Nothing matters more than finding the right school for your kids when searching for a new home. 

Are you house-hunting in Hamilton, Ancaster, or Dundas with school quality at the top of your wish list? You’re not alone! Many families prioritize living within the catchment area of a top-rated school. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the top-ranked schools in the Hamilton area – including public, Catholic, and private options – to help you find the perfect community for your family. We’ve compiled the latest Fraser Institute rankings and key details for each school, so you can make an informed decision and maybe even discover a new favorite neighbourhood in the process. Let’s dive in!

Top 10 Public Elementary Schools (HWDSB)

The Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board (HWDSB) oversees public schools in Hamilton, Ancaster, Dundas and the surrounding areas. These elementary schools are the cream of the crop based on recent Fraser Institute scores (rated out of 10). Each offers excellent academics and a great environment for young learners:

Thinking about Ancaster or Dundas? Take a read through some of our other blogs below to learn more about these communities: 

• Ancaster vs. Dundas: What’s Better For Your Family?
• Ancaster vs. Dundas: Which Offers the Best Green Spaces?

Top 10 Public Secondary Schools (HWDSB)

For older kids, the HWDSB public high schools in Hamilton also offer some excellent options. Based on the latest Fraser Institute report (which assesses things like EQAO test scores), here are the top-performing public secondary schools in Hamilton-Wentworth:

1. Westmount Secondary School – Public (HWDSB), Grades 9–12. Fraser rating: 7.5/10 – Report Card on Ontario’s Secondary Schools 2024
   Location: West Hamilton Mountain – Westmount is known for its innovative self-paced learning program and strong academics.
   Contact: 905-575-0030
   Website: Westmount SS
2. Ancaster High School – Public (HWDSB), Grades 9–12. Fraser rating: 7.1/10 
   Location: Ancaster – A popular high school with a balance of academics, arts, and athletics in the Ancaster community.
   Contact: 905-648-4468 
   Website: Ancaster High
3. Dundas Valley Secondary School – Public (HWDSB), Grades 9–12. Fraser rating: 7.0/10
   Location: Dundas – Formed from the merger of two former schools, it offers a strong academic program in a small-town setting. 
   Contact: 905-628-1724
   Website: Dundas Valley SS
4. Waterdown District High School – Public (HWDSB), Grades 9–12. Fraser rating: 6.6/10
   Location: Waterdown (Flamborough) – Serves families in Waterdown and Flamborough, known for its community spirit and academics. 
   Contact: 905-689-6692 
   Website: Waterdown DHS
5. Orchard Park Secondary School – Public (HWDSB), Grades 9–12. Fraser rating: 6.3/10
   Location: Stoney Creek – Offers excellent post-secondary preparation and unique career-path programs. 
   Contact: 905-560-2050
   Website: Orchard Park SS
6. Westdale Secondary School – Public (HWDSB), Grades 9–12. Fraser rating: 6.0/10
   Location: Westdale, Hamilton – A long-established school in west Hamilton, known for its International Baccalaureate (IB) program and diverse student body. 
   Contact: 905-522-1387 
   Website: Westdale SS
7. Saltfleet District High School – Public (HWDSB), Grades 9–12. Fraser rating: 5.7/10
   Location: Stoney Creek (Upper) – A solid school in the Stoney Creek mountain area, with strong technology and trades courses. 
   Contact: 905-573-3000 
   Website: Saltfleet DHS
8. Sherwood Secondary School – Public (HWDSB), Grades 9–12. Fraser rating: 4.8/10
   Location: East Hamilton Mountain – Offers specialty tech programs and a welcoming environment. 
   Contact: 905-383-3377 
   Website: Sherwood SS
9. Glendale Secondary School – Public (HWDSB), Grades 9–12. Fraser rating: 4.1/10
   Location: East Hamilton – Note: Glendale’s student programs have transitioned to the new Bernie Custis Secondary, but Fraser Institute data still list Glendale’s performance.
   Contact: 905-560-7343
10. Nora Frances Henderson Secondary School – Public (HWDSB), Grades 9–12. Fraser rating: 3.6/10
    Location: South Hamilton Mountain – Opened recently, it’s a modern facility bringing together students from legacy schools. 
    Contact: 905-383-1355 
    Website: Nora Frances Henderson SS

All the above public high schools serve specific geographic catchment areas – generally, your home address determines which school your teen will attend. If academics are a priority, focusing your home search around the top few (like Westmount, Ancaster, Dundas Valley, etc.) might be worthwhile. Each school also offers unique programs, so it’s a good idea to check their websites or call for details. Now, let’s look at Catholic schools, which are another popular option for many families.

Top 10 Catholic Elementary Schools (HWCDSB)

Hamilton’s Catholic school board – the Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic District School Board (HWCDSB) – has numerous high-performing elementary schools. These schools combine strong academics with faith-based learning. Based on Fraser Institute ratings, here are the top Catholic elementary schools in the area:

1. Corpus Christi Catholic Elementary School – Catholic (HWCDSB), Grades JK–8. Fraser rating: 8.9/10
   Location: Central/South Mountain, Hamilton – A faith-based school known for excellent EQAO scores and a supportive community. 
   Contact: 905-389-8170
   Website: Corpus Christi CES
2. Canadian Martyrs Catholic Elementary School – Catholic (HWCDSB), Grades JK–8. Fraser rating: 8.5/10
   Location: Hamilton West – A smaller school with a reputation for high academic achievement and close-knit environment. 
   Contact: 905-648-6658
   Website: Canadian Martyrs CES
3. Guardian Angels Catholic Elementary School – Catholic (HWCDSB), Grades JK–8. Fraser rating: 8.3/10
   Location: Waterdown – Serves the growing Waterdown area, with strong academics and community involvement. 
   Contact: 905-523-2345
   Website: Guardian Angels CES
4. St. Bernadette Catholic Elementary School – Catholic (HWCDSB), Grades JK–8. Fraser rating: 8.2/10
   Location: Dundas – A top-ranked school in Dundas, appreciated for its dedicated staff and student success rates. 
   Contact: 905-523-2343
   Website: St. Bernadette CES
5. Our Lady of Peace Catholic Elementary School – Catholic (HWCDSB), Grades JK–8. Fraser rating: 8.1/10
   Location: Stoney Creek – Offers French Immersion and consistently strong test scores.
   Contact: 905-523-2339
   Website: Our Lady of Peace CES
6. St. Teresa of Avila Catholic Elementary School – Catholic (HWCDSB), Grades JK–8. Fraser rating: 8.1/10 (tied with OLOP). 
   Location: Hamilton’s West Mountain – A well-regarded school with a focus on faith and academics.
   Contact: 905-523-2334
   Website: St. Teresa of Avila CES
7. St. Gabriel Catholic Elementary School – Catholic (HWCDSB), Grades JK–8. Fraser rating: 8.0/10
   Location: Stoney Creek (Upper) – Known for its modern facilities and robust academic programs. 
   Contact: 905-523-2348
   Website: St. Gabriel CES
8. St. Thomas Catholic Elementary School – Catholic (HWCDSB), Grades JK–8. Fraser rating: 8.0/10
   Location: Waterdown – Another excellent Waterdown-area school, small and community-oriented. 
   Contact: 905-523-2328
   Website: St. Thomas CES
9. Regina Mundi Catholic Elementary School – Catholic (HWCDSB), Grades JK–8. Fraser rating: 7.9/10
   Location: Hamilton’s West Mountain – Offers a variety of extracurriculars and a strong academic track record. 
   Contact: 905-383-6788
   Website: Regina Mundi CES
10. St. Mark Catholic Elementary School – Catholic (HWCDSB), Grades JK–8. Fraser rating: 7.9/10
    Location: Stoney Creek – A welcoming school community with above-average performance in provincial assessments. 
    Contact: 905-560-0032
    Website: St. Mark CES

Catholic elementary schools in Hamilton often rank highly in the province, as seen above. If you’re looking for a faith-based education for your child without sacrificing academic quality, these HWCDSB schools are fantastic options. Remember, you typically must live within the school’s boundaries (and in some cases, be a Catholic ratepayer for admission). Now, let’s explore Catholic high schools in the area.

Top Catholic Secondary Schools (HWCDSB)

The Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic board operates seven Catholic high schools, all of which we’ve highlighted below with their Fraser Institute ratings. These schools provide faith-based education combined with strong academics. Here are the top-rated Catholic secondary schools in Hamilton and area:

1. Bishop Tonnos Catholic Secondary School – Catholic (HWCDSB), Grades 9–12. Fraser rating: 7.6/10 (the highest among Hamilton Catholic highs). 
   Location: Ancaster – A very popular school in Ancaster, known for high academic standards and a wide range of extracurriculars.
   Contact: 905-523-2331
   Website: Bishop Tonnos CSS
2. St. Mary Catholic Secondary School – Catholic (HWCDSB), Grades 9–12. Fraser rating: 7.2/10
   Location: West Hamilton (Westdale area) – St. Mary’s is known for its Advanced Placement (AP) program and strong arts and athletics as well. 
   Contact: 905-528-0214
   Website: St. Mary CSS
3. St. John Henry Newman Catholic Secondary School – Catholic (HWCDSB), Grades 9–12. Fraser rating: 6.3/10
   Location: Stoney Creek – Formerly Cardinal Newman, this school offers a robust academic curriculum and sports programs (with a recently rebuilt campus). 
   Contact: 905-523-2314
   Website: St. John Henry Newman CSS
4. Bishop Ryan Catholic Secondary School – Catholic (HWCDSB), Grades 9–12. Fraser rating: 6.1/10
   Location: Hannon (East Hamilton Mountain) – A newer building and rapidly growing student body, Bishop Ryan is known for its performing arts program and inclusive community.
   Contact: 905-573-2151
   Website: Bishop Ryan CSS
5. St. Jean de Brébeuf Catholic Secondary School – Catholic (HWCDSB), Grades 9–12. Fraser rating: 5.0/10
   Location: Central Hamilton Mountain – Offers French Immersion and a diverse student population.
   Contact: 905-388-7020
   Website: St. Jean de Brébeuf CSS
6. St. Thomas More Catholic Secondary School – Catholic (HWCDSB), Grades 9–12. Fraser rating: 4.5/10
   Location: West Hamilton Mountain – One of the largest Catholic high schools in Hamilton, with strong sports teams and a variety of tech programs.
   Contact: 905-388-3030
   Website: St. Thomas More CSS
7. Cathedral High School – Catholic (HWCDSB), Grades 9–12. Fraser rating: 3.2/10
   Location: Downtown Hamilton – A historic school with a rich legacy; it offers specialist programs and an emphasis on community service. 
   Contact: 905-522-3581
   Website: Cathedral HS

Even though there are only seven Catholic high schools in HWCDSB, families have great choices here. Bishop Tonnos and St. Mary are standouts in academic rankings, but each Catholic high school has its own strengths (from arts to athletics to faith activities). If a Catholic education is important to you, consider focusing your home search in the neighborhoods served by these schools. And don’t forget, eligibility to attend may require being part of the Catholic school support in property taxes, so double-check the admission policies when you find a school you love.

Top Private Schools in the Hamilton Area

In addition to public and Catholic schools, Hamilton, Ancaster, and Dundas boast some excellent private schools. These independent schools often offer specialized programs, smaller class sizes, or particular educational philosophies (like Montessori or religious education). Here are some of the top private schools serving families in the Hamilton area, along with what makes them notable:

1. Hillfield Strathallan College (HSC) – Independent Private School, Preschool (18 months) to Grade 12. HSC is one of Hamilton’s premier private schools, located on a beautiful 50-acre campus on the West Mountain. It offers rigorous academics (including Advanced Placement exams and an enriched curriculum) and a well-rounded program from Montessori toddler classes up to high school (Hillfield Strathallan College An Independent School in Hamilton).
   Location: 299 Fennell Ave W, Hamilton
   Contact: 905-389-1367
   Website: Hillfield Strathallan College. (While private schools aren’t ranked by Fraser Institute in the same way, HSC’s reputation for academic excellence and university preparation is well-established in the community).
2. Columbia International College – Columbia International is Canada’s largest boarding high school (Columbia International College – Wikipedia), attracting students from over 70 countries. It’s located in Hamilton’s west end (Ainslie Wood) and focuses on preparing students for university success. CIC boasts a track record of graduates being accepted to top universities worldwide, thanks to its intensive academics and “Total Care Education System.”
   Location: 1003 Main St W, Hamilton
   Contact: 905-572-7883
   Website: Columbia International College. (Known more for its international program and less for Fraser rankings, CIC provides a unique, globally oriented educational environment).
3. Hamilton District Christian High (HDCH) – Independent Christian School, Grades 9–12. 
   Location: 92 Glancaster Road, Ancaster. HDCH offers a faith-based high school education with strong academics and a supportive community. As a private school registered with Ontario’s Ministry of Education (Hamilton District Christian High School – Wikipedia), it grants the Ontario Secondary School Diploma while integrating Christian values. Families praise HDCH for its dedicated teachers and the focus on character development alongside academics. 
   Contact: 905-648-6655
   Website: HDCH. (While Fraser Institute does not publish scores for HDCH, it has a notable academic reputation and a history of high graduation rates among its students).
4. Islamic School of Hamilton – Private Islamic School, Grades JK–8. Don’t overlook this gem: the Islamic School of Hamilton consistently scores at the very top of Fraser Institute’s elementary rankings. In fact, it achieved an astonishing 9.9/10 rating recently, even earning a perfect 10/10 in a previous year – effectively making it one of the best elementary schools in Ontario. This school offers a curriculum that meets Ontario standards plus instruction in Arabic and Islamic studies, all in a nurturing environment. 
   Location: 1545 Stone Church Rd E, Hamilton
   Contact: 905-383-0823
   Website: Islamic School of Hamilton. (A fantastic option for families seeking strong academics in an Islamic faith-based setting).
5. Dundas Valley Montessori School (DVMS) – Private Montessori School, 18 months to Grade 6. Serving the Dundas and Hamilton community, DVMS is a CCMA-accredited Montessori school (Dundas Valley Montessori School – CCMA) that offers a child-centered education from toddler age through elementary. The Montessori approach here emphasizes independence, confidence, and hands-on learning in multi-age classrooms. Parents often remark on how engaged and curious their children become.
   Location: 14 Kemp Dr., Dundas
   Contact: 905-627-1073
   Website: DVMS. (Montessori schools don’t participate in standardized testing rankings, but DVMS’s reputation for educational excellence and happy learners speaks for itself).

Each of these private schools has its own admissions process (and tuition costs), so if one catches your eye, be sure to reach out early for information on enrollment. Whether you’re interested in an enriched independent school like HSC, a faith-based environment like HDCH or the Islamic School, or alternative education like Montessori, the Hamilton area has a private school to fit your family’s needs.

Want to know more about Ancaster? Here is some related reading you are sure to love:

• Upsizing in Ancaster: Your Guide to Finding the Perfect Family Home 
• Ancaster vs. Hamilton: What Are the Differences? 
• What Should You Look For When Buying A House In Ancaster?

Conclusion: Finding the Perfect Home by School District

Choosing a home is about finding the right fit for your family – and that often means finding the right school community. We’ve highlighted some of the best schools in Hamilton, Ancaster, and Dundas, but remember: school catchment areas can be tricky to navigate. The good news is, you don’t have to figure it all out alone. A knowledgeable local realtor who understands school boundaries can be an invaluable partner in your home search. They can help you target the neighborhoods that feed into your dream school and even keep you updated on any boundary changes or admission policies.

In the end, our area is fortunate to have many excellent schools – public, Catholic, and private. As you explore open houses and browse listings, keep this guide handy and imagine your kids walking through the doors of these top-rated schools. With a bit of homework (and the right real estate expertise on your side), you’ll be well on your way to finding a home that checks all the boxes for your family’s future. Happy house-hunting, and here’s to many bright school days ahead for your little ones!

Sources: Fraser Institute School Rankings; Hamilton-Wentworth school board data; Columbia International College Profile.

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