How can I find good schools for my kids in Hamilton, Ontario?

Question

We are moving to Hamilton in July this year. My older kid is going into Grade 8 and my younger into Grade 6. I know that they can go to any school as long as we live in its catchment area (an improvement over the UK system) but without league tables how do I choose a good school? We would like to live on Hamilton Mountain or Central. Can anyone advise me? My kids are fairly academic and the younger one loves sports. I would like them to be in a school with a mixed social/ethnic background.

Answer 1

Ask a realtor. Part of their job is to know the characteristics of neighborhoods and communities, and this is basic knowledge of the trade.

Besides, you'll need a place to live when you get there any way, right?

Answer 2

My suggestion would be that you locate the schools in the catchment areas of potential homes and do some research. In Ontario, Canada, there are two separate school systems, one called public and the other separate, meaning Catholic. Depending on your religious beliefs that may help you narrow your choices down. You would always have the option ot have your children go to a public or Catholic school with full government support for both. If the mixed social/ethnic background factor is of utmost importance choosing a home in central Hamilton (downtown) would be a better choice. While Hamilton is home to many immigrants, the downtown area is home to more new Canadians as opposed to the Mountain.

Answer 3

Hamilton Schools
http://www.myhamilton.ca/myhamilton/EducationAndCareers/educationcity/Schools+in+Hamilton/

Recent immigrants tackle school-community challenges in Hamilton, Ontario
http://www.studycircles.org/en/Article.465.aspx

Hamilton-Wentworth School Board
http://www.hwdsb.on.ca/

School Listing
http://www.hwdsb.on.ca/schools_curriculum/schools/school_list.aspx

School Search
http://ap.hwdsb.on.ca/website/

Ministry of Education
http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/parents/