Schools and boundaries: parent FAQ

Use the school locator tool on the board's website (Thames Valley District School Board for public schools, London District Catholic School Board for Catholic schools) and enter the exact address. Check elementary, secondary and any program like French Immersion.

Yes. Boards review boundaries when enrolment changes or new schools open, usually with public consultation. Check the board's website for current reviews before buying, especially in growing areas.

Boards have out-of-area request processes, usually subject to space, and transportation typically isn't provided. Don't count on it when choosing a home.

Not necessarily. Listings may show the nearest school rather than the designated one, and boundaries change. Always confirm with the board.

TVDSB is the public English-language board, and LDCSB is the Catholic English-language board. Both are publicly funded and follow the Ontario curriculum. Catholic schools add religious education, and each board has its own boundaries and admission policies.

Catholic boards set their own admission policies, which have traditionally considered Catholic baptism or family support for the Catholic system, especially for elementary. Secondary admission is generally broader. Check LDCSB's current policy.

French Immersion is a program within English boards for students learning French. French-language schools are run by French boards for francophone students, with eligibility generally based on French-language rights.

Not necessarily. It's offered at selected schools with their own program boundaries. Look up the French Immersion designation for the address specifically.

EQAO publishes school-level assessment results, and the Fraser Institute publishes annual school report cards based largely on EQAO data. Both are useful starting points but leave out many aspects of a school.

Children can start Junior Kindergarten in September of the year they turn four by December 31. Registration usually opens in the winter before.

The City of London manages a centralized childcare waitlist. Register as early as possible and list several centres near home and work.

A free drop-in centre for children up to age six and their parents or caregivers, offering play-based programs and family resources.

Once you have a firm closing date and proof of address. Contact the board early to ask what documents they need and whether your child's current records can be transferred.

Demand for some school areas can be higher, which may affect prices and how quickly homes sell. A local agent can compare recent sales on either side of a boundary.

School support designations are recorded with MPAC, which has a process for updating them after you buy.