Parents and parents-to-be who are in the market for a new home are always interested in getting the lowdown on the best schools nearby.
Of course, there is no one “right” school. Each has something different to offer and any one could be a great fit for your child and family.
One factor that many of us don’t take into account when thinking about schools are the details about different neighbourhoods, including the different housing types available and the typical size ranges of the homes, says REALTOR® Marco Dias.
According to the most recent ratings from the Fraser Institute, currently the top rated schools in Bradford are:
Chris Hadfield Public School – 8.2
Around Chris Hadfield Public School, you’ll find a mix of builders, including Royal Brook Homes, Tri-Rom Homes, Brookfield Homes, Westin Homes and, most recently, FirstView Homes.
Housing types include townhomes, bungalows, raised bungalows and detached two-storeys (the largest percentage) with either a 1- or 2-car garage. Homes here tend to range in size from 1,400 to 2,800+ sq ft.
St. Angela Merici Catholic Elementary School – 6.9
Although FirstView Homes is not represented here, the overall ambiance resembles that of the neighborhood surrounding Chris Hadfield, as described earlier. The same mix of builders can be found here as well.
St. Teresa of Calcutta Catholic School – 6.6
The neighbourhood around St. Teresa is comprised of the Bradford Downtown Historic District, which offers an eclectic mix of homes. During the late 90s, what was then Bradford’s newest subdivision, included builders Fil Rose Homes Ltd., West View Homes Ltd., Queens Forest Developments Inc., Hillview Homes and a few others for infill purposes.
“I remember as a kid riding my bike here in the open fields and trails with my friends,” says Dias. Housing types include raised bungalows, bungalows and two-storey homes in a mix of sizes, ranging from 1,200 to 2,600+ sq ft.
Fieldcrest Elementary School – 6.6
At Fieldcrest Elementary School, a large percentage of the homes in the area are located in the Summerlyn Village Community, with a mix that is similar to St. Theresa, “minus the historic Bradford area,” says Dias.
“Chris Hadfield and St. Angela are in the newer subdivisions, so it makes sense that a lot of people who purchased a new home or who are thinking of buying a resale like the idea of a newer home,” says the REALTOR®. “The exteriors and interiors of the homes tend to require less work in terms of updating.”
“Harvest Hills has gained a considerable amount of buzz with community members,” he adds. Part of the appeal is their before and after school programs, which are great. Most of the schools offer this option.
“In recent years Bradford has really elevated their educational options; both St. Charles and Marshview Public School are making waves. Undergoing a massive transformation, St. Charles now has a brand new school facility. My clients with children there absolutely love it,” says Dias. “Meanwhile, just 200 metres away, Marshview Public School stands tall as a new addition, offering parents a compelling public school alternative.”
His advice for parents who are weighing which school they should enroll their children in is to also think about:
- Lifestyle
- The neighbourhood feel
- The backyard and front yard space
- Parks nearby
"As important as the school is, having a home in a neighbourhood that the family can enjoy and cherish watching your children grow up makes all the difference," says Dias.
He also recommends the following as good, trustworthy sources of information for parents who are planning a move:
Says Dias, “Be sure to work with a local expert that you trust, as they will be able to provide you with more detailed information about the different neighbourhoods and their makeup.”
For more information on selecting the right school for your children and the right neighbourhood for your family, visit The Dias Group or call 905-716-5026. You can also follow them on Facebook.