Finding the Best School District
Are you looking for the best school district for your family? Here are the top ten things to consider when searching for the right school district.
Living in an area with a good school district means that your children will have access to a well-rounded education. While the school district you decide to buy a home in directly impacts families with children, it also benefits the community as a whole since high-quality school districts tend to be associated with increased home values.
Due to high demand, increased spending, and faster appreciation, homes and neighborhoods located within a great school district will always be highly sought after. A school district's reputation and academic performance are some of the top factors that families consider when moving with kids.
Quality schools maintain neighborhood stability and attract families that value education and want to see their children succeed. Whether you are moving cross country or just across town, there are a number of certain key factors to think about before choosing a school district and buying a home within that district.
Think about these ten things when selecting a school district for your children
1. Academic Performance
Academic Performance is among the most important things to consider when choosing a school district and neighborhood as a family. The quality of education offered can affect and influence a child's educational outcomes throughout their years of schooling.
According to the Brookings Institution, in a study comparing high-performing school districts in North Carolina and Florida with low-performing school districts, the students in the high-performing school districts are more than nine weeks ahead of similar students in a lower-performing district, specifically in reading and math.
School districts directly affect student achievement and can impact a student's school performance by as much as half a grade level. Districts that are known to offer quality education and have high standardized test scores, graduation rates, and college acceptance rates can offer significant academic growth and lead to higher student success.
Take advantage of the data if you are moving to a new area and want to ensure your children can access a good school district. Data analysis is a great way to compare performance levels across many areas. It can show whether or not the district can provide a strong foundation for future educational and professional opportunities.
For example, Raleigh, North Carolina, is part of the Wake County Public School District, the largest and one of the highest-performing school districts in the state. Reaching an all-time year, this district has a four-year graduation rate of 91.3% in 2024, and 85% of schools met or exceeded expected growth for academic proficiency.
2. Location
Location is another essential factor to consider when deciding on a school district. The Wake County Public School System assigns students to elementary, middle, and high schools based on their home address.
This is why buying a home in a good neighborhood assigned to highly rated schools with raving reviews and outstanding academic performance is crucial. If choosing a private school, finding a school close to home will make commute times shorter and getting to school and picking up more manageable.
Traffic conditions and transportation access can make or break a good school experience for your child, especially if they are in middle school or high school. The location of a bus stop is also essential to think about for students who rely on a bus to get to and from school.
3. Curriculum
School curriculum and instructional materials taught within a school district are imperative for a student's academic success. While individual teachers have a say in how they teach, the school district decides what students learn.
The school curriculum is the content teachers teach and includes the particular set of courses taught at a school, such as math, science, reading, and social studies. Considered the overall blueprint of what students will learn and experience throughout the school year, the curriculum includes assessments, specific lessons, materials, projects, and resources.
When choosing a school district, consider the curriculum offered and the teaching methods. Several public schools in North Carolina specifically focus on STEM subjects, while others focus more on the arts.
4. Student-Teacher Ratio
Student-teacher ratios are essential to academic performance and are a primary factor to consider when selecting the right school for your child. As one of the most vital indicators of student success in the classroom, student-teacher ratios indicate how much individualized attention a teacher can give a student.
In the United States, the ideal student-teacher ratio is eighteen students for every one teacher. The lower the ratio, the better the learning outcomes. Students in lower-ratio classrooms tend to be more engaged and feel most comfortable asking questions, sharing opinions, and participating in daily activities.
Not only do lower student-teacher ratios better impact the students and how they feel about the school, but teachers tend to be less stressed and can tailor their lessons to each student to identify and bridge learning gaps.
5. School Safety
School safety is a top priority for all school districts throughout the country. Unfortunately, four in ten educators feel less safe in their classroom than they did five years ago due to a rising number of threats and school shootings.
Finding a school that prioritizes academic achievement and the well-being of each student does wonders for overall student success, both inside and outside of the classroom. School districts that offer emotional and physical safety foster positive student behavior, increased attendance, and creative learning.
When students feel safe in their learning environment, they are more attentive and efficient in the classroom and care more about their grades, which leads to lower rates of depression, self-harm, and other mental health issues.
Raleigh is a safe place to live, and The North Carolina Department of Public Instruction Center for Safer Schools is dedicated to ensuring student safety and promoting safe learning environments throughout the state by providing school safety resources and training.
6. Community Involvement
Much like choosing a neighborhood, most families want to belong to a school district that encourages community involvement in addition to academic success. School is where children learn vital skills they will need and use as adults and in the workplace.
Research shows that when families and community members are actively involved in student learning and provide a support system, students tend to get better grades, show more interest in education, and feel more confident in their abilities within the classroom.
School districts that encourage community involvement receive more positive attitudes and better reviews towards their schools, but more students feel comfortable and welcome attending class every day.
7. Extracurricular Activities
Extracurricular activities are essential at school and can benefit your child in many ways. They can lead to a well-rounded education, and participating in after-school sports or joining a club can provide an extra outlet for reinforcing the skills and lessons learned in the classroom.
These extra activities, before or after the school day, provide students with social opportunities, improve mood, reduce stress, provide a sense of purpose, and help individuals discover new interests.
Many high school students who participate in school sports such as football, tennis, or track and field also hope to hone their skills and work towards earning a college sports scholarship. Choosing a school that offers extracurricular activities that your child is interested in can benefit their overall academic experience.
8. Special Needs Programs
The Americans With Disabilities Act requires that all public schools meet the needs of children with disabilities and differences. Private schools, on the other hand, are not required to provide disability services but are bound by law to provide students with disabilities equal access to a quality education.
While school districts and schools within the district all provide special needs programs, some might be better than others to help students who learn and think differently.
Due to certain factors such as funding and teacher training, it is essential to choose a school that prioritizes its special needs program and is a good fit for your child and their specific needs when it comes to learning and socialization in a school environment.
9. Upkeep of Facilities
The condition of school facilities is directly related to student success, achievement, attendance, and behavior in the classroom. How a school looks improves the overall school experience for students and shows families that the district cares about the learning environments that they provide.
Updating school facilities and maintaining school grounds routine and preventive measures are some of the first steps toward creating a positive school experience. Directly impacting students, teachers, administration, and the district, the upkeep of facilities is one of the first things prospective families will notice when visiting a school.
10. Quality of Teachers
While the district ultimately decides the curriculum taught at a school, the teachers and how they introduce material impact student achievement. Teacher quality is one of the most critical factors within a school district, so good school districts only hire the best and most qualified teachers.
Often considered more critical than the upkeep of facilities, school leadership, and school resources, teacher quality determines overall academic performance and can significantly impact whether or not a student knows the material well enough to graduate and get accepted to college.
Disadvantaged students and students from low-income families are more likely to have low-quality teachers throughout their schooling. High-quality teachers can significantly impact disadvantaged students and increase student achievement.
Known as a critical source of educational opportunities, top-rated school districts tend to attract and retain the best teachers. However, districts sometimes offer incentives to serve in schools where students need help most.
FAQs
Does North Carolina have a school choice program?
North Carolina offers a private school choice program, a state-funded program that provides tuition assistance to families, especially those of low income. This program allows students to attend private schools outside their public school district.
What is the most challenging school in North Carolina to get into?
Raleigh and the Research Triangle Area are home to some of the best colleges and universities in the country. When it comes to higher education, Duke University is the hardest school in North Carolina to get into since it only sends 6% of acceptance letters and 94% of rejections to the thousands of students who apply.
Does Raleigh have good public schools?
Raleigh's schools are part of the Wake County Public School System and are considered highly rated. As the largest school district in the state, the Wake County Public School System ranks among the best school districts in the state.
Methodology
Data and information were sourced from Brookings Institution, WCPSS, Learner, Education Week, Hannover Research, College Simply, and the Charlotte Observer to determine the top things to consider when picking the best school district for your family.
How To Find the Right School District For Your Family - Final Thoughts
From academic performance to the quality of teachers, students' school experiences directly affect employment and adult behavior. Students provided with a quality education are more likely to develop skills needed to succeed in life and that employers value.
While choosing a school district might not seem like a big deal, the quality of education offered can make a big difference in a child's life. Luckily, Raleigh and the surrounding Triangle area value quality education and are home to top-rated schools.
If you are moving to Raleigh and searching for homes for sale, make sure to buy a home in a neighborhood with safe and quality schools. Contact the Real Estate Specialists at Raleigh Realty for more information.
