Moving- how to pick a school zone?

[OTMomma]

My dh just got a job offer in another state and we will be moving this summer. Thus far we have been homeschooling, but I don't know what life may bring, so I would like to research the local schools before we move. I've been told there are some great public schools there and some that are just ok. As a homeschooler I don't know what questions to ask or how to tell the difference between great and ok. How do you go about researching schools when you don't know anyone there, and how can you tell if its a great school?

TIA,

[amma_mama]

I think that you need to, first, define for yourself what you would consider a good school for your child - much of what sets schools apart is the eye of the beholder. Yes, you can look at test scores and demographics (which are typically available on the web), if they matter you, but those are not the things that necessarily make a school a good fit or not for a particular child.  Things that mattered to us were the overall teaching philosophy, degree of differentiation in the classroom (ability and learning styles) and gifted programs (if DD qualifies), class size, time for physical activities (recess, PE, dance/movement classes), enrichment (languages, arts, etc.), diversity of student body, frequency of school events (family fun nights and the like that build a community), among others. Again, think about what is important for you and your child to thrive. 

Frankly, there is only so much research you can do remotely. As part of your housing search, I would focus on a few neighborhoods that appeal to you - the location, the schools, the amenities, transportation - and then narrow the search from there once you are on the ground. Then go visit the schools, talk to the principal as well as teachers in different grades, talk to the PTA (who may be able to put you in touch with some parents) or even attend a PTA meeting. At the end of the day, it will come down to the individual teacher, their relationship with your child, and the support they (and you) get from the principal/administration. An "OK" school may be a great fit for your child and particular circumstances, while a so-called "great" school may be a poor fit.

[One_Girl]

I have found that there is no real way to know if a school is good or not until your child is in the school.  My dd was at a school that is considered wonderful and she had a truly horrible experience with a teacher who has a reputation in the district as awful, the principal refused to move her, and we left the school completely.  My dd is now in a school that I was very ambivalent about and is having a wonderful experience.  When I student taught at a school that is typically considered a bad school I saw a lot of amazing teachers educating in very innovative ways.  The school had bad tests scores because almost half the students in the school were refugees and they get very little time to learn the language before they are tested with the rest of the students.  I would have loved to put my dd in that school because I really felt like the teachers were good at educating and welcoming students. 

If there is a certain curriculum you are looking for you might want to look into whether that is offered in the district.  You should also make sure the state or the district has rules against corporal punishment, there are some states that allow it still but many districts in those states have rules against it.  You should also ask about open-enrollment options.  In some districts you can open enroll into any school in the district as long as there is room.  Open enrollment will allow you to choose a house based on other factors because you will know that if the school in that area isn't a good fit you can choose another one.  Other than that I wouldn't worry about it until there is a problem.

[bobandjess99]

Yes to what has been said.  it completely depends on what your definition of a "good" school is.  A gew years ago, i would have said one with the highest test scores, the most academic, rigorous curriculum, the strictest standards and discipline....now?  that thought makes me laugh.  I would be looking for the opposite of that.  Lots of arts, delayed academics, lots of student freedom to choose work, such as in a Montessori for example, etc.  Sure, things like "lack of violence" would probably be on anyone's list, but beyond that..it becomes hard to quantify "good" "best" etc. 

[OTMomma]

Thank you for the thoughtful replies! You have given me some good things to think about. I agree that test scores are not a good indicator of wether a school will be a good fit for my kids, and it may be better to just find a home we will be happy in and worry about the schools later. We plan to rent for now, so we could move if some day we need to go to a different school district. We could try the one where we live if that makes sense for our kids, and hope for a great teacher.

[Emmeline II]

Originally Posted by OTMomma 

Thank you for the thoughtful replies! You have given me some good things to think about. I agree that test scores are not a good indicator of wether a school will be a good fit for my kids, and it may be better to just find a home we will be happy in and worry about the schools later. We plan to rent for now, so we could move if some day we need to go to a different school district. We could try the one where we live if that makes sense for our kids, and hope for a great teacher.
 

Being able to rent while you get to know the area will be helpful. You can also post on your tribe board. You can also check out particular schools on "Great Schools".  I did this for ds' charter and the reviews turned out to be accurate, good and bad (I love the school ).

[chel]

Good schools help resale, so even if hs it's good to consider.
Do you have a choice of districts? Often, school zones change. Much more than districts.
You best bet for some quick leads is to ask around with the locals. Def try the tribes here.

[Coral123]

Others have good advice here.  Regarding the greatschools website, they have inaccurate/misleading information on their website about our school...I've tried to communicate with them about changing it, but have only gotten automated replies.  My sense of the parent review section of the website is that people who have average experiences don't tend to comment.

We live in an excellent school district, on paper.  Our school experience though has been disappointing in many ways.  Good test scores etc., are not really a guarantee of what sort of experience your child will have.

[ollyoxenfree]

Rather than dismissing test scores, I'd try to look behind the results.

Are they good because the school teaches to the test or because it's in a higher socio-economic area and parents pay for a lot of extra tutoring or because the school really is an inspiring place to learn, supporting enthusiastic teachers who use innovative methods?

Are they bad because the school has bad teachers or perhaps there is a challenging (ESL, special needs etc.) student demographic? As pointed out above, schools with diverse demographics may offer a better learning environment even if the test scores are low.

A few other things to keep in mind: 

- how open and welcoming the school is to parents (I've had school administrators refuse to meet with me when I asked about their programs. Needless to say, I didn't enrol my children). 

- how open and welcoming is the parent community - attend a parent council meeting or school event, if possible, before enrolling

- discipline methods favoured by the teachers and administration

- motivation methods

- homework policy

- dress code

- attendance policy

- instructional methods - traditional top-down teaching or independent child-led learning or group projects? old school blackboards or new technology smart boards and computers in the classroom? 

- demographics - do most of the students live in the neighbourhood (great for playdates and working on projects etc. together) or all over the city (there will be lots of after-school and weekend driving in your future)

The advice to figure out what you consider a "good school" is excellent. Also think about your priorities too, and where you are willing to compromise. You may be willing to tolerate some policies but not others, and it's unlikely that you will find a school that matches your ideal vision 100% completely.  

[whatsnextmom]

Some you aren't going to know until you get there really. Some look great on paper but offer no flexibility. Others look like nothing special but turn out to be highly individualized.

Personally, in your situation, I would move into a district with the most options. Does the district have K-8 schools, magnets, immersion schools, ect. The more options, the better chance at moving elsewhere if the initial school doesn't work.

Oh, and about test scores. It doesn't really help to look at overall test scores. Sometimes your best bet is to look at how children in your demographic test. For example, in our district (which we love) the schools test acceptably well but nothing like the coastal schools. However, look up our demographic and you find my kids are testing just as well and higher than the kids in the same demographic in these wealthier districts. Look them up online. I know in our state, you can look up a while bunch of demographics including college educated, english language learners, economic bracket, GATE, special ed, gender, ect.