Shopping for School Districts

When you have kids and you're looking for a house, the quality of the local schools is a prime consideration. Everyone wants the best price they can get for a home, but it's also important for parents to research the schools their children will attend.

What to look for in a school

When considering schools and school districts, you want to find out about the quality, age and facilities of the school itself. Also ask about teacher-to-student ratios, spending per pupil and the percentage of graduating students who go on to college. Consider after-school programs, perhaps the subsidized lunch situation, extracurricular programs, and special education or gifted classes, depending on your particular needs.

How to research schools

There are several ways you can collect information about schools before buying a home. You can do an Internet search for schools in a given neighborhood. If you know people who live in an area, ask them about the schools and their experience with the institutions and teachers. There are also government and independent websites that provide data on schools. And it never hurts to do a little first-hand investigation: Drive around to take a look at the schools your kids will be zoned to attend.