An in-depth look at A.Y. Jackson’s academic rankings, EQAO results, school programs, attendance boundaries, and nearby North York neighbourhoods.
For families considering a move to North York, choosing the right neighbourhood often begins with researching local schools. Academic performance, specialized programs, extracurricular activities, and school boundaries can all influence where parents decide to buy a home.
One school that often draws attention is A.Y. Jackson Secondary School in Hillcrest Village, North York.
But is A.Y. Jackson really one of North York's best high schools?
A.Y. Jackson Secondary School is among North York’s academically strong public high schools, particularly recognized for its mathematics performance, enriched learning opportunities, and Advanced Placement (AP) courses.
Its strong academic results and diverse programs make it a compelling option for families researching secondary education in North York.
How Does A.Y. Jackson Secondary School Rank Academically?
Academic performance is one of the most common considerations when parents compare high schools.
A.Y. Jackson has demonstrated particularly strong results in Grade 9 mathematics, as measured by Ontario’s Education Quality and Accountability Office (EQAO).
According to the school’s published 2024–2025 EQAO announcement:
- 86% of A.Y. Jackson students met or exceeded the provincial mathematics standard.
- 56% of TDSB students met or exceeded the same standard.
- 58% of Ontario students met or exceeded the provincial standard.
This means A.Y. Jackson performed 28 percentage points above the provincial average and 30 percentage points above the TDSB average.
The school also reported ranking second within the Toronto District School Board for this mathematics performance measure.
These results are impressive, particularly for families who value a strong foundation in mathematics and science.
However, it’s important to distinguish between subject-specific academic results and overall school rankings. EQAO scores provide useful insight into student achievement but do not measure every aspect of school quality, including student well-being, teaching relationships, extracurricular participation, or school culture.
For parents researching the best high schools in North York, A.Y. Jackson’s academic performance is certainly a reason to take a closer look.
What Academic Programs Does A.Y. Jackson Offer?
Beyond its academic results, A.Y. Jackson offers several programs designed to support students with different interests and postsecondary aspirations.
Advanced Placement (AP) Courses
The school’s published profile identifies Advanced Placement opportunities in subjects such as mathematics, biology, chemistry, physics, and economics.
AP courses offer academically motivated students an opportunity to study more challenging material and prepare for university-level coursework.
Depending on examination results and individual university policies, students may also qualify for advanced standing or postsecondary credit.
Enriched Learning and STEM Opportunities
A.Y. Jackson also offers enriched learning opportunities in mathematics, computer studies, sciences, and visual arts.
These programs may appeal to students interested in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and other academically demanding fields.
The school’s published profile also highlights participation in academic competitions and activities involving robotics and technology.
Specialist High Skills Major Programs
A.Y. Jackson offers Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) programming in areas including business, biotechnology, and information and communications technology.
These programs allow eligible students to explore career-related interests while completing their Ontario Secondary School Diploma.
For parents, the variety of academic pathways is an important consideration. A strong school is not simply one that produces high test scores, but one that provides opportunities for students to develop their individual strengths.
Program availability and admission requirements should always be confirmed directly with the school.
What Is Student Life Like at A.Y. Jackson?
Academic performance is important, but high school is also a time for students to develop friendships, confidence, leadership skills, and personal interests.
A.Y. Jackson offers a range of extracurricular opportunities, including basketball, volleyball, badminton, swimming, music, drama, student leadership, and various clubs.
The school also has its own swimming pool, which supports physical education and aquatic activities.
Students interested in technology, community involvement, performing arts, or competitive sports can explore activities beyond the classroom.
For families comparing schools, these opportunities can be just as meaningful as academic results.
Parents should consider their child’s interests and learning style when deciding whether a particular school is the right fit.
Where Is A.Y. Jackson Secondary School Located?
A.Y. Jackson Secondary School is located at 50 Francine Drive, North York, Ontario, M2H 2G6.
The school serves students in Grades 9 through 12 and is operated by the Toronto District School Board (TDSB).
Situated in Hillcrest Village, near Don Mills Road and Steeles Avenue East, the school is surrounded by established residential communities, parks, and neighbourhood amenities.
For families exploring North York real estate, two nearby neighbourhoods worth considering are Hillcrest Village and Don Valley Village.
Hillcrest Village
Hillcrest Village is an established residential neighbourhood in northeastern North York, offering a variety of housing options, including detached homes, semi-detached properties, and townhouses.
The area features mature residential streets, parks, community facilities, and convenient access to major roads.
Its proximity to A.Y. Jackson makes it particularly relevant to families researching the school.
However, proximity alone does not establish school eligibility. Buyers should always confirm the designated school for the specific property address.
Don Valley Village
Located farther south, Don Valley Village offers a mix of detached houses, townhomes, and condominium properties.
The neighbourhood provides access to parks, shopping, community facilities, public transit, and major transportation routes.
For families considering Don Valley Village, it’s important to understand that not every property falls within A.Y. Jackson’s designated attendance area.
School eligibility should be verified before making a home purchase decision based on a particular school.
Where Is the A.Y. Jackson Secondary School Catchment Area?
For families considering buying a home specifically to attend A.Y. Jackson, understanding the school’s attendance boundary is essential.
A school catchment area identifies the geographic area generally associated with a particular school for regular-program attendance.
However, school boundaries do not necessarily follow neighbourhood names, postal codes, or major intersections.
Living near A.Y. Jackson does not automatically guarantee admission.
Before purchasing a property, families should:
- Check the property’s designated secondary school using the official TDSB school lookup.
- Confirm that the school designation applies to the relevant grade and program.
- Contact the TDSB or school directly regarding registration requirements and any admission restrictions.
- Reconfirm eligibility before making a purchase decision, as boundaries and policies can change.
You can verify school designations using the TDSB Find Your School tool.
For buyers, this is an important part of researching a neighbourhood, especially when school access is a major factor in choosing a home.
Does Living Near A.Y. Jackson Affect Property Values?
School reputation can influence how some families evaluate neighbourhoods, particularly when education is a priority in their home search.
Properties associated with desirable schools may attract interest from buyers who value educational opportunities.
However, this does not mean that homes near A.Y. Jackson automatically command higher prices or appreciate faster.
Property values depend on several factors, including housing type, condition, lot size, market inventory, mortgage rates, location, and buyer demand.
A meaningful comparison requires reviewing recent sales of similar properties and considering the broader real estate market.
For families buying in North York, the goal should be to find a home that meets their educational priorities, lifestyle needs, and financial circumstances.
Frequently Asked Questions About A.Y. Jackson Secondary School
What is A.Y. Jackson Secondary School’s ranking?
According to its published 2024–2025 EQAO announcement, 86% of A.Y. Jackson students met or exceeded the provincial Grade 9 mathematics standard, compared with 58% provincially. The school reported ranking second within the TDSB for that mathematics measure. This should not be confused with an overall provincial high school ranking.
Is A.Y. Jackson one of the best high schools in Toronto?
A.Y. Jackson is a strong academic option, particularly for students interested in mathematics and science. Its Advanced Placement courses, enriched programming, and extracurricular opportunities make it worth considering alongside other established Toronto public high schools. The best choice ultimately depends on the individual student’s needs and interests.
Where is the A.Y. Jackson Secondary School boundary?
The school’s attendance boundary is established by the Toronto District School Board. Families can check school designations using the official TDSB address lookup. Eligibility should be verified for each property rather than assumed based on neighbourhood or proximity.
Does A.Y. Jackson offer Advanced Placement courses?
Yes. The school’s published profile identifies AP opportunities in mathematics, sciences, and economics. Families should confirm current course offerings and prerequisites directly with the school.
Does A.Y. Jackson Secondary School have a basketball team?
Basketball is among the athletic activities identified in the school’s published profile. Students should contact the school for current team information, tryouts, and schedules.
What do parents and students say about A.Y. Jackson?
Parents researching A.Y. Jackson often consider academic performance, extracurricular opportunities, school culture, and student support. Online reviews can offer individual perspectives, but families should also consult official school information and consider attending a school information session.
Who is the principal of A.Y. Jackson Secondary School?
School leadership may change over time. For the current principal and administrative contacts, consult the official A.Y. Jackson Secondary School website.
Can I buy a home within the A.Y. Jackson catchment area?
Yes. Families can explore properties within the school’s designated attendance area, subject to housing availability and their requirements. However, the TDSB should confirm school eligibility for the specific address before a purchase decision is made.
Final Thoughts: Is A.Y. Jackson Worth Considering?
For families researching public high schools in North York, A.Y. Jackson Secondary School deserves a place on the shortlist.
Its strong mathematics results, Advanced Placement opportunities, enriched programs, and extracurricular activities provide compelling reasons to explore the school.
But choosing a school and choosing a neighbourhood are closely connected decisions.
Beyond academic performance, families should consider housing affordability, commuting convenience, community amenities, and whether a home will continue to meet their needs over time.
Most importantly, school attendance boundaries should always be verified before purchasing a property specifically for school access.
Thinking About Moving to North York?
I’m Alexander Au, Broker, FRI, with Real Broker Ontario Ltd., Brokerage.
Since 2013, I’ve helped families navigate Toronto’s real estate market, with a particular focus on North York communities, including Hillcrest Village, Don Valley Village, Willowdale, and Bayview Village.
As someone who lives in the area, I understand that finding the right home involves more than the property itself. Schools, neighbourhood character, commuting convenience, and long-term family needs all play an important role.
If you’re considering buying or selling a home in North York, I can help you explore neighbourhoods, evaluate housing options, and make informed decisions based on your priorities and current market conditions.
Explore North York real estate at alexau.ca, or contact me to discuss your next move.
School programs, rankings, academic results, attendance boundaries, and admission policies may change. Families should verify current information directly with the Toronto District School Board.
