Hey friends! Let’s talk about GreatSchools.org school ratings. This controversial website provides a singular rating for local schools and has become the defacto source for homebuyers, however, the rating system has changed a lot and can seem like a bit of a mystery.  While it may look straightforward, there’s a lot going on behind that number

Here’s what we’ve noticed, and what you should keep in mind before basing big decisions on that number alone. In the past few years, some schools have seen their GreatSchools rating shift dramatically—I’m talking jumps of 3 or more points within a year or two. Now, that’s a massive leap for a school that likely hasn’t changed that much. So, what’s going on here?

When the website began, its ratings were based primarily on standardized test scores, which aimed to measure academic proficiency across schools. However, this approach drew criticism for overlooking other important factors. In response, GreatSchools made several key updates over the years to create a more holistic rating system. In addition to standardized scores, a school’s rating now considers

  1. College readiness, which measures graduation rate, ACT and SAT scores
  2. Equity distribution—how different student groups are doing
  3. And Academic Progress which tracks how students’ performance changes from year to year, regardless of their starting point.

So, if you’re focused on specific goals like going to college, the single Great Schools rating might not be giving you the full picture.

To better understand the school, we recommend a few additional steps:

  1. Drill down into the Greatschools.org rating
    Greatschools actually provides scores for each of the 4 areas mentioned before that can vary widely. The sub-scores can paint a better picture of what’s happening in that school so you can personally evaluate if the school is a good fit for you.  
  2. Visit the School in Person:
    Seeing a school in action—its environment, how teachers interact with students—gives a lot more context than a single number can. Sometimes, school culture tells you more than any rating ever could.
  3. Check State Test Scores & College Prep Stats Directly:
    For college-focused families, look up state test scores and college prep course offerings separately. The Department of Education websites for most states publish this, so going straight to the data helps if these areas are important to you.
  4. Ask About Resources and Extracurriculars:
    School ratings often don’t cover extras like arts programs, sports, or specialized resources. Some schools have a lot to offer beyond academics, so it’s worth asking about what’s beyond the basics.

So, while GreatSchools.org can be a helpful starting point, it’s not the full story. Schools may be doing great work that doesn’t get highlighted by a single number, and sometimes that number might not align with your child’s specific needs. Take time to dig a little deeper, and you’ll find the best fit without relying solely on a shifting score.

If you are looking to buy or sell and home and have questions about local schools, feel free to give my team a call. With a combined 9 children going through different school systems, we have a lot of experience and are happy to help you understand what’s going on and look forward to helping you find the right next home for you.

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