We may be able to look at private schools. I know there are many in the area. Is this just a cultural difference between Baltimore County and, say, Howard County to the south? "If you build it, they will come?" Or something else?

The county schools are good, but they are large.

Everyone I know in Baltimore uses private schools. County and City residents. Can you do private?

Consider if your kids might be interested in magnet schools. Different magnets accept from different areas. And even though some, like Carver, accept from all over, the further away you live the longer the bus ride there.

What are you looking for in a community? A school?

The central area has the top rated schools for the most part. Look for schools that feed into Dulaney, Hereford or Towson HS.

Other than the Great Schools ratings (i.e. test scores), is there anything I should know about Baltimore County Public Schools - or what areas might be particularly appealing to families? We are moving from out of the area and are trying to get our bearings.