Do your homework on school choices
Earlier this week, a co-worker asked for help finding a list ranking metro area public schools.
It’s a question I’ve heard from parents before: How do I find out what school is best for my child?
Here are some resources you might find helpful if you’re wondering the same thing.
1) www.schoolreportcard.org/reports.htm#dist – These are report cards compiled by an oversight board. They contain a substantial amount of district- and school-level data. The 2007 reports just came out.
2) www.greatschools.net – This allows for comparison of individual schools and includes parent comments. I’d say you have to take those comments with a grain of salt – a school might not be bad just because one parent has a bad experience – but nevertheless it may also be useful.
3) http://sde.state.ok.us/NCLB/pdf/api2007.pdf – This contains a straight comparison of district and school state test scores.
4) Visit school Web sites and call the schools you are considering, especially for children with special needs, gifted status or particular interests, to see what school is best for each child.
If there other ways you gauge school choices, share them here on the Education Station.
Wendy K. Kleinman
Education Reporter
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This is very helpful information. I have a two-year-old and my husband and I are going to buy a house. Obviously, a big factor in our decision is the schools. It’s nice to have the information compiled in one spot. Thanks.