Finding Good Schools Before You Move Requires Homework:

You want the best possible education for your children. Most parents do. But the stress of finding good schools before you move to a new town can be challenging. However, doing your homework allows you to make smart choices for your children. Follow the steps below to help you pass this test.

Finding Good Schools Before You Move 101

It used to be you dug up a phone number to a Chamber of Commerce, called and asked whoever answered to send you information about relocation to their city. Nowadays, we hop online. To help get an idea of the quality of local educational offerings, check the National Center for Education Statistics. This center compiles data for each school district from prekindergarten to high school for you to review. Another helpful federal agency — the U.S. Department of Education. It includes a plethora of tips, helpful questions and statistics.

Two helpful FREE websites include GreatSchools and SchoolDigger. GreatSchools, a national non-profit, rates each school, provides test scores, gives information on programs and offers reviews of teacher quality, parental involvement and principal leadership. It even features homes for sale in the area. One drawback, though, it may lack some schools and fail to report some vital information.

You can also try SchoolDigger, which boasts that it offers “useful metrics” to 120,000 K-12 schools in the United States. This includes test scores, rankings, school and district boundaries, student/teacher ratios, ethnic makeup, and other information.

Finally, go straight to the school district and school websites. These usually give you an indication of the quality of the curriculum, teachers and student activities.

Reach Out to Real People

Statistics and reports can tell you only so much. Excellent sources of info will be other parents, especially moms, students and even your real estate agent. They all know the good, bad and the ugly and will likely be more than happy to share it.

Additionally, make sure to put the word out to everyone you know about your upcoming move. This may drum up a parent or two with children who can offer insights on schools. If you already have a new job in the new town or are moving for your company, ask your future co-workers for the scoop and their recommendations. Ask to speak to their children about experiences at the school they attend.

But finding good schools before you move takes more than talking on the phone, texting or emailing.

Visit the Good Schools

This may seem like a luxury. But once you narrow down your children’s school choices pay them a visit. Nothing compares to getting a firsthand look at where your children will begin spending their days.

Write down a list of important questions and bring them with you to ask teachers, counselors and the principals. You may want to know about bullying, the types of classes offered, the technology/computers available to students, after-school activities, the quality of teachers and the level of communication with parents. Make sure all of your concerns get addressed.

Relax and Let Master Movers Do the Rest!

You did it! You have your children’s schools lined up! Now, relax and leave the packing and moving up to Master Movers. We offer the best local and national moving services available. Call us today to move to that high-ranking school district!