If you are moving to Kingston or already live here and want the best education options for your child, you are in the right place. Kingston offers a strong mix of public, Catholic, and French-language schools with impressive academic records, specialized programs, and dedicated teachers. This guide covers the top elementary and secondary schools in Kingston for the 2026/2027 school year, so your family can make an informed choice.
Kingston's School Boards at a Glance
Kingston is served by four publicly funded school boards that give families real choice in their child's education:
- Limestone District School Board (LDSB) — the English public board, serving over 21,000 students across 55 elementary and 11 secondary schools. Offers Core French, French Immersion (Early and Late), Extended French, and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme.
- Algonquin and Lakeshore Catholic District School Board (ALCDSB) — the English Catholic board, serving over 12,000 students across 32 elementary and 5 secondary schools in the Kingston region.
- Conseil des écoles publiques de l'Est de l'Ontario (CEPEO) — the French public board, offering French-first language education for francophone families.
- Conseil des écoles catholiques du Centre-Est (CECCE) — the French Catholic board serving francophone communities in Kingston.
Top Elementary Schools in Kingston (Based on Latest Fraser Institute Rankings)
The Fraser Institute's most recent Report Card on Ontario's Elementary Schools (released January 2026, based on 2023/2024 EQAO results) ranks over 3,000 schools across the province. These are the top-performing public elementary schools in Kingston:
| School | Rating | Provincial Rank | Board |
|---|---|---|---|
| R. Gordon Sinclair Public School | 8.2 / 10 | #287 of 3,052 | LDSB |
| Lancaster Drive Public School | 8.0 / 10 | Top tier | LDSB |
| Rideau Public School | 7.8 / 10 | #447 of 3,052 | LDSB |
| Polson Park Public School | 6.4 / 10 | #1,282 of 3,052 | LDSB |
| James R. Henderson Public School | 6.3 / 10 | #1,348 of 3,052 | LDSB |
Source: Fraser Institute 2025 Report Card on Ontario's Elementary Schools (January 2026 release). Kingston's 30 elementary schools average a solid 5.8/10 rating.
Top Secondary Schools in Kingston (Based on Latest Fraser Institute Rankings)
For high school, the Fraser Institute's 2025 Report Card (released November 2025, based on 2023/2024 EQAO data) ranks 747 Ontario secondary schools. Here are the top performers in Kingston:
| School | Rating | Provincial Rank | Board |
|---|---|---|---|
| École secondaire catholique Marie-Rivier | 7.3 / 10 | #158 of 747 | CECCE (French Catholic) |
| Frontenac Secondary School | 7.0 / 10 | Top 30% | LDSB |
| Holy Cross Catholic Secondary School | 7.0 / 10 | Top 30% | ALCDSB |
| Kingston Secondary School | 6.2 / 10 | #349 of 747 | LDSB |
Source: Fraser Institute 2025 Report Card on Ontario's Secondary Schools (November 2025 release). 2026/2027 rankings will be published in late 2026 / early 2027.
Specialty Programs That Set Kingston Apart
Beyond the ratings, Kingston schools offer several standout programs that make them exceptional choices:
International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme
Two Kingston secondary schools offer the prestigious IB Diploma Programme. Kingston Secondary School (KSS) has been an IB World School since 2001, offering subjects including Mathematics Analysis and Approaches, Biology, Chemistry, French B, and more. Regiopolis-Notre Dame Catholic High School also offers the IB programme in a Catholic context. The IB Diploma is widely recognized by top universities worldwide.
French Immersion and Extended French
The Limestone District School Board offers comprehensive French programming. Early French Immersion starts in Kindergarten and Grade 1, giving children a strong bilingual foundation. Extended and Late French Immersion options are also available at the secondary level through KSS and other schools. For francophone families, both CEPEO and CECCE offer French-first language schooling.
Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) Programs
Kingston Secondary School offers SHSM programs in Arts and Culture, Construction, Food Processing, Sports, and Information and Communications Technology, with students earning Red Seal certifications and industry-recognized credentials. St. Peter Catholic Secondary School offers eight SHSM programs. These programs give students a head start on their careers while completing their OSSD.
Kingston Secondary School — A New State-of-the-Art Facility
KSS opened in a brand new 171,000-square-foot facility designed for 1,340 students. It features modern science labs, a dedicated arts wing, athletic facilities, and collaborative learning spaces that prepare students for post-secondary success.
How School Zones Affect Your Home Search
School catchment zones play a major role in Kingston real estate. Homes near top-rated elementary schools like R. Gordon Sinclair and Lancaster Drive are in high demand, and families often prioritize these areas when searching for their next home. If you are considering a move to Kingston, understanding which schools serve which neighbourhoods can help you target your search effectively.
The most sought-after family neighbourhoods include the west end near Collins Bay, the central areas around Bayridge, and the newer developments in the east end. Each offers a different lifestyle, from established tree-lined streets to modern subdivisions with parks and amenities.
Schools Beyond Kingston
If you are exploring properties in the broader Kingston area, communities like Brockville, Gananoque, Belleville, and Loyalist also offer excellent school options within the Limestone District School Board and ALCDSB. Many families choose these communities for larger properties, waterfront living, or a quieter lifestyle while still having access to Kingston's amenities.
Ready to Find Your Family's Perfect Home in Kingston?
As a Broker with 23 years of experience serving Kingston and its surrounding areas, I have helped hundreds of families find homes near the schools that are right for them. Whether you are relocating from Toronto, Ottawa, or Montreal, or moving across town, I can help you find a property that puts your children in the school zone you want.
Have questions about school zones, neighbourhoods, or the Kingston real estate market? Let's chat.