2026 Burlington High School Rankings
If you’re a parent then school quality is likely one of the most important criteria when searching for a home. Luckily, Burlington is a great city to attend public high school.
So, let’s check out the latest 2026 Burlington High School Rankings. Below, you will find Burlington’s top 3 public high schools. For the full set of school rankings, download a copy from here.
#1. Nelson HS
Neighbourhood: Pinedale, Elizabeth Gardens, Roseland, Shoreacres, Longmoor
SCORE: 8.4/10
Previous Rank: #1
Long-awaited plans to consolidate Nelson HS and nearby Robert Bateman HS finally took shape over the last couple of years. Renovations were needed to accommodate the huge list of speciality programs listed above.
Now the school proudly boasts a new CPP wing (four classrooms, lounge, teaching washroom & ancillary space), Autobody, Transportation, Advanced Manufacturing, Design Tech and Com Tech spaces, Health Tech, classrooms and staff workrooms. Expansions also included a new cafeteria and Learning Commons.
Nelson HS offers the following Specialist High Skill Major (SHSM) programs:
- Creative Performing Arts & Tech
- Manufacturing & Welding
- Health Care & Medical Tech
- Hospitality & Tourism
- Auto Body
- Automotive & Engineering Design
The renovations and additions will serve all of south Burlington very well for years. As for this year, Nelson HS takes over the top spot in the rankings with strong scores that would place it amongst the best in the province!
For those considering an elementary and high school, Nelson HS is traditionally home to top-ranked elementary schools. Check out this year’s Top 5 Elementary Schools in Burlington.
And as for its catchment area, it includes essentially all of south Burlington. This is a huge area, so it’s best to use the link below to check out all the different kinds of homes for sale.
While South Burlington is traditionally the most expensive area of the city, there are some affordable pockets and options available.
You can check out homes for sale in the school boundary by clicking the link below.
#2. Aldershot School
Neighbourhood: ALDERSHOT, TYANDAGA
SCORE: 7.6/10
Previous Rank: #4
Aldershot School offers a unique Grade 7–12 structure that fosters a tight-knit community feel, allowing for a seamless transition from middle to high school within the same building.
Academically, it stands out as the first school in the Halton District to introduce the I-STEM program (Innovation, Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics), which focuses on entrepreneurial and design thinking.
For students interested in the environment, the school utilizes its West Burlington location to offer a distinctive “Eco-Studies” Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) in partnership with the neighbouring Royal Botanical Gardens, giving students hands-on experience in environmental leadership.
Aldershot School offers the following Specialist High Skill Major (SHSM) programs:
- Arts & Culture
- Environment
- Transportation
The school also boasts a rich history and a surprisingly creative pedigree for its size, listing notable alumni such as actor Jim Carrey and members of the band Spoons.
This creative spirit is reflected in a strong arts program, particularly in music, where its concert and jazz bands frequently achieve gold and silver standings at regional festivals.
Student life is active and inclusive, with a robust “Link Crew” mentorship program and competitive athletics where teams—known as the Lions (or Aces for hockey and baseball)—punch above their weight in regional competitions despite the school’s smaller population.
As for its catchment area, Aldershot offers a unique lifestyle blend defined by nature and convenience. It serves the established, leafy neighbourhoods nestled between the Niagara Escarpment and Burlington Bay.
Residents here enjoy incredible natural amenities, including immediate access to the Royal Botanical Gardens (RBG), the trails at LaSalle Park, and the local marina. It provides a serene suburban feel while still offering excellent convenience for commuters needing quick access to major highways and the Aldershot GO.
#3. Dr. Frank J. Hayden
Neighbourhood: The Orchard, Alton Village, Millcroft, Headon Forest
SCORE: 7.5/10
Previous Rank: #2
Opened in 2014 and located at the border of Alton Village and Millcroft in north Burlington, Dr. Frank J. Hayden comes in at #3 in this year’s ranking on the back of steady scores in both Math and Literacy over the last 3 years.
The school, which serves more than 1300 students, was built along with a recreation centre and library to support the city’s growth in the Alton and surrounding neighbourhoods.
As for the communities that filter into Hayden’s catchment areas, Alton Village would be the newest with The Orchard and Millcroft not far behind. Headon Forest would be the most mature of the area, so it depends on the lifestyle you’re looking for if you’re attracted to north Burlington.
Either way, you have strong schooling options across all levels in north Burlington, so it often comes down to budget and personal preference.
Make sure to check out all the homes for sale in the area to compare using the link below.
Get All The Burlington High School Rankings
This is only the Top 3 list of the best high schools in Burlington and there are other great ones in the city. To get the full list, simply scroll down below to download a free copy of this year’s guide 👇
