Finding a new home can be a fun and exciting event in your life, but for many, finding the right school for their kids can be a strenuous process. In this article, U.S. News Real Estate reporter Devon Thorsby outlines some simple steps you can take to find the right neighborhood for you – and the right school for your kids.
Finding the best schools for your children, depending on their needs and where you’re moving, can be a grueling process that includes comparing school districts, touring schools and dropping in on PTA meetings to learn even more. You not only want them to go somewhere they will enjoy, but you also want to be sure your child receives an education that sets them up for future success.
Keep in mind that while providing your child with a good education is important, the neighborhood you live in – and whether can afford it – also matters.
Do the research. With plenty of information available at your fingertips, get started with an online search to determine the school district, or even the specific school, you hope to send your child. Different sites offer test scores, rankings and demographic information, including student diversity by race and gender, the percentage of students on free lunch programs and the student-teacher ratio, to develop an opinion of the schools and school districts you’re considering.
Take other needs into account. Before you get caught up in a whirlwind of test scores, focus on your own child’s needs. Just because a school has slightly lower test scores than the next one doesn’t mean it won’t be a great fit socially. Examining a school from a wider perspective can help you avoid ruling it out based on a single data point, especially if that data point eliminates neighborhoods you could afford.
Know what you can afford. It’s not surprising that many of the neighborhoods with the best schools are also some of the priciest – where demand is high, prices go up. Avoid sacrificing too much for a quality school district, as enough bedrooms and space for your family to be comfortable is important to maintaining a sense of home.
Before you buy, visit the school. A tour of the school and the opportunity for your child to sit in on a class can help ensure the curriculum is the right speed. PTA participation, after-school activities and opportunities for you to get involved as a parent could make one school a better environment over another. Taking the time to meet with school or district administrators, as well as your child’s potential teachers, can help you decide if it’s an institution you feel comfortable with your child attending.
