comparing schools across states and GreatSchools ratings

[Anonymous]

How can you compare schools between DC, MD and VA? For example, looking at test scores or GreatSchools ratings - my understanding is that those ratings are based off comparisons with other schools in the same state, so they might not be comparable. Can anyone shed some light on this?

[Anonymous]

Only by reading multiple posts here and gathering soft data. I don’t live in either district but I know enough to make up my mind if I had to move.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:How can you compare schools between DC, MD and VA? For example, looking at test scores or GreatSchools ratings - my understanding is that those ratings are based off comparisons with other schools in the same state, so they might not be comparable. Can anyone shed some light on this?

GS isn't really a good metric to begin with but if that kind of thing appeals to you, just look for a heat map of HHI and it will provide the same info.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:How can you compare schools between DC, MD and VA? For example, looking at test scores or GreatSchools ratings - my understanding is that those ratings are based off comparisons with other schools in the same state, so they might not be comparable. Can anyone shed some light on this?

GS isn't really a good metric to begin with but if that kind of thing appeals to you, just look for a heat map of HHI and it will provide the same info.

They'll both tell you where your kids are more or less likely to be the victim of a crime in school or get recruited into a gang.

[Anonymous]

We have moved a lot, and I found that Niche was always a lot more accurate than Great Schools as a starting point.