Chapter 1

How school boundaries work in London

Last reviewed October 30, 2026

In Ontario, school boards divide their territory into attendance areas. Each address is designated to specific schools, and for families buying a home, that designation is the single most important school fact to confirm. Here's how it works in London, and how to check it properly.

Designated schools

For each address, a board typically designates:

• An elementary school (usually JK to Grade 8, though some schools serve a narrower range)
• A secondary school (Grades 9 to 12)
• Separate designations for specialized programs, such as French Immersion, which may be at a different school from the English program

The public board (TVDSB) and the Catholic board (LDCSB) each have their own boundaries, so the same address will have different designated schools in each system.

How to look up a school for an address

1. Go to the board's website and find its school locator (sometimes called "find my school" or a boundary map).
2. Enter the exact street address of the home you're considering.
3. Note the designated schools for every grade your children will be in, and for any program you're interested in.
4. Check for any notes about boundary reviews, holding schools or transportation.
5. If anything is unclear, call the board or the school. Boards are used to these questions from home buyers.

Boundaries can change

Boundaries aren't permanent. Boards review them when:

• New subdivisions add students faster than nearby schools can absorb them
• A new school opens, or an old one closes or consolidates
• Enrolment shifts between schools

Boards hold accommodation reviews and boundary consultations with public input before changes take effect. Board websites list current and upcoming reviews. If you're buying in a growing area, such as parts of the northwest, southwest and southeast, check for any reviews affecting the schools you're counting on.

Holding schools and new subdivisions

In newer neighbourhoods, a local school may not be built yet. Students may be designated to a "holding" school farther away, sometimes with busing, until a new school opens. When it does, boundaries are typically redrawn. If you're buying new construction, ask the board about plans for the area. Our sister site New Build London covers growth areas.

Busing

Student transportation in London is arranged through a transportation consortium that serves the public and Catholic boards. Eligibility generally depends on distance from school and grade, along with safety considerations. If busing matters to you, check eligibility for the specific address. Some homes fall just inside a walk zone.

Attending a school outside your boundary

Boards have processes for out-of-area (or "optional attendance") requests. Approval usually depends on space at the requested school, and transportation is usually not provided. Policies differ by board and change over time. Don't buy a home assuming you'll get an out-of-area spot. Treat it as a possibility, not a plan.

Where boundary lines run

Boundaries often follow major roads, rivers or rail lines, but not always. Two homes on the same street can occasionally be designated to different schools, and corner lots and streets near a boundary are worth double-checking. When your agent sends listings, ask them to note which homes are near a boundary.

A buyer's boundary checklist

• Look up the exact address in each relevant board's locator.
• Check elementary, secondary and program designations.
• Search the board's site for current boundary or accommodation reviews.
• Ask about capacity: portables, holding schools, planned new schools.
• Check transportation eligibility if relevant.
• Call the board with any questions, and keep a record.

Talking to your agent about boundaries

Tell your agent early which schools or programs matter to you. They can focus searches on the right areas, flag homes near boundary lines, and help you build time into your offer to confirm designations with the board.