Choosing a Great School District

It’s no secret that choosing the right school district is important to every parent. When faced with a big move, the challenge of picking the perfect place to live can be daunting. Here are a few tips to keep your search on track:

1. Don’t be afraid to ask questions! Call the local elementary/middle/high school and ask to speak with a principal or guidance counselor. Not only will they appreciate your effort to learn about their school, but you’ll likely get a behind-the-scenes tour of the place where your child will be attending. For even more info, ask for the numbers or e-mail addresses of a few PTA members. They’ll be happy to share their experiences with you! Also you can go to open houses that schools hold.

2. Keep your options in mind! We're lucky to have an abundance of private, public, and charter schools in the Greater Philadelphia area. For detailed info about local private schools, check out www.privateschoolreview.com

3.Consider your budget. It’s no surprise that many of the most highly rated schools are in areas with the priciest homes and the highest local taxes. Help narrow down your lists by searching by school district and price on EveryHome's site! We'll even give you detailed info about the taxes you'll be expected to pay.

4.Rankings are a guideline, not a rule book. If you checked out the article I posted yesterday, you may have read up on some of the most highly ranked high schools in our area. While standardized testing scores, class size, and diversity are all undeniably important, remember to keep your gut feeling (and your budget) in check.