Choosing a School District

What makes some school districts better than others? How can you find the best school district for your child? These are questions that people consider when they are looking to buy a new home.

One way to judge the quality of a school district is to look at how it is rated by the state. Schools receive ratings of Exemplary, Recognized, Academically Acceptable or Academically Unacceptable. While all schools hope to earn an exemplary rating, does that really tell all there is to know about a school district?

Perhaps the best way to evaluate a school district is to visit a school. Talking with administrators, teachers, and parent volunteers will allow you to learn the climate of the district. Ask about the discipline policy, the percentage of certified teachers, the average years of experience for the teachers, and the teacher turnover rate. Request samples of the district's curriculum. Find out the median and average SAT and ACT scores in the district. Inquire about how the teachers are trained annually. Ask about programs for children who require additional instruction. This information can help you to match what the district has to offer with the needs of your child.

Finally, consider the size of the school district? What are the advantages of a smaller district? Smaller student populations produce an enhanced opportunity to participate in extracurricular activities. Also, parents often have greater access to district administrators, and vastly greater opportunities to volunteer and participate in their child's education.

The right house, in the right neighborhood, with the perfect educational opportunities for your child, requires research.