Choosing the best place to raise a family often centers on access to quality schools. Barrie and Innisfil, Ontario, shine in this regard with strong elementary and secondary options, seamless links to Georgian College, accessible transit, and tools like apps and maps to simplify life for parents and students alike.

 
Elementary & Secondary Education in Barrie & Innisfil
 

Elementary Schools 

Both towns are served by the Simcoe County District School Board (SCDSB) and the Simcoe Muskoka Catholic District School Board (SMCDSB), offering a mix of public and Catholic schools. Barrie features both established and newly built schools like Algonquin Ridge, Allandale Heights, and Assikinack Public School, while Innisfil’s growing neighbourhoods like Alcona are supported by schools such as Alcona Glen Elementary  .

These schools offer enriched programming, including French Immersion beginning as early as Grade 1, and strong parent-teacher engagement through events like literacy nights, fairs, and sports tournaments. Many elementary schools also promote well-rounded growth through music, sports, and leadership clubs.

Secondary Schools

 High school opportunities are equally strong:

• In Barrie:
  
• Bear Creek Secondary School: One of the county’s largest high schools (~1,533 students), featuring modern facilities, athletic amenities, and specialized classrooms .
• Eastview Secondary School: Known for its string music program and French Immersion, serving around 1,400 students .
• St. Peter’s Catholic Secondary School: A well-resourced Catholic high school with added dance studios, fitness facilities, and a preschool/daycare .
• Unity Christian High School: A private Christian school offering small-class personalized education (80 students) .
  
  
• In Innisfil (Alcona area):
• Nantyr Shores Secondary School: Serving Grade 9–12 with about 1,360 students. It has a strong community presence and even a tradition of solar-panel fundraising via student-run initiatives.

These high schools provide diverse programming that meets academic, artistic, athletic, and community needs.

Georgian College: Your Post-Secondary Pathway in Barrie

 Georgian College’s main campus spans 140 acres at Barrie’s edge. Highlights include:

• Sadlon Centre for Health, Wellness and Sciences: A $65 million, state-of-the-art facility for health sciences training.
• Peter B. Moore Advanced Technology Centre: Equipped for programs in engineering, robotics, and mechatronics.
• Design & Digital Arts Centre: Located downtown, accessible via public transit for creative arts students.

Georgian is renowned for its co-op programs, offering students real-world experience before they graduate — a compelling advantage for families planning long-term educational paths.

Getting There: Transit, School Buses & Access

• School Buses: Organized by the Simcoe County Student Transportation Consortium, school bus routes in both towns are efficient and safe. Parents can check eligibility and routes online  .
• Public Transit: Barrie Transit connects key destinations, including Georgian College, making public transit a viable option for older students.
• GO Transit: With two stations in Barrie, GO Trains connect families to the GTA — ideal for commuting students.
• Innovative Models in Innisfil: The town partners with Uber to offer flexible transit options in areas with less public transit coverage — especially useful for accessing schools or co-ops.

Why Families Choose These Communities for Education

1. Strong Academic Variety: The schools support programs like French Immersion, Specialist High Skills Majors, arts, and vocational trades.
2. Safe, Welcoming Communities: Parent-teacher engagement and neighbourhood ties ensure a nurturing environment.
3. Extracurricular Richness: Music, sports, leadership, volunteering, and sustainable initiatives (like Nantyr Shores’ solar panels) foster well-rounded development.
4. Seamless Educational Pathway: From elementary to high school to Georgian College, families have flexible, high-quality educational routes.

Must-Have App for Parents: MySCTS

The MySCTS app, created by the Simcoe County Student Transportation Consortium, is a game-changer for parents. It allows you to:

• Track school bus locations in real time
• Receive alerts for delays, cancellations, or changes
• Check route eligibility and school boundaries easily

This is especially helpful during winter — when road or weather disruptions can affect transportation.

Wrap-Up

Barrie and Innisfil stand out as exceptional places for families focused on education. With excellent elementary and secondary schools, a notable college campus, integrated transit, and user-friendly apps, both towns provide an amazing foundation for your children’s success.

Looking for a change of scenery? Innisfil, Ontario, offers a refreshing alternative to the hustle and bustle of city life. With a population of approximately 44,000, Innisfil boasts a 95% satisfaction rate among residents regarding their quality of life .

 Lakeside Living

Nestled on the western shore of Lake Simcoe, Innisfil provides residents with stunning waterfront views and access to recreational activities like boating, fishing, and hiking. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast or someone who enjoys serene lake vistas, Innisfil has something to offer.()

 Affordable Housing

Compared to nearby urban centers, Innisfil offers more affordable housing options. The median dwelling value stands at $574,080, making it an attractive choice for first-time homebuyers and families .

 Connectivity

Innisfil is well-connected to major highways and public transit, ensuring easy access to neighboring cities and beyond. The upcoming Orbit development promises to enhance these connections further, making commuting more convenient.()

Best Barrie Neighbourhoods for Families

Barrie, Ontario, is home to several family-friendly neighborhoods that offer a blend of comfort, convenience, and community. Here are some top picks:

 Ardagh Bluffs

Located in the southwest corner of Barrie, Ardagh Bluffs offers plenty of parks, trails, and open spaces for families to enjoy. It also has great schools and easy access to amenities like shopping and restaurants .

 Painswick

Situated in the southeast corner of Barrie, Painswick features a mix of single-family homes, townhouses, and condos. With excellent schools, parks, and amenities, it’s close to shopping and restaurants, making it a convenient choice for families  .

 Holly

Found in the southwest corner of Barrie, Holly offers a mix of older and newer homes. It boasts great schools, parks, and amenities, and is close to shopping, restaurants, and the highway for easy commuting .

3. Orbit Development Explained

The Orbit is an ambitious new development by Cortel Group, aiming to transform Innisfil into a modern, sustainable community. Located at 6th Line and 20th Sideroad, the project envisions a high-density living area spread across 40 million square feet, potentially housing between 30,000 to 150,000 people .

 Future-Ready Infrastructure

While the development is still in its early stages, plans include the creation of a new transit hub, retail and office spaces, and various residential options. This infrastructure aims to support the growing population and enhance the quality of life for residents.()

 Sustainable Living

 The Orbit is designed with sustainability in mind, incorporating green spaces, energy-efficient buildings, and eco-friendly transportation options. These features align with Innisfil’s commitment to fostering a future-focused community .

4. Area Highlights and Schools

Innisfil and Barrie are home to a variety of schools and educational institutions, catering to students of all ages.()

 Innisfil Schools

Innisfil offers a range of public and Catholic schools, providing quality education within the community. Additionally, the town’s commitment to high-speed internet ensures that students have access to online learning resources.()

 Barrie Schools

Barrie hosts numerous public and Catholic schools, known for their academic excellence and extracurricular programs. For instance, the Ardagh Bluffs area is recognized for its great schools and high EQAO testing results .

 Transit and Georgian College

Both Innisfil and Barrie are well-served by public transit, with routes connecting key areas, including Georgian College. Full-time students at Georgian College benefit from unlimited access to the City of Barrie transit system through the U-Pass program

The Barrie Fair, a beloved annual event in Barrie, Ontario, has been celebrating local agriculture, crafts, and community traditions since the 1800s. 

Returning this year from August 21- 24 at the Essa Agriplex in Thornton, Ontario

The fair marks the revival of large-scale public events, bringing residents and visitors together for fun, entertainment, and community connection.

What to Expect at the Barrie Fair

This year’s fair offers something for everyone:

• Thrilling rides and games for all ages

• Agricultural exhibits and livestock showcases highlighting local farmers

• Craft displays and hands-on workshops featuring local artisans

• Competitions like baking contests and more

• Live music performances from popular local bands

• Family-friendly activities, including petting zoos and face painting

Community Impact

The Barrie Fair is more than just fun—it supports the local economy. Vendors, farmers, and artisans showcase and sell their products, while community organizations engage residents and promote local causes. The event fosters a strong sense of community pride and connection.

Why You Should Attend

From celebrating Ontario’s traditions to enjoying family-friendly activities, the Barrie Fair is a highlight of the region’s cultural calendar. As it grows and evolves, it continues to strengthen community bonds and honor a legacy that spans generations.

Plan your visit to the Barrie Fair 2023 and experience the best of Barrie’s agriculture, arts, and local spirit!

Visit the website for tickets: https://essaagriplex.ca