Expert: Jessica Bryan - 6/22/2004

Question
What do realtors do to evaluate school districts?  We are looking to move and with seven month old daughter we're interested in school districts since we may be in our next house for awhile.  Being a former teacher, you would think that I would have an idea, but while I was teaching I looked more at the teachers rather than the overall district.  Also, is there somewhere that I can obtain info on many different school districts rather than having to look them up one by one on the web?  Thanks!

Answer
Dear Nichole;
I can't speak for all REALTORS but I know that most of the professionals out there try to keep up with as much information about schools as they can.  There is an annual school report that is published statewide (and nationwide) that we as REALTORS try to keep in our files.  When someone is relocating to an area, we pull this information that lists test scores and other pertinent information.  When moving to an area, the Buyers can also obtain this information simply by accessing archives from local papers or going online and requesting that a report be sent to you for the state report of schools.  You can usually find this on the state's website as well.

To answer your question about what we do to evaluate the school districts; we often rely upon personal experience or accounts from local residents. I am always cautious to give a personal evaluation since everyone's experience is different, so I go by the statistics, scores and regional evaluations (such as how many awards are given to schools within a certain district--such as schools of excellence or schools of distinction.)  Then, once we narrow down the field a bit, I arrange for my clients to visit some of the schools, meet the principals and see the classrooms.

I hope that this helps you.

Sincerely,
Jessica Bryan
Managing Broker
House to Home Realty Services