Edmonton School Zones: The Best Areas for Family Homes (2026 Guide)
Edmonton School Zones
For many families, the house hunt doesn’t start with the kitchen or the backyard—it starts with the school zone.
Edmonton has an “Open Boundary” system, meaning you can technically apply to any school. However, the most popular schools are “closed boundaries” due to high demand. This means if you want guaranteed admission, you must live within the designated catchment area.
If education is your top priority, these are the neighbourhoods you should be watching in 2026.
1. The “Strathcona High School” Catchment (South Central)
The School: Strathcona High School (“Scona”) is widely considered one of the best public high schools in Alberta, famous for its massive Advanced Placement (AP) program and championship athletics.
Where to Buy: To guarantee a spot at Scona, you typically need to live in the mature south-central neighbourhoods.
- Allendale & McKernan: These areas offer a mix of charming post-war bungalows and stunning modern infills. They are walkable, university-adjacent, and highly sought after.
- Queen Alexandra: A slightly more affordable entry point into this prestigious zone.
Note on “Old Scona”: Do not confuse this with Old Scona Academic. Old Scona is an exam-based entrance school. Living nearby does not guarantee admission—grades do. For Strathcona High, however, your address is your golden ticket.
2. Grandview Heights (Southwest Central)
The School: Grandview Heights School (K-9). This school consistently ranks at the very top of the Fraser Institute report cards. It is known for a rigorous academic environment and a tight-knit community feel.
Where to Buy:
- Grandview Heights: This is an exclusive, prestigious neighbourhood. You won’t find many starter homes here. The inventory consists mostly of large, renovated estate homes on massive lots. It is expensive, but for many parents, the education quality is worth the premium.
3. The “Dr. Anne Anderson” Hub (Heritage Valley/Southwest)
The School: Dr. Anne Anderson High School. This is one of Edmonton’s newest and most modern high schools. It features university-level science labs, a massive fitness centre, and cutting-edge technology.
Where to Buy:
- Chappelle Gardens & Creekwood: These are the prime spots for families who want a new home (built after 2020) while still being close to a top-tier high school.
- Desrochers: Another newer community that feeds into this modern education hub.
- Why it wins: Unlike the older central zones, you can buy a brand-new laned home here for under $550k and still have access to a $70 million high school facility.
4. Westbrook Estates & Aspen Gardens
The School: Westbrook School (Elementary). Another academic powerhouse, Westbrook School is famous for its high standards and focus on the arts.
Where to Buy:Where to Buy:
- Westbrook Estates: One of the city’s premier luxury addresses. If you want a golf course estate that also provides top-tier public education, this is the zone.
- Aspen Gardens: A beautiful, mature neighbourhood with wide streets and large trees. It is a favourite for doctors and university professors.
5. Windsor Park (University Area)
The School: Windsor Park School (K-6). Located right next to the University of Alberta, this school serves the children of many academics and professionals.
Where to Buy:
- Windsor Park: This has the highest average household income in the city for a reason. It is exclusive, incredibly safe, and walking distance to the River Valley and the University.
A Note on Catholic Schools
Edmonton also has a robust Catholic school system (ECSD). Top-rated high schools like Archbishop MacDonald are often “entrance criteria” schools (similar to Old Scona), meaning they accept students from all over the city based on grades, rather than just neighbourhood boundaries.
Which Zone is Right for You?
Do you want the historic prestige of Grandview, or the modern amenities of Chappelle? We can help you find a home that fits your budget and your educational goals.
School Zone FAQs
Worried about the Lottery list? Contact us to verify the exact designated school for any home you are interested in.
How do I know which school zone a house is in?
Edmonton Public Schools offers a “Find a School” tool on their website. You enter the street address, and it will tell you exactly which designated elementary, junior high, and high school serves that home. Always verify this before removing conditions on a house purchase!
Can I send my child to a school outside my neighbourhood?
Yes, but only if the school has space. This is called “Open Boundaries.” However, popular schools like Strathcona High or Dr. Margaret-Ann Armour are often “closed boundary,” meaning they only accept students living strictly within the catchment area.
What is the best high school in Edmonton?
Academically, Old Scona Academic typically ranks #1, but it requires an entrance exam. For general public high schools based on catchment, Strathcona High School and Ross Sheppard (known for athletics) are consistently among the most popular.
Does living near a school increase home value?
Absolutely. Homes within the “walk zone” of top-rated K-9 schools like Grandview Heights or Westbrook often command a premium of 5-10% compared to similar homes just outside the zone.
Can my child attend a Catholic school if we are not Catholic?
Ideally, yes, but practically, maybe not.
The Rule: Edmonton Catholic Schools (ECSD) must prioritize resident Catholic students.
The Reality: In high-growth areas like Chappelle or Windermere, Catholic schools are often full. If there is no space, non-Catholic students will not be admitted. In mature areas with lower enrolment, non-Catholic students are almost always welcomed.
