5 steps to finding the best school district

If you're planning to relocate, finding a home in a good school district is an important consideration.  These tips can help you make your move.

1.  Start by asking your real estate professional about the reputations of schools in the area.  Then talk to families in the neighborhood.

2.  Several websites offer information about schools, including graduation rates, college-bound percentages, and standardized test scores.  The National Center for Education Statistics ( www.nces.ed.gov ) is a good place to start.

3.  Contact the district office and request copies of the individual school report cards, which contain standardized test scores for each school.

4.  Written information can never take the place of first-hand observation.  Take a tour of the school, preferably when school is in session, so you can observe classes and speak with students and teachers.

5.  Ask questions- lots of them.  Find out about the average number of students per class, school facilities, extra-curricular activities, optional and required classes, art and music programs, foreign languages, equipment such as computers, and the school's approach to teaching the basics: reading, writing, and math.

Source: Parenting Magazine April 2006


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