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Finding the Best Schools in Los Angeles

By Bree Long

Real Estate Agent with Keller Williams Realty

September 19, 2010 05:59 AM

Finding the best school for your child is one of the most important decisions a parent can make in Los Angeles. Budget cuts, failing curriculum, crowded classrooms, and unmotivated and underpaid teachers are a reality in California's present day school system. Even so, many parents do not have the option of providing their kids with private school education so they must make every effort to make the best out of California's less-than-ideal school system. With the end of Summer upon us, parents are well in to the throes of considering these complicated questions when it comes to their childrens' education.

Here are some of the questions you should consider when evaluating the best schools in Los Angeles for your child (courtesy of Wayne Davis, Realtor):

Do Your Research: Scholastic Considerations

What is the curriculum?

What are the SAT scores?

What grade does computer education start at?

What is the total student population?

What is the average class size?

What is the student-teacher ration for your child’s grade level?

Make Contact: Connect with Key People and Organizations
If the district has a magnet program that you are interested in, ask the Magnet Director how long the waiting list is and whether your child will get in.

Contact the Director of Computer Education to find out the student-computer ratio and if the district’s teachers have participated in a computer training program.

Contact the Parent Teacher Organization and find out how active it is. Studies have shown that children’s academic success increases when parents are actively involved in their education.

At the School: Will Your Child be Happy There?
Make an appointment with the Principal for you and your children to visit the school when school is in session so you can observe a normal school day. This is your chance to learn the personality of the school.

Check classrooms for interested and smiling faces.

Look at the projects and student artwork on the walls.

Do the students dress like your kids and do they look friendly?

Find out the style of dress for the first day of school so you can help your kids fit in.

There are many concrete factors to consider in finding the best choice for a school in Los Angeles. After you’ve done your research, visited the school and checked in in with your kids, the best indicator you have is your intuition and good common sense.