keep up or wants to strengthen their skills in a particular area, find a tutor who can provide personalized support.
Why Markham is one of Ontario's strongest school communities
Markham consistently ranks among the top cities in Ontario for secondary education. The city's schools benefit from engaged parents, well-trained teachers, and a culture that values education and achievement. Whether your child attends a public, Catholic, or specialty school, they'll be part of a system that prioritizes both academic success and personal growth.
If your family wants to make sure your teen has the support they need to do well, exploring tutoring options early can make a real difference. Find a tutor to help your student stay confident and prepared throughout high school.
