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There are SO MANY websites, but which ones are reputable?
I went to Great Schools, but it seems like maybe those rankings are based mainly on community opinion. Plus, the comments seem to be one extreme or the other...and some are what I consider really outdated (2006).
For me I looked at the area the school was in, I checked the department of education main site and checked for a particular school's report card. I also talked to people who I knew and asked their opinions on schools in the city. I also set up a visit of schools to see what they look like and asked to see their current curriculm. I am going to school to be a teacher and some say I am too picky but I know that education is important. Ask questions and make notes of what you see and don't see, like and do not like. Good luck.
There are different criteria they base it on. They also have other info on it as well. When I get home I can link to the ones for Ohio to give you an idea. On school websites they may or may not have demographics for the area. It depends on what you want. If you are buying or renting the agent or landlord can give you an idea as well.
I believe that both Newsweek magazine and U.S. News and World Reports rate school systems every year. You may want to limit the scope to the best high schools, as this is often a determining factor when considering school systems.
Standard and Poor's also rates school systems.
If you know what area you want to move to, then you may narrow the search that way as well. I remember visiting a website that ranks cities and schools. I think it's called city-search? They also have online forums where you can post questions about the best schools in a particular area.
I've moved twice in the last six years, and it requires a lot of research. We've been in a few different school systems. There are a few things that set great school systems apart: technology (one school system used Smart Board technology in every classroom), college prep focused, gifted and alternative programs, lots of after-school opportunities, and a community that values its schools.
Maybe check with a realtor (or 2 or 3) in the area where you will be moving. Good school districts are a priority for so many that a realtor should be able to steer you in the right direction.
Are you moving for the military? Maybe you can check with someone on base where your new assignment is and they could help you.
Or you could post on here with where you are moving and ask for opinions? You'd probably get the most honest answers that way.
We are looking at retirement from the military. My son has applied to a special school that has a magnet program. If he gets in, I could be moving ahead of my husband. We are just trying to decide if we want to live in-district where that magnet program is, or live elsewhere and I will just have to drive him in (if he makes the admission cut).
Doing this from a long distance is so difficult...and we are not ready to let our friends/family know because if DS does not get in, I will stay here a little longer and likely move next summer when DS can reapply. I am just trying to get some scout work done now...because if he makes admissions for this Fall, we are going to be pushed to house-hunt and get our lives moved 3000 miles away!!
Exciting and stressful at the same time...and difficult because I can't really talk to anyone about it!
You'll find a wealth of info there, trust me! Good luck!
Pssst! wanna tell us what area the magnet school is in?
This is kind of neat, but I have to wonder how accurate and up to date it is. It doesn't list at least 3 of the larger middle schools in our area including my daughters. Also, We have a large amount of elementary schools in our city and it only lists two. Even worse, one of the schools they listed has the worst reputation in the city for academics. I'm going to have to look over it more when I have some time!
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Taking it off one pound at a time! lllll*lllll*lllll*lllll*lll lllll*lllll*lllll*lllll*lllll*lllll*lllll
Proud Mom of Arianna (13) and Ethan (10)
OK...so I can't really tell anyone yet (my job...local friends...) but my son did make it into that school, so I am moving this summer! I can't tell you all how excited I am.
We already have a realtor...have been looking at houses...the thought of not having to shovel snow...**sigh**
Of course, the new house has to have an area for a craft table. LOL
Awesome! So excited for you! ( I'm a nut that just loves house hunting!) Can you tell us the area? Maybe someone here on the boards lives there and can be a little more helpful to you. Good luck!
Hate to say but AZ is almost bottom of the states for education. There are some fantastic districts in the bunch but it's still not good. Good luck. We're leaving when my husband retires.
Hate to say but AZ is almost bottom of the states for education. There are some fantastic districts in the bunch but it's still not good. Good luck. We're leaving when my husband retires.
My son got accepted to a magnet program that is a perfect fit for him, so we are excited! We just can't afford private school, but that probably would not even work for his needs. We feel pretty lucky!
Congrats to him. You should be able to get a great deal on a property. AZ took a massive hit ( Phoenix even more than here). We got moved to DM in the middle of 2007 and have probably lost 35-40% of our property value. Bit of a climate change, too!
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Karen
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Last edited by Englishrose; 03-15-2012 at 08:12 PM..
LOL Yes it is! We will probably dry up like raisins in about 2 days.
And that property drop is just another factor in our desire to go there. Plus, it is close to my family in CA and we certainly cannot afford to live to near them!!
So tell me...
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