Do Your Research & Pay a Visit
Things to research:
* Configuration: K-5/K-8
* Class Size
* Test scores
* The diversity of the student body and the percentage of kids receiving free or reduced-price lunch, English-language instruction
* Check out the curriculum
Often times this information can be found on a schools website or on the DOE website for each school. Click here for a list of school links in D1.
Contact the schools and set up appointments and/or get information on tour dates.
Do’s & Don’ts to Keep in Mind
Do keep an open mind until you have visited a school. Every school is unique, and the only way to get a feel for it is to walk the halls.
Don’t cross a school off your list because a few parents say it’s a “bad school.” Do your own research and make up your own mind. Different parents want different qualities in a school.
Do focus networking on parents whose kids are currently in school. Schools change over time, and parents whose children are grown may not be familiar with the current situation.
Don’t assume the school with the highest average test scores is the only school good enough for your child. High-performing schools can have a pressure-cooker environment that might not be right for everyone. Schools with greater diversity and lower overall test scores often have excellent programs that may be a good fit for your child.