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 But most parents rely on word-of-mouth, real estate agents, or outdated rankings.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 Proficiency Rates in Context

A school's proficiency rate tells you what percentage of students are meeting grade-level standards in reading and math. On OpenSchoolData, proficiency data comes from EDFacts and is reported at the district level. Compare schools within the same state, since proficiency standards vary significantly from state to state.

Step 2: Check the Right Level

Elementary, middle, and high schools should be evaluated differently. Elementary schools don't have graduation rates, so proficiency and enrollment data are the primary metrics. High schools should also be evaluated on graduation rates. 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 proficiency rates, student-teacher ratios, enrollment, and graduation rates (for high schools). 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 the data 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 Data Doesn't Measure

Federal education data measures academic outcomes like proficiency and graduation rates. 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.