How to Choose a School for Your Child

Choosing the right school is one of the most consequential decisions a parent makes. But most parents rely on word-of-mouth, real estate agents, or outdated rankings. Here's how to use actual outcome data to make a smarter choice.

Step 1: Look at Growth, Not Just Scores

A school's absolute test scores tell you where students are today. The 3-year growth trend tells you where the school is headed. A school with a DataScore of 55 but +12 growth trend is likely a better choice than a school at 62 with a -8 trend. Growth is weighted 30% of every DataScore because trajectory matters more than a snapshot.

Step 2: Check the Right Level

Elementary, middle, and high schools should be evaluated differently. Elementary schools don't have graduation rates, so their DataScores weight proficiency and growth more heavily. High schools include graduation rate as 20% of the formula. Always compare schools at the same level — see our best elementary, best middle, and best high school rankings.

Step 3: Consider the Student-Teacher Ratio

Research consistently shows that smaller class sizes benefit students, especially in early grades (K-3). The national average student-teacher ratio is about 16:1. Ratios below 15:1 are favorable. Check our lowest student-teacher ratio rankings to find schools with the most individual attention.

Step 4: Understand School Types

Not all public schools are the same:

• Traditional public schools — neighborhood-assigned, funded by local property taxes and state formulas
• Charter schools — publicly funded but independently operated, often with specialized missions
• Magnet schools — offer specialized curricula (STEM, arts, languages) and draw from across district boundaries
• Title I schools — receive federal funding for high-poverty populations, some achieve exceptional outcomes

Step 5: Compare Head-to-Head

Once you've narrowed your options, compare schools side-by-side. Look at DataScore factor breakdowns: is one school strong on proficiency but weak on growth? Does one have a much better graduation rate? Use our search tool to find schools, then compare them directly.

Step 6: Visit in Person

Data tells you what students achieve, but it can't measure school culture, leadership quality, or how well a school matches your child's learning style. Use DataScores to create a shortlist, then visit your top 2-3 choices. Ask about teacher retention, discipline policies, and what support exists for students who are struggling or excelling.

What the DataScore Doesn't Measure

The DataScore is designed to measure academic outcomes — proficiency, growth, and graduation. It does not measure extracurricular offerings, arts programs, social-emotional learning, school safety, or parent satisfaction. These factors matter to many families and should be part of your decision alongside the data.

Frequently Asked Questions