For parents navigating the complex landscape of secondary education in the Greater Toronto Area, a new report offers a detailed look at school performance. The rankings, based on province-wide assessments, provide a snapshot of academic results across Ontario.
The analysis hinges on six key indicators derived from tests administered by the Education Quality and Accountability Office, focusing on literacy and mathematical abilities. These scores offer a comparative view of how schools are equipping students with fundamental skills.
This year, five schools achieved a perfect score: St. Robert Catholic High School in Thornhill, St. Therese of Lisieux Catholic High School in Richmond Hill, St. Augustine Catholic High School in Markham, Toronto’s St. Michael’s Choir School, and Ursula Franklin Academy. These institutions represent the highest level of achievement based on the measured criteria.
Notably, seven schools within the top ten demonstrated improvement over previous years, signaling a positive trend in academic performance. This suggests that consistent effort and focused strategies can yield significant results.
Each school receives a ranking out of 10 for the most recent school year, alongside a five-year average and an overall ranking. This multi-faceted approach allows for a nuanced understanding of a school’s trajectory and consistency.
At the other end of the spectrum, six schools shared the lowest score, highlighting areas where significant challenges remain. These schools, located in diverse communities across the province, face unique obstacles in achieving academic success.
The data reveals a compelling message: improvement is possible for every school, regardless of its location, student demographics, or existing resources. This challenges the notion that certain schools are inherently limited in their potential.
Central Technical School in Toronto exemplifies this principle, demonstrating a remarkable rise in scores despite serving a student population with a high percentage of special needs. Their progress underscores the power of targeted interventions and dedicated support.
It’s important to remember that these rankings are based on specific EQAO test results and don’t encompass the full spectrum of a school’s offerings. Factors like extracurricular activities, arts programs, and overall school culture are equally vital to a well-rounded education.
The report emphasizes the importance of tracking a school’s progress over time. A consistent upward trend is a strong indicator of effective leadership and a commitment to student success, even more so than a single year’s ranking.
The top ten schools include St. Robert, St. Therese of Lisieux, St. Augustine, St. Michael’s Choir, Ursula Franklin, Pierre Elliott Trudeau, Olive Grove, Iroquois Ridge, Cardinal Carter, and Abbey Park.
Conversely, the schools at the bottom of the rankings are College Heights, Vezina Secondary, St. Matthew, St. Luke Learning Centre, l’Alliance, Manitouwadge, West Credit, Judith Nyman, Northern Lights, and Ottawa Technical. These schools represent areas where focused attention and support are crucial.
