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What to "look out" for when researching school districts?
I am wondering what are key factors when looking at different school districts? Are test scores of different schools really say anything about the educational system of that area? Thanks for your ideas! Hubby and I are hoping to move in the next 5 years or so and want to start researching now. (We're not opposed to staying where we are past kindergarten or 1st grade, but don't want the move to be too devastating for her developed friendships, so that's why we'd like to move before she really gets into school, kwim?)
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Re: What to "look out" for when researching school districts?
Test scores matter, but you need to take a look at the percentage of students with disabilities and students with English as a second language. They figure into those scores too. Private schools are not usually required to take these tests and if they do, they do not have to have all students take the test.
Class sizes are important and not just in the elementary ages. I would also look at whether or not the area has been able to pass bond referendums. If they aren't, class sizes will probably go up and conditions will probably change by the time your daugher is in school.
Maybe check out the school districts calender and see what kind of activities they offer and what they seem to value.
If you are staying in Minnesota, you should be able to access information about different schools and districts on the Dept. of Ed. website. Things to look at are test scores, level of education of the teachers, teacher to student ratio, number of students on free/reduced lunch. If you are staying in Minnesota, there are numerous public schools that are fantastic. I would recommend (in no particular order): Wayzata, Eden Prairie, Minnetonka, Edina/ GL!
I just want to say that Minneapolis and St. Paul have some really good schools and what really makes your education is you involvement. There are so many really good schools in the cities and you don?t have to move to find a ?good? one. I am a product of the public school system in St. Paul and although things were not perfect, they never are I really valued my education. I was always challenged in my education and what really made it good was my own motivation and my parents involvement. I went to Adams which is a Spanish immersion and am fluent to this day. This education really opened me up to think about the world in a greater context. There are really great things about public schools in the cites and the things that make them better is parent who care and are involved. Don?t abandon the cities school system without really thinking about what it has to offer.
for me test scores don't matter--they don't test the teacher really or the district and having helped special needs kids take some of the tests they are a joke. it is more the condition of the buildings, the welcome nature of the community, the size of the classrooms-# of students etc. maybe graduation rate or what not.
with that said when we built our house 6 years ago-we looked in various areas and having worked with a few schools in the area where we live i am very glad we built where we did. plus now researching how deep in debt the school district is comes into play too-can they afford to offer the classes and get quality teachers etc. or are they so far in debt that nothing will be current for my children.
our current district is laying off paras and teachers and cutting back (as are so many others) but i feel schools around us aren't looking at the long term-in 3 years when my daughter is in school they will have a full class just from our neighborhood-so are they thinking long term solutions or short-term band aids.