Is GreatSchools the top choice for identifying a quality school district?

Reviews
1

I am planning to move to a NYC suburb next year, and the quality of the school district will determine whether I choose Westchester, Long Island, or New Jersey, as well as the specific town, village, or city within each region. My 6-year-old is currently in 1st grade.

Is greatschools.org the best tool for finding a quality school district? What are some other resources I can use as alternatives or supplements?

I have heard that GreatSchools can have its flaws. If a school has a rating of 8 or higher, can I generally trust that it’s a good school? If the rating is lower than 8, could this be due to bias affecting the rating, even if the school is actually good? Or does it typically indicate that the school is not performing well?

2

GreatSchools is one option for evaluating school districts, but relying solely on rating sites may not provide a complete picture of a school’s quality. Factors like average income in the area and firsthand experiences from parents and students can offer valuable insights into school culture, programs, and overall suitability. Understanding what the school offers—such as second languages, arts programs, and playtime—can be crucial in making a well-rounded decision based on your child’s needs and interests.