School Guide
Everything you need to know about public elementary schools, high schools, French-language schools, and post-secondary options on the Hamilton Mountain — for families choosing the right school, and adults exploring continuing education.
School Calendars
Keep track of Professional Activity days, statutory holidays, semester dates, and school closings for both Hamilton school boards. Bookmark this section — families check it all year long.
View the full HWDSB calendar for PA days, holidays, semester start/end dates, and school closings.
View HWDSB CalendarView the full HWCDSB calendar for PA days, holidays, and important dates.
View HWCDSB CalendarPlease note: Calendars are updated by the school boards each year. Click the links above for the most current PA days, holidays, and key dates for the school year.
Public Elementary Schools
The Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board operates public elementary schools across the Mountain. Here is a comprehensive list of HWDSB schools serving Hamilton Mountain neighbourhoods. School boundaries can change — always verify your catchment with the HWDSB Find My School tool.
Top-rated public school; strong parent engagement and academic programming.
Serves the growing Binbrook community with modern facilities.
Established school serving the Central Mountain with well-rounded programming.
Offers Late French Immersion (Grade 4 entry) alongside regular English programming.
Offers Early French Immersion; popular with families seeking bilingual education.
Community-oriented school with active parent council involvement.
Well-established school in the heart of the Central Mountain.
Serves East Mountain families with strong community programming.
Consistently well-rated; strong academics and extracurricular activities.
Offers Early French Immersion; well-regarded across the Mountain.
Established neighbourhood school with a focus on student well-being.
Part of the Central Mountain school community with active programming.
Serves the Upper Stoney Creek area with a growing enrolment.
Serves East Mountain families in a suburban setting.
Tip: Use the School Catchment Finder or the HWDSB website to confirm which school serves your specific address. Catchment boundaries can shift year to year.
High Schools
Hamilton Mountain is served by several public high schools within the HWDSB, each offering distinct programs and pathways. From trades training to self-paced learning to athletic academies, there is a school fit for every student.
Central / East Mountain
Known for athletic programs and the Hockey Canada Skills Academy. Offers diverse co-op and SHSM pathways.
West Mountain
Recognized for its unique self-directed, self-paced learning program — ideal for students who thrive with independence. Also offers OYAP trades pathways.
East Mountain
Offers a broad range of academic and trades programs serving East Mountain families.
West Mountain
Long-established school with strong athletics and arts programming on the West Mountain.
South Hamilton Mountain
Named after a notable Hamilton educator. Offers specialized health sciences programming and broad academic pathways.
Note: Westdale Secondary School (located in West Hamilton, just off the Mountain) offers the International Baccalaureate (IB) program and French Immersion. While technically off-Mountain, many Mountain families choose Westdale for these specialized programs.
French-Language Schools (Francophone)
Ontario guarantees French-language education rights under Section 23 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Families whose first language is French — or who qualify under these constitutional rights — can enrol their children in French-language schools operated by dedicated francophone school boards. This is distinct from French Immersion, which is an elective program within English-language boards.
Conseil scolaire Viamonde is Ontario's largest French-language public school board. It operates schools for families whose first language is French or who qualify under French-language education rights in Ontario (Section 23 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms).
Eligibility
Eligibility is based on French-language rights under the Charter. At least one parent must be a French-language rights holder (Canadian citizen whose first language is French, or who has been educated in French in Canada).
Schools in the Hamilton Area
Formerly known as Conseil scolaire de district catholique Centre-Sud, MonAvenir operates French-language Catholic schools in the Hamilton area. These schools combine French-language instruction with Catholic faith-based education.
Eligibility
Requires Catholic baptism for enrolment priority, in addition to French-language rights eligibility. Families must meet the Charter-based French-language rights criteria.
Schools in the Hamilton Area
How is this different from French Immersion?
French Immersion (offered by the English-language HWDSB) is a voluntary program — any student can apply regardless of language background. Francophone schools (operated by Viamonde or MonAvenir) are constitutionally protected schools for French-speaking families. The instruction, culture, and community at francophone schools are entirely in French. Learn more about FI programs on our French Immersion page.
Universities & Colleges
Hamilton Mountain is well-positioned for access to several universities and colleges — both locally and within a reasonable commute. Whether you're a student heading to campus, or an adult considering continuing education, certificate programs, or a career change, the options below are worth exploring.
Hamilton (Westdale)
One of Canada's top research universities. Known for health sciences, engineering, business, and the DeGroote School of Medicine. Offers over 300 graduate and undergraduate programs.
For Adults & Continuing Education
Continuing education through McMaster Continuing Education — certificates, diplomas, and professional development. Mature-student admissions available for adults returning to study.
Hamilton (Fennell Campus) & Stoney Creek Campus
Hamilton's largest college with three campuses. Known for health sciences, engineering technology, business, and skilled trades. The Stoney Creek campus is close to Upper Stoney Creek.
For Adults & Continuing Education
Strong continuing education and part-time programs. Preparatory courses, professional certificates, and flexible scheduling designed for working adults.
Ancaster
Christian liberal arts university offering bachelor's degrees in arts, science, education, and business. Small class sizes and a tight-knit campus community.
For Adults & Continuing Education
Adult-degree-completion programs and part-time studies available for mature students.
Brampton / Mississauga
One of Ontario's largest colleges, renowned for animation, film, design, and business programs. Trafalgar Campus in Oakville is the closest location.
For Adults & Continuing Education
Extensive continuing education offerings — online and in-person certificates, micro-credentials, and professional development for career changers.
Kitchener / Cambridge
Fast-growing college with strong programs in technology, health, business, and skilled trades. Multiple campus locations across the Region of Waterloo.
For Adults & Continuing Education
Flexible part-time and online programs. Pathway agreements allow college graduates to transfer credits toward university degrees.
Guelph
Top-ranked for veterinary science, agriculture, food science, and environmental studies. Also strong in business, arts, and social sciences.
For Adults & Continuing Education
Open Learning programmes, part-time studies, and mature-student pathways. Offers flexible options for adults returning to education.
School catchment is one of the biggest factors in choosing a home on the Mountain. I can help you find properties in your preferred school zone — or figure out which school zone fits your family best.