Mastering the Art of School Research When Moving

1. Know Your Priorities

• Location, Location, Location: How close is the school to your new home? Remember, a nearby school might save you hours in commuting.
• Curriculum: What kind of courses does the school offer? Do they align with your child's interests and strengths?
• Extra-Curricular Activities: Does the school offer clubs, sports, or arts programs that interest your child?

2. Use Online School Directories

• Websites like GreatSchools and Niche provide ratings, reviews, and essential data.
• Check out the school’s own website. They often have tons of useful information!

3. The Power of Social Media

• Join local parent groups. Real experiences are golden!
• Engage in Q&A sessions on platforms like Quora or Reddit.

4. Visit In-Person

• School Tours: Get a feel for the environment.
• Attend Open Houses: They’re great opportunities to meet teachers and students.

5. School Accreditation and Awards

• Accreditation ensures the school meets certain standards.
• Awards can give insights into a school's unique strengths.

6. Teacher Qualifications and Ratios

• Seek schools with highly-qualified educators.
• A favorable student-teacher ratio ensures personal attention.

7. Safety First

• Check crime rates in the area.
• What safety measures does the school have in place?

8. Ask About Special Programs

• Does the school cater to special needs?
• Are there programs for gifted students?

9. Financial Aspects

• Tuition fees and other costs.
• Available scholarships or financial aids.

10. The Cultural and Ethical Environment

• Does the school's culture align with your family values?
• Importance of inclusivity and diversity.

11. Test Scores and Academic Reputation

• Higher test scores can indicate good teaching methods.
• However, remember that they aren’t everything!

12. Alumni Success

• A peek into the future: Where do students head after graduating?

13. Transportation and Infrastructure

• School buses, public transport options.
• Facilities like libraries, labs, and sports arenas.

14. Feedback from Current Students and Parents

• Real insights, unfiltered opinions.

15. Future Development Plans

• Any planned upgrades or expansions in the pipeline?