Most homebuyers, especially those with a family or those who are planning on having a family consider local school districts when purchasing real estate. Most people do not want to live in a area with a poor or bad school system. Below we have listed 8 qualities that you need to look for when searching for a great school district.
1. A Nice Mixture of Old & New Teachers
Any good school district will have teachers who have been there for years and plan on being there for many years to come but, the best schools will have fresh faces too! Young teachers may lack experience but they bring new & modern innovative ideas into the school system which can be very beneficial with the older teachers and vice versa. This mixture makes for a healthy learning environment for the students because a happy teacher makes for a well educated and secure child!
2. Involved Parents
A lot of studies have revealed that a child learns the best when the parent and teacher work together! If the schools are not big on parent-teacher conferences or if there are no online management systems put in place for the teachers to directly communicate with the parents, then this may not be the best school district for you and your family.
3. Pleasant and Qualified Staff
Visit schools and have a conversation with the administrative staff, which can be done by scheduling an appointment. If you are not greeted warmly and the if the principal seems cold to you and your children then you may want to look elsewhere. If the person in charge is not welcoming then it usually is a trickle down effect onto the the remaining staff members.
4. Students First
The students should always come first in any school district but unfortunately this is not true for them all. Make sure that the administrations values are aligned with what will be best for the children. Make sure the school is ideal with delivering the best education to the students, not mediocre, not average, but the BEST!
5. Test Scores
Whether you agree with standardized testing or not, they are still a good tool to use when searching for a great school district. Compare the percentage of students who passed in prior years to those in the city and state averages. How did the administration handle any lapse in scores over time? This can be your best tool when searching for a great school district.
6. After School Programs
A school that offers a wide range of after school programs is setting its students up for success. Some of the best schools are known for their after school programs. Get familiar with the programs that the local schools offer near your prospective home.
7. Funding
If the school has adequate funding, the students have more opportunities and extracurriculars. Some clever administrators have found ways to operate effectively on a smaller budget. Find out what type of funding the local school has and what type of fund raising programs are in place to help increase any struggle budgets.
8. Facilities
Every school has its own unique amenities and you should pay close attention to the facilities you would want for your child. A new building does not always mean the school is good but it is a good sign. In 2014 technology is everything. Make sure there are nice computer labs and libraries in place, but also make sue they have nice and safe playgrounds and/or recreational fields to help the children stay active.
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