Best High Schools in Mississauga

Check out the scores and profiles of the best high schools in Mississauga in our “Top 5 High Schools in Mississauga” feature story.

The list hasn’t changed much, but there has been some jockeying for position. The Top 5 has cemented itself for the past few years now, but there are challengers that are consistently rising such as The Woodlands out of Erindale and Port Credit SS.

John Fraser has held the #1 spot in Mississauga for a long time now, but there was a moment where it seemed like the crown jewel of Mississauga would be displaced. However, after their strongest year since 2009, John Fraser has cemented itself not only as the best school in Mississauga but also one of the best in the province finishing a sparkling 24/740.

With both solid elementary and middle schools, John Fraser caps off one of the best schools zones and neighbourhoods in Mississauga: the popular Central Erin Mills. It’s affordable, convenient, and an overall safe, and family-friendly neighbourhood with restaurants, shopping and easily accessible public transportation. 

Check out the full Central Erin Mills Neighbourhood Profile to learn more about real estate prices, school rankings and community information.

Cawthra Park took the biggest leap in the rankings this year. Places #2-#4 are actually all tied with the same score, but Cawthra Park deservedly gets the bump with the highest score this past year at 8.3/10. As one of two Lakeview schools in the Top 5, Cawthra Park stands out for its Regional Arts Program. In fact, 75% of the students at Cawthra Park are enrolled in RAP. The program’s most well-known subject is dramatic arts with over 300 applicants each year (however only 60 make the cut). Other areas of the program include: music, visual arts, and dance. Every year, major events occur at Cawthra Park including fall and spring musicals. 

Cawthra Park is located in the neighbourhood of Lakeview in the south end of Mississauga. Lakeview is located east of Mineola and is the most eastern neighbourhood of Mississauga along the lakeshore before you enter Etobicoke. The area is undergoing a huge revitalization right now and homes here are being snapped up as residents anticipate a lot of future growth in the area. At least one thing they won’t have to worry about is the strengths of its high schools.

Check out the full Lakeview Neighbourhood Profile to learn more about real estate prices, school rankings and community information.

Gordon Graydon has cemented itself amongst Mississauga’s Top 5 thanks largely in part to its strong International Business and Technology Program. IBT is a local program that places an emphasis on business and technology skills to supplement students’ academic studies. The program emphasizes entrepreneurial and leadership skills, along with intellectual creativity. Gordon Graydon is also the only high school to offer a Graphic Design Program (Flexography) program in Canada.

Gordon Graydon is also located in the neighbourhood of Lakeview in the south end of Mississauga. Like Cawthra Park, the majority of its student population is enrolled in special programs. The neighbourhood of Lakeview is quickly undergoing many changes and residents are looking to this neighbourhood for the spacious lots and quality of education for their soon to be teenagers. 

Check out the full Lakeview Neighbourhood Profile to learn more about real estate prices, school rankings and community information.

Lorne Park Secondary School finished just behind John Fraser in the race for the top secondary school in Mississauga and looked poised to take over top spot. However, a slight drop off this year has instead left them tied for 2nd (4th based on their 7.7/10 this year) with our Lakeview stalwarts. That’s not to say this is a trend that will continue though. Lorne Park is home to one of Peel District School Board’s five Regional Enhanced Program Centres for gifted children. The course curriculum is similar to those of other students, but the teaching methods and difficulty of assignments can vary based on the needs of students. Lorne Park also offers an Extended French program. This is a great secondary school and I’m sure they’ll be challenging for the top spot for many, many years to come.

Lorne Park Secondary is located in the scenic neighbourhood of Lorne Park. As you probably know by now, Lorne Park homes are probably the least affordable in the city. However, if you can afford it, this is the ultimate move up neighbourhood and a place you could raise your children until you’re ready to kick them out! 

Check out the full Lorne Park Neighbourhood Profile to learn more about real estate prices, school rankings and community information.

Glenforest Secondary School is completes our Top 5 with another strong performance holding off the rising The Woodlands out of Erindale. Glenforest is well-known for its Enhanced Programs including the world-renowned IB (International Baccalaureate) program. The program is divided into two parts: Pre-IB (students in Grade 9 & 10) and IB (Grade 11 & 12). Admission is difficult but the program is extremely rewarding and prepares students for university life. Sports and clubs are also a huge priority at Glenforest with a plethora of each available to all students. 

Glenforest is located in the neighbourhood of Applewood on the east end of Mississauga near the Etobicoke border. Compared to the other schools on this list, homes here can be quite affordable. However, demand here has seen a bit of a resurgence thanks to the renewed interest in the bungalow/sidesplit layout and spacious lots of the homes from the 60s and 70s that dominate the area.

Check out the full Applewood Neighbourhood Profile to learn more about real estate prices, school rankings and community information.

Interested in learning more about the top elementary and middle schools in Mississauga? Check out the The Best Schools in Mississauga Page for a more detailed look at some of the best schools in the city! Or talk to an expert who can help you navigate through the different neighbourhoods and school zones of Mississauga!

*Rankings are based solely on data available through the Fraser Institute.