Top Ranked Guelph Schools in 2023: A Comprehensive Overview of Ontario's Educational Gems

Andra Arnold • May 23, 2024

Guelph, located in Southwestern Ontario, is known for its community spirit. The Royal City is ideal for raising children with its beautiful parks, recreational facilities, and family-oriented events. It has high-quality elementary, secondary, and post-secondary schools, providing families with unmatched education at all levels.


When considering
buying a home in Guelph, school quality is often part of the decision-making process. Parents typically prioritize neighbourhoods with reputable schools offering their children a solid education.


High-performing schools ensure academic excellence and contribute to well-rounded development, so families are often willing to invest in homes with nearby school districts known for their academic achievements, extracurricular activities, and diverse learning opportunities. 


Keep reading to learn the top 16 Public and Catholic schools in Guelph, what neighbourhoods they’re in, their strengths, and where they rank among the rest of Ontario’s schools. 

Guelph's Educational Landscape

Guelph's public and Catholic schools provide access to top-ranked institutions, specialized programs, and various extracurricular activities catering to varying interests and talents. Here are some examples:

Sir Isaac Brock Public School is known for its strong academic programs and supportive learning environment. It consistently ranks among the top schools in Guelph, offering many extracurricular activities, including sports teams, clubs, and academic competitions.

St. Paul Catholic School is committed to providing a nurturing, faith-based learning environment. It offers a holistic curriculum integrating Catholic values into all aspects of education. The school emphasizes academic achievement, character development, and spiritual growth. Extracurricular activities include religious clubs, service projects, and sports teams.

Aberfoyle Public School is another top-ranked institution in Guelph, known for its focus on academics and student development. The school provides various educational opportunities, including specialized programs in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), arts, and languages. Extracurricular activities such as music ensembles, drama productions, and community service initiatives are also available to students.


Guelph’s top-ranked schools also offer various educational opportunities to meet the needs of family-friendly living, such as:

Specialized programs

Many schools offer specialized programs catering to various interests and learning styles, such as gifted education, French immersion, and alternative learning approaches.

Extracurricular activities

Students can access sports teams, clubs (e.g., robotics, debate, environmental), arts programs (e.g., music, drama, visual arts), and leadership opportunities.

Community involvement

Schools in Guelph often emphasize community involvement and encourage students to participate in volunteer work, service projects, and partnerships with local organizations.


Learning support

Schools provide diverse learning support services, including special education programs, English as a Second Language (ESL) support, and counselling services, ensuring students have the resources they need to succeed academically and socially-emotionally.


Ranking of Guelph Schools

Below is a ranking of Guelph schools according to the Report Card on Ontario’s Elementary Schools 2023:

SCHOOL GUELPH RANKING ONTARIO RANKING OVERALL RATING STRENGTHS NEIGHBOURHOOD
St. Paul Catholic 1st 62nd 9.2/10 Faith, community, and excellence in academic performance Pineridge/Westminster Woods
Sir Isaac Brock Public 2nd 163rd 8.6/10 Strong academic performance Pineridge/Westminster Woods
St. Patrick Catholic 3rd 321st 8.1/10 Solid academic achievements Victoria North
Aberfoyle Public 4th 367th 8.0/10 Commendable academic results, especially in standardized testing Puslinch
Victory Public 5th 443rd 7.8/10 Balanced academic curriculum and strong performance in assessments Exhibition Park
Ken Danby Public 6th 486th 7.7/10 Consistent academic performance Grange Road
St. Michael Catholic 7th 532nd 7.6/10 Good academic standing with a focus on inclusive education Kortright West
Taylor Evans Public Tied for 8th 690th 7.3/10 Supportive learning environment and solid academic programs Willow West/Sugarbush /West Acres
Central Public Tied for 8th 690th 7.3/10 Supportive learning environment and solid academic programs Downtown
June Avenue Public 9th 746th 7.2/10 Improvement in academic performance Riverside Park
Guelph Lake Public 10th 1094 6.7/10 Strong commitment to student development and community engagement Grange Road
Holy Trinity Catholic 11th 1225 6.5/10 Strong commitment to student development and community engagement Grange Road
Mary Phelan Catholic 12th 1303 6.4/10 Strong sense of community and support for students Dovercliffe Park/Old University
William C. Winegard Public 13th 2031 5.2/10 Working towards improving their academic standings and providing supportive learning environments for their students Grange Road
Brant Avenue Public 14th 2361 4.5/10 Working towards improving their academic standings and providing supportive learning environments for their students Victoria North
Gateway Drive Public 15th 2823 2.7/10 Working towards improving their academic standings and providing supportive learning environments for their students Willow West/Sugarbush /West Acres

Considering Buying a Home in Guelph Near a High-Performing School?

Proximity to schools with excellent reputations is a significant factor in determining the desirability and resale value of residential properties in Guelph. By prioritizing access to high-quality educational institutions, families can make informed home-buying decisions that positively impact their children's academic experience and quality of life.


Andra Arnold & Associates is your trusted, top-rated, award-winning Guelph real estate team with local market knowledge and expertise for a seamless home-buying experience. We have the most home listings in Guelph and insider information on new properties before they even hit the market, making it easy to match your dream home to your preferred schools. 


Let’s get you where you want to be!


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Andra Arnold & Associates are a Top Rated, Award-Winning Guelph real estate team that has a passion for helping people. We truly live by our motto “Here to Help”. Our team brings quality expertise to our clients’ buying and selling experiences. The team's dedication, eagerness to help, and experience allow clients navigate one of life’s biggest decisions!

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