Every year the Fraser Institute releases its Report Card on Ontario's schools, ranking thousands of elementary and secondary schools on a scale of 0 to 10. Parents across the province use these numbers to compare schools — but what do the scores actually measure?
What the Fraser Institute Score Includes
The ranking is based on EQAO standardized test results. For elementary schools, this includes Grade 3 and Grade 6 reading, writing, and math assessments. For secondary schools, it's the Grade 9 math assessment and the Grade 10 literacy test (OSSLT).
The score combines several indicators: average test performance, the percentage of tests below standard, the gap between male and female results, and whether scores are trending up or down over five years.
What the Score Doesn't Tell You
A school's ranking doesn't capture everything that matters. It doesn't reflect the quality of teachers, the school's culture, extracurricular programs, special education support, arts and athletics, or how safe and welcoming the building feels.
Demographics also play a role. Schools in higher-income neighbourhoods tend to score higher — that doesn't necessarily mean the teaching is better.
How to Use Rankings Wisely
Use the Fraser Institute score as one data point, not the only one. Visit schools in person, talk to other parents, and look at the full picture: class sizes, program options, proximity to your home, and what your child actually needs.
If you're moving to a new area and want to factor school quality into your home search, we can help you find listings in specific school boundaries — reach out anytime.