How Do I Know Which Schools Are the Best??

I know it is summer, but if you are moving this summer and have school age children, then you are still thinking about schools I bet (though your kids may not be!!).  One of the most common questions that buyers ask agents is which schools are the best. This is not a question an agent can answer for a buyer - & it would be pointless to try to since each person's criteria for "best school" may be very different. More helpful would be to think about what is essential to you in a school, and then it will be easier to locate resources that will allow you to see how well each school stacks up on those particular items that you have rated as essential to you.

Over the years, here are some things I have heard buyers want to know about the various schools:

What is the average classroom size?

What are the average test scores?

What is the graduation rate for the high school?

Have the school levies passed or failed in recent years?

How many portable classrooms does the school use to house classes?

What programs in art, music, foreign languages etc are available?

Has the school or any individual teachers won any awards in recent years?

Is there active parent participation in the school? How are parents interacting with the school?

What is the mission statement or philosophy statement of the school or district?

Does the high school have any special graduation requirements?

How many high school graduates go on to college? How well do they do there?

If you are moving to the Olympia, Lacey or Tumwater area, many of these questions can be answered by the individual websites for the school districts,  North Thurston Public Schools, Olympia Schools, & Tumwater Schools all have informative websites. The site for the Washington State Superintendent of Public Instruction's office gives additional information and statistical comparisons of different districts within Washington.

Consider planning a visit to the school and/or particular classrooms for the ages of your children if you'd like an "in person" look.  Asking other parents their opinions of the school can also be useful - another great reason to knock on the doors of some neighbors of the house you are considering!

What other criteria would be important to you in choosing a school?  Let your agent know and they can probably direct you to resources to get your questions answered.