Whether you have a teen entering Grade 9 or you're buying a home with future schooling in mind, knowing your options when it comes to Guelph’s high schools is key.


๏ปฟThese four secondary schools—Centennial CVI, Guelph CVI, John F. Ross, and Bishop Macdonell—are among the most recognized in the city, offering a wide range of academic programs, extracurriculars, and strong post-secondary pathways.

Let’s take a deeper look at what each school has to offer.


๐Ÿ… 1. Centennial Collegiate Vocational Institute (CCVI)

๐Ÿ“ Upper Grand District School Board
๐Ÿง  Fraser Institute Score: Ranked among the top 5% of Ontario high schools
๐ŸŽ“ Enrollment: ~1,700 students

Why it stands out:
CCVI is often considered the top academic high school in Guelph. It offers a strong Advanced Placement (AP) program and enrichment courses in math and sciences. Students consistently perform well on standardized tests and are well-prepared for university-level academics.

Special Programs:

  • Advanced Placement (AP)

  • Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) in Environment, Business, and Health & Wellness

  • Strong music and drama departments

  • Leadership and debate clubs

Alumni Highlights:
Graduates have gone on to attend top universities in Canada and internationally, including the University of Toronto, Western, and McGill. CCVI alumni often pursue careers in law, medicine, tech, and engineering.


๐Ÿ› 2. Guelph Collegiate Vocational Institute (GCVI)

๐Ÿ“ Downtown Guelph | Upper Grand District School Board
๐ŸŽ“ Established: 1854 – one of Ontario’s oldest high schools
๐Ÿ“ˆ 5-Year Fraser Avg: 8.3/10

Why it stands out:
GCVI is known for its International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme, a globally recognized academic track. It also has a thriving arts community and inclusive school culture.

Special Programs:

  • IB Diploma (one of few in Southwestern Ontario)

  • SHSM programs in Arts & Culture and Information & Communications Tech

  • French Immersion

  • Strong visual arts and performing arts programming

Alumni Highlights:
Many GCVI grads have pursued careers in politics, journalism, and education. Its downtown location and historical reputation give it a “university prep” atmosphere.


๐Ÿงช 3. John F. Ross Collegiate Vocational Institute (JFR)

๐Ÿ“ East Guelph | Upper Grand District School Board
๐ŸŽ“ Enrollment: ~1,500 students
๐Ÿ† Fraser Score: 7.1/10

Why it stands out:
JFR is a large, diverse school known for its hands-on learning opportunities and balanced focus on academics, trades, and co-op. It has one of the strongest SHSM programs in the city and serves a wide catchment area.

Special Programs:

  • SHSM in Construction, Hospitality & Tourism, and Health & Wellness

  • Dual Credit and Co-op Education

  • Robust athletics program including football, rugby, and track

  • Auto shop and technical programs for skilled trades

Alumni Highlights:
JFR graduates go on to a mix of college, university, and apprenticeship programs. Some have become notable trades professionals, educators, and small business owners in Guelph.


โœ๏ธ 4. Bishop Macdonell Catholic High School (Bishop Mac)

๐Ÿ“ Wellington Catholic District School Board
๐ŸŽ“ Fraser Institute Score: 7.6/10

Why it stands out:
As Guelph’s flagship Catholic high school, Bishop Mac offers faith-based learning alongside strong academics and a welcoming student community. It’s smaller than the public schools but known for personalized support and high graduation rates.

Special Programs:

  • Extended French program

  • SHSM in Arts & Culture and Health & Wellness

  • Mission trips and Catholic social justice programming

  • Close ties to parishes and local charities

Alumni Highlights:
Bishop Mac grads often continue to Catholic post-secondary institutions or pursue healthcare, education, and public service. Many alumni return to serve in the Guelph Catholic school system.


๐Ÿก Why Secondary Schools Matter for Home Buyers

Choosing a home near a strong high school is not only great for your kids—it’s also a smart long-term investment. School quality impacts property value, resale appeal, and your daily life.

As a local real estate agent, I can help you:

  • Find homes in catchment zones for CCVI, GCVI, JFR, or Bishop Mac

  • Understand school boundary maps and French/IB program availability

  • Explore nearby neighborhoods and future resale potential


๐ŸŽฏ Final Thought

No matter your child’s interests—whether it’s STEM, the arts, trades, or university-bound academics—Guelph’s high schools offer diverse pathways for growth and success.

Thinking about your family's next move? I’d be happy to help you find a home that fits your education and lifestyle goals.

๐Ÿ“ฉ Reach out any time—let’s talk schools, real estate, and what’s right for your future.

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How to Get Pre-Approved for a Mortgage in Guelph

By Wilson Li • November 26, 2025
How to Get Pre-Approved for a Mortgage in Guelph If you're thinking about buying a home in Guelph, one of the smartest first steps you can take is getting pre-approved for a mortgage. It’s more than just a number — it’s a key to unlocking your home search with confidence, especially in a competitive market like Guelph’s. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get pre-approved and ready to shop for your new home. 1. Understand What Pre-Approval Really Means Getting pre-approved means a lender has reviewed your financial situation and is willing to lend you a certain amount of money for a home purchase. It’s not a guarantee of financing, but it’s a strong signal to sellers that you’re a serious, qualified buyer. A pre-approval will give you: A clear price range for your home search An estimate of your monthly payments Confidence when making an offer A competitive edge in a multiple-offer situation 2. Gather Your Financial Documents To get started, you’ll need to gather the following: Recent pay stubs (or proof of income if self-employed) Two years of T4s and/or tax returns Bank account statements A list of current debts and monthly payments Government-issued ID Having these documents ready can speed up the process significantly. 3. Check Your Credit Score In Canada, lenders typically want to see a credit score of at least 600–680 to qualify for a mortgage with a good interest rate. You can check your credit score for free through services like Equifax, TransUnion, or Borrowell. If your score is lower than expected, consider taking a few months to improve it before applying. 4. Connect With a Mortgage Professional In Guelph, you can choose between working with: A bank or credit union , which often offer bundled services and products if you’re already a customer. A mortgage broker , who can shop around with multiple lenders to find you the best rate and terms. A good local mortgage broker or advisor can guide you through the pre-approval process and help explain any terms you don’t understand. 5. Complete the Pre-Approval Application Once you've chosen your lender or broker, you’ll fill out a mortgage application. This includes details about your employment, income, assets, debts, and the kind of home you’re hoping to buy. Most applications can be done online and processed in just a couple of days. 6. Get Your Pre-Approval Letter If your application is approved, you’ll receive a pre-approval letter outlining: The amount you can borrow The interest rate (typically locked in for 90–120 days) Any conditions or next steps This letter is gold when you're ready to put in an offer — it shows sellers you’re prepared and qualified. 7. Stick to Your Budget Just because you’re approved for a certain amount doesn’t mean you should max it out. Work with your realtor to find a home that fits your budget and lifestyle comfortably — including extra costs like property taxes, home insurance, and utilities. Final Thoughts Getting pre-approved is one of the most important — and empowering — steps in your home buying journey. In a market like Guelph, where homes can sell fast and competition is strong, being prepared can make all the difference. Need help connecting with a trusted local mortgage broker or want to talk about your home search goals? I'm happy to help!

๐Ÿ•ฐ๏ธ Should You Wait to Buy a Home? What to Consider in Today’s Market

By Wilson Li • November 19, 2025
๐Ÿ•ฐ๏ธ Should You Wait to Buy a Home? What to Consider in Today’s Market It’s the question nearly every potential buyer is asking: "Should I wait to buy a home, or should I make a move now?" With interest rates still high, talk of a potential market shift, and affordability concerns top of mind, it’s no surprise that buyers are feeling cautious. But the right decision isn’t one-size-fits-all. Let’s break down what’s happening in the Guelph (and Ontario) housing market in mid-2025—and whether waiting is the smart move for you . ๐Ÿ“‰ Interest Rates: Still High… But for How Long? As of now, interest rates remain elevated compared to pre-2022 levels. But the Bank of Canada has signalled potential rate cuts by late 2025 or early 2026 , depending on inflation trends and economic growth. Waiting could mean: โœ… Lower monthly payments if rates drop โŒ More buyers re-entering the market = more competition and higher prices ๐Ÿง  Tip: Some buyers are using short-term fixed rates now, then planning to refinance once rates improve. ๐Ÿ  Prices Have Stabilized In many markets, including Guelph, home prices have cooled off from their early-2022 highs. While they’re not cheap, prices have levelled , and there’s more balance between buyers and sellers. Buying now could mean: โœ… Less competition โœ… More time to negotiate and include conditions โŒ A slightly higher monthly payment (but possibly a better price) If prices begin to climb again in 2026—as many experts expect— waiting could cost more in the long run , especially if rates don’t drop significantly. ๐Ÿ“ฆ Inventory Is Higher, Giving You Options More listings are sitting longer, and buyers have more time to think. It’s a welcome change from the frantic pace of recent years. Today’s market lets you: Take time for inspections Include financing and sale-of-home conditions Avoid bidding wars in many segments ๐Ÿท๏ธ In short: You’re buying in a calmer, more thoughtful environment right now. ๐Ÿ’ก So… Should You Wait? Here’s how to decide: โœ… Buy Now If... You’ve secured a rate you can afford You’re tired of renting or want to build equity You’ve found a home that fits your lifestyle and budget You want to lock in a price before demand rises again โณ Wait If... Your job or income situation is uncertain You’re not emotionally or financially ready for the commitment You’re hoping to make a very competitive or cash-heavy offer in the near future You want to build your down payment a little more ๐Ÿ Final Thoughts There’s no perfect time to buy—but there is a right time for you . The key is to weigh the pros and cons based on your personal goals, finances, and lifestyle. ๐Ÿ“ฉ Still unsure? Let’s have a no-pressure conversation. I can walk you through what’s happening in the Guelph market right now, help you understand your buying power, and explore options that make sense—whether you’re ready today or next year.
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