What are some reliable sources to check for school district rankings (USA)?
If someone is to move to a new town and want to make sure that the school district is a really good one,how to do that?
I have been using google to find stuff but was wondering if someone can help a lil more.
Thanks.
School district rankings
Greatschools.com is one source. They compile information from state educational agencies and parent/student/teacher reviews.
Since standards and testing is state specific, it’s hard to gauge and compare, but the best thing to do is go to the states education agency website and check the accountability ratings for whatever district you are considering. Look at the latest math, reading, writing and science scores from whatever method of standardized testing they utilize.
Also, most schools district’s individual websites also contain links to this information…especially if they are an exemplary or recognized district, they’ll have it plastered all over there websites lol!
Re: School district rankings
Honestly, I don’t trust standardized test scores. They help, but they shouldn’t make your decision. The most important thing in my mind is the student-teacher ratio.
Visit schools if you can and actually look in the classrooms to see what the atmosphere is like.
School district rankings
Agreed S02, standardized test scores shouldn’t be the sole basis of the decision making, I only meant that that is usually an indicator of the better districts, at least in Texas.
The middle school my eldest will transfer into, if you look solely at the “numbers”, seems average at best. But that’s because the district (which is very high performing) had launched a satellite program for special Ed/underperforming students. It’s now known as the “hidden jewel” of our area because of the dedication of its principal and staff/teachers and how they prepare those students for high school. On the flip side, they also have a very strong pre AP program which doesn’t always reflect in the standardized test scores because it gets overshadowed by the others.
Talk to parents and students who actually are in that district if possible. And S02 is right, look at the student to teacher ratio.
Re: School district rankings
Thanks ladies.I still need to do a lot of research!
If we narrow it down to one or two school districts and I visit the schools,should I be going to all elementary,middle & high schools..??(my kid is a lil over 3 years old).
I have heard from a few desi parents that they prefer they live in a town which is a mixed community…as it makes it easier for kids when they are in school and they do not feel like the odd ones out…any thoughts…??