The Fraser Institute’s Report Card on Ontario’s elementary schools reveals significant differences in testing results. In one example, testing outcomes from Toronto area Catholic and public elementary schools are higher than anywhere else.

On average, northern and central schools report lower results on standardized testing. Peter Cowley with the Fraser Institute says students should have an equal chance at success regardless of where they live and adds there appears to be acceptance that some school boards can produce lower results year after year with little consequence. Cowley says despite a few exceptions like a tiny school in North Bay that ranked high the numbers don’t lie, regional gaps persist. Many educators are openly critical of the Fraser Institute school rankings, and even the value of standardized testing is routinely challenged.