Pierre Elliott Trudeau High School: Why Families Choose This Catchment

Ontario’s #6 Ranked Public High School

Pierre Elliott Trudeau High School (PETHS) is the single biggest reason many families choose to live in the Unionville and Angus Glen area of Markham. With a Fraser Institute rating of 9.5 out of 10 and a provincial ranking of #6 in Ontario, this public high school delivers academic results that consistently rival — and often surpass — many of the GTA’s most expensive private institutions.

For Union Glen families, this means access to elite-level education without the $25,000–$40,000 annual tuition fees associated with comparable private schools. The school is within the community’s designated catchment, guaranteeing admission for residents.

Academic Performance and Rankings

PETHS’s academic credentials are exceptional by any measure:

• Fraser Institute Rating: 9.5 out of 10 — consistently among the top 1% of Ontario public schools
• Provincial Ranking: #6 out of 738 secondary schools in Ontario
• University Placement: Exceptionally high acceptance rates at Canada’s top universities including U of T, Waterloo, McMaster, Queen’s, and Western
• International Recognition: Significant number of graduates accepted to US, UK, and international universities
• EQAO Results: Consistently above provincial averages across all standardized assessments

Programs and Curriculum

Beyond strong academics, PETHS offers a breadth of programming that supports diverse student interests:

Advanced Placement (AP)

PETHS offers a comprehensive AP program allowing students to earn university credits while still in high school. AP courses include Calculus, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, English, and Computer Science — providing academic challenge and a competitive edge in university applications.

French Immersion

The school’s Extended French program allows students to pursue bilingual education through to graduation — a significant advantage in Canada’s bilingual job market and for federal government careers.

STEM Excellence

Strong science, technology, engineering, and mathematics programs include robotics clubs, math competition teams (consistently placing at national levels), and partnerships with local technology companies in the Markham tech corridor.

Arts and Athletics

Visual arts, music, drama, and athletic programs are well-funded and competitive. The school regularly competes at regional and provincial championship levels across multiple sports.

Impact on Property Values

In the GTA’s real estate market, school catchment is one of the strongest drivers of property value. Research consistently shows that homes within top-ranked school catchments command a 10–20% premium over comparable homes in adjacent areas. For PETHS specifically:

• Homes within the PETHS catchment sell faster and at higher prices than comparable homes just outside the boundary
• The catchment premium has been consistent over the past decade, suggesting it is structural rather than cyclical
• International buyer demand is particularly strong for this catchment, as the school’s reputation extends to immigrant communities in Asia and the Middle East

For Union Glen buyers, this catchment advantage is built into the community — every home benefits from it. Read our investment analysis for more on how this impacts long-term property values.

Other Excellent Schools Near Union Glen

While PETHS is the headline, Union Glen families have access to several other outstanding schools:

Bur Oak Secondary School

A highly-rated public school in the York Region District School Board, Bur Oak offers strong academics with a newer facility and growing reputation. Its proximity to Union Glen makes it a convenient option for families.

Unionville High School

Renowned across Ontario for its Arts Unionville program, this school attracts talented students from across the region. If your child has artistic inclinations in visual arts, music, dance, or drama, Unionville High offers a specialized program that is nationally recognized.

Country Day School

For families who prefer private education, Country Day School offers a premier JK through Grade 12 program on a sprawling campus with small class sizes, extensive extracurriculars, and strong university preparation. Located minutes from Union Glen.

St. Augustine Catholic High School

Part of the York Catholic District School Board, St. Augustine provides a faith-based education with strong academic outcomes and a supportive community environment.

The Education Advantage

Few communities in the GTA can match Union Glen’s school ecosystem. Whether you prioritize public or private education, STEM or arts, French immersion or advanced placement, the options within minutes of Union Glen cover every educational philosophy and aspiration. For families, this isn’t just a quality-of-life advantage — it’s a financial one that protects and grows your investment for decades to come.