Resources for researching schools?

[Anonymous]

What are the resources you would recommend for researching DC and Mont. Co. (Bethesda area) elementary schools? DCUM is helpful but I feel like I need more. I know about the school district websites, but are there other school related list-serves/ blogs/ parent sites, etc. that will help me make the best decision? I want to tour the schools as well but can’t do that until school’s back in. Thanks for any help!

[Anonymous]

Hi! I am moving to MD in Aug from Singapore and living so far away, this is how we found the school of our choice.

1. We visited the Fairfax and Montgomery counties public schools website. We wanted a school that emphasized on differentiated learning, near the metro and the Maths program was important to us - that was the basis of our search.

2. I used city data forum to find out what areas were safe. Also helpful for school info but I found this website more comprehensive.

3. Greatschools.net is good, not a 100% accurate but it gives one a good indication of what people generally feel about the school.

4. I also used www.privateschoolreviews.com as we looked at private too. I found that website handy because it gives you demographics about the different counties in the area.

5. www.schooldatadirect.org for more stats

Ultimately, we had to visit the USA twice, looked at all the schools we shortlisted. You get a good feel of the school this way. Good luck!

[Anonymous]

MCPS website under the parent tab has all kinds of data one can look up on each school -- demographics, FARMS rate, # and quals of teachers, parent satisfaction surveys, suspension rates, etc. Also, google around to find the school improvement plan of the school you're interested in or email the school and ask for a copy (some are posted on school website). These can often offer some insight about what the priorities and problems are at a school.