Research the schools when moving

Whether you’re moving across town or across the country, if you have children, one of the biggest considerations when buying a home is the schools they will attend. It is important, but it doesn’t have to be a daunting task and there are resources available that you should look into before making a buying decision.

Use online resources

Fortunately, finding information about schools online is relatively easy. Most districts have a website, so that’s a good place to begin your search. The sites vary in terms of how comprehensive and helpful they are, but most will provide a list of district schools, contact information, schedules, after school programs. Check the individual school website for information about contacting PTO officers. One of the most important pages you’ll need to see is the one highlighting enrollment procedures, so you’ll know exactly what you need to get started.

For a more objective view of the schools in the area, websites such as GreatSchools.org, GlobalReportCard.org and NeighborhoodScout.com offer information about district standardized test scores as well as parent reviews.

Don’t forget social media. Many schools have Facebook and Twitter pages. Do a quick search there and do some looking around.

Coordinate your efforts

There are two common mistakes when trying to coordinate buying a home with choosing a school. The first is finding a school and getting their children enrolled only to discover there are no homes in the area, or none that they can afford. The other is finding their dream home and starting the process of buying it, then finding out there are no schools in the area.

Connect with other parents

The best source of school information is, of course, other parents, so it is beneficial to speak to them about the schools in the area. As stated before, there will be information available on the school’s website about PTO; reach out to them personally. The officers are usually the most involved and will be great sources of information about teachers, principals and administration.

Seek out local resources
Talk to your REALTOR®, who will usually have great information about schools. If they are not experts, they usually have a colleague who they can use as a resource. If you’re relocating for your job, send out an email blast to your future co-workers and ask them for information and recommendations about schools. Check local papers for stories about the schools on your list.

Contact the schools

Once you’ve narrowed your search to a few schools, contact each one directly. Talk to the principal or administrator and have a list of questions ready for them. Ask them to recommend several parents that you can talk to as well.

Have a backup plan in place

Whether you choose a public or private school, there is no guarantee that you’ll get in. Be sure to have a back-up plan in case the school you choose doesn’t work out. Enroll your child in the school that is your first choice, but make sure that you know if there are slots available at two or three other schools on your list, just in case things don’t work out.

Once you’ve settled on a school, make sure to check the website and contact them to ensure that you have all the paperwork and documentation necessary to enroll.

Coordinating choosing a school and finding a home is a necessity when making a move. Doing due diligence by researching the school and reaching out to local resources and other parents will help make the transition process for your child more smooth and eliminate worry for you.