Stoney Creek is one of the most sought-after family communities in Hamilton largely because of its strong school network, modern facilities in newer subdivisions, safe neighbourhoods, and access to specialized academic programs.
For homebuyers — especially families relocating from the GTA or newcomers to Canada — school quality, programs, and catchments are among the most important factors influencing where to live.
Stoney Creek is served primarily by two major publicly funded school boards:
Public (English): Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board (HWDSB)
Catholic (English): Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic District School Board (HWCDSB)
Additional options include French-language boards, private schools, and alternative education programs.
PUBLIC SCHOOLS — HWDSB (English Public)
The HWDSB operates a large network of elementary and secondary schools across Stoney Creek, including many recently built or renovated facilities in Upper Stoney Creek.
Official board website:
https://www.hwdsb.on.ca
School locator tool:
https://www.hwdsb.on.ca/school-locator
Orchard Park Secondary School (Grades 7–12)
200 Dewitt Rd, Stoney Creek
https://orchardpark.hwdsb.on.ca
One of the main public secondary schools serving central and eastern Stoney Creek.
Academic & enrichment programs:
Grades 7–12 (combined intermediate & secondary)
French Immersion
Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM)
Cooperative education placements
Arts, athletics, and technology programs
This school is highly relevant for families in Lower Stoney Creek and Winona.
Sir Winston Churchill Secondary School
1715 Main St E, Hamilton
https://swc.hwdsb.on.ca
Serves western Stoney Creek and parts of East Hamilton.
Highlights:
Large, diverse student population
Strong athletics and extracurricular activities
Academic and applied pathways
Community partnerships
Elementary Schools Serving Stoney Creek
Below are key HWDSB elementary schools commonly associated with Stoney Creek neighbourhoods.
Winona Elementary School
301 Lewis Rd
https://win.hwdsb.on.ca
Serves the Winona community and newer developments east of Fifty Road.
Key features:
Kindergarten to Grade 8
Family-oriented catchment
Modern facilities
Close proximity to rural properties and new subdivisions
Mount Albion Public School
875 Greenhill Ave
https://mta.hwdsb.on.ca
Serves areas near the escarpment and Upper Stoney Creek.
Ridgeview Public School
25 Morton Rd
https://rdg.hwdsb.on.ca
Located in Lower Stoney Creek, popular with families seeking established neighbourhoods.
Lake Avenue Public School
157 Lake Ave Dr
https://lkp.hwdsb.on.ca
Serves waterfront-adjacent communities.
Elizabeth Bagshaw Elementary School
1555 Queenston Rd
https://ebb.hwdsb.on.ca
One of the newer schools serving growing residential areas.
Viola Desmond Elementary School
1451 Mud St E
https://vde.hwdsb.on.ca
A modern facility serving Upper Stoney Creek subdivisions.
CATHOLIC SCHOOLS — HWCDSB
Catholic schools are publicly funded in Ontario and offer faith-based education while following the provincial curriculum.
Official board website:
https://www.hwcdsb.ca
School locator:
https://www.hwcdsb.ca/school-locator
St. Francis Xavier Catholic Secondary School
50 Highway 8, Stoney Creek
https://sfx.hwcdsb.ca
A flagship Catholic high school serving much of Stoney Creek.
Programs & opportunities:
Grades 9–12
Advanced Placement (AP) courses
Athletics and competitive sports teams
Arts and music programs
Faith-based activities
Bishop Ryan Catholic Secondary School
1824 Rymal Rd E, Hamilton
https://bry.hwcdsb.ca
Serves Upper Stoney Creek and mountain communities.
Catholic Elementary Schools
St. Martin of Tours Catholic Elementary
1453 Lawrence Rd
https://stmt.hwcdsb.ca
St. Clare of Assisi Catholic Elementary
St. David Catholic Elementary
St. Agnes Catholic Elementary
Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic Elementary
These schools provide Kindergarten through Grade 8 education.
French-Language Public & Catholic Schools
Families seeking full French-language education (not immersion) are served by provincial French boards.
Public French Board
Conseil scolaire Viamonde
https://csviamonde.ca
Catholic French Board
Conseil scolaire catholique MonAvenir
https://cscmonavenir.ca
Eligibility typically requires French-language rights holders under Canadian law.
Private & Independent Schools Nearby
Stoney Creek residents also access prestigious private schools in Hamilton and Burlington.
Hillfield Strathallan College
299 Fennell Ave W, Hamilton
https://www.hsc.on.ca
One of Canada’s leading independent schools offering JK–Grade 12 education.
Columbia International College
1003 Main St W, Hamilton
https://www.cic-totalcare.com
Large private school known for international student programs.
Early Childhood Education & Childcare
Stoney Creek offers numerous daycare centres, Montessori schools, and early learning programs.
Find licensed childcare:
https://www.hamilton.ca/people-programs/children-services
School Catchments & Real Estate Impact
In Ontario, school assignment depends strictly on residential address.
Before purchasing a home, buyers should verify:
✔ Designated elementary school
✔ Designated secondary school
✔ French Immersion eligibility
✔ Transportation availability
✔ Program availability
School zones can change over time due to population growth.
Why School Zones Matter for Home Values
Homes located in desirable catchments typically experience:
Higher demand from buyers
Strong resale values
Faster appreciation
Lower vacancy rates for rentals
Greater appeal to relocating families
In Upper Stoney Creek, proximity to newer schools is a major selling feature.
