As your family prepares to buy a house, you will likely look at the quality of schools in the area you plan on moving to. Did you know that many schools nationwide are rated unfairly? As you search to find "good" school districts, let's look at some options to help you make an informed decision without bias.
If you've ever looked at school ratings on popular home search websites like realtor.com, Zillow, and Redfin, know that GreatSchools power them. Many folks rely on the school information without considering other school rating sites. Did you know that some school rating sites may be biased?
Relying on one school rating website to determine which school district is the best fit could leave you with a less than expected outcome. For example, according to Tom Brown of Sparrow Real Estate, GreatSchools data and ratings essentially penalize schools serving low-income students and those who predominantly serve Hispanic and Black students. Because of this rating system, the schools in these areas are rated lower than schools in more affluent areas and neighborhoods with a higher percentage of white and Asian students, according to Chalkbeat.
GreatSchools also uses student test scores in their school rating system. The problem with this site factoring in test scores is that higher scores are correlated with higher-income parents and vice versa. Because low test scores are associated with lower incomes, GreatSchools gives these schools lower scores. As a result of this test scoring system, schools are downgraded when socioeconomic diversity exists.
When school rating systems unfairly score schools low, it suggests that these schools' neighborhoods and cities are undesirable. Most families favor schools rated at 7/10 or better. Lower scores deter some families from considering schools and their neighborhoods.
Fortunately, you can compare school ratings using other websites and resources. Some of these sites provide better ratings, giving you more school options when moving to a new area. No longer will you find yourself veering away from a school district because of one low score from one website. Check out the following school ranking websites for more information:
Other options to consider when gathering information about schools:
- Contact the school district's administrative offices
- Tour schools in person
Conclusion
Ask your real estate agent to provide school rating resources to help you find the best school district for your needs and avoid bias. Research each school rating website to determine which provides the best data to help you make an informed decision before purchasing a home.
