Where to live in MA with good schools?

Where to live in MA with good schools?

That is one of the most frequent questions people ask themselves or their agents when starting the search process for their new home. And rightfully so. If you have children, or are planning to have them in the near future qualty of schools becomes a focal point in your search.

There are yearly test scores for different schools, parent online reviews, and even tell tales that are often taken into consideration. But before you look at them ask yourself these questions:

- do I buy a smaller house, maybe a condo, so that I can afford to get into a better school district?

- do I search for a town with decent schools, maybe not the highest on the chart, but have a big house and plenty of backyard space?

- Do I look for great public school system, or will I consider private schools as well?

- Maybe I can homeschool, at least during elementary and middle school years, and look for the best high school? Will I consider moving later to a town with better high school, if need be?

 - Do I want a strong emphasis on certain subjects? Say, sports, arts, math, languages... Which school provides that?

 - Would I consider for my children to take supplemental classes privately if I think one subject is lacking, but overall school system is fine?

 - Can I teach one subject myself? Here's my own example: I'm good at math, but I have no experience and honestly no patience explaining it to a child, I wouldn't want to teach it. But with my background in linguistics I can easily teach my daughter beginning and intermediate Spanish, German and French, if need be. My husband is musician and is teaching her to play piano. Overall, I'm not concerned if arts are lacking in a certain school. We will more than make up for that. But I do want strong math classes, and am willing to go to a private teacher. 

Here's my recipe for the choice of the best school in YOUR OPINION:

• Ask yourself and your significant other these questions 
• Talk to other parents about their experience. 
• Combine your school wish list with your property wish list. 
• Cut it up according to your budget (that's what you will talk about with a mortgage professional). 

You want your child to get the best education, as well as learn good studying habits, that will help him or her later on in college. You also want a thriving environment for your child, that will nurture his or her talents. You can make that happen!