1 minute read.
 
If you have kids, there’s no doubt that you have checked out local area schools during your home searches and perhaps even tailored your home search around specific school zones.  Maybe the school has a great performance score?  Maybe it’s new with a lot of relevant technology and green initiatives?  Even if the school checks every box for the bright futures you have in mind for your kids, consider these myths and facts before you act!
 
Myth:  Online websites that display performance ratings are a great tool in your home search.
 
Fact: Online Websites base their ‘scores’ on the EQAO ratings for that school, for that year ONLY!  Each year can bring new staff, new administration, new students and VERY different scores so don’t hang your hat on this as a method of determination.
 
Myth: The house I like is right beside the school I like which means my child will attend there.
 
Fact:  School boundaries are ever-changing and nothing is a sure thing, including bus service.  You can live just down the street from the school but belong to a totally different district.  This happens often with new home developments as children are often bussed far away to out of area schools.  If the school is very important to you, make sure you speak directly to the school board before submitting any offers!
 
How do you separate the myth from the fact?  Simple; Do your due diligence and call the school boards and find out exactly what the boundaries are for your area and last but not least, make sure that you hire a realtor that is VERY familiar with the local community.  Working with a knowledgeable Realtor is just smart, especially if you are moving into a new town.
 
Do you know where the school boundaries start and end in the neighbourhood of your choosing?  Check out these resources for the York Regional District School Board and the York Regional Catholic District School Board. 

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JOSHUA CAMPBELL (@knowledgebrkr)
Real Estate Broker
Coldwell Banker The Real Estate Centre, Brokerage
joshua@knowledgebroker.ca
249 Avenue Road • Newmarket, ON L3Y 1N8
289.231.0001