I'm an MCPS teacher who teachers in a "10" school. IWhile I love the school where I teach, I certainly don't think students in this school receive a better education than students even in a "5" school. In fact, the class sizes in "10" schools are often much larger. Students in these "10" schools (usually translating to socioeconomic status of the area in general) have often had access to strong preschools, tutoring as needed, etc....In general, their foundational skills may be stronger from the start just based on experience. I would NEVER leave a community I love based on that rating. I would ask parents in the neighborhood if they are happy with the school. There are several "10" schools where I know morale is terrible...but test scores are high and FARMS is low....I will take a "5" school with a positive atmosphere over that any day of the week!

The difference in my experience is $200K-$300k per house.

with whom you speak.

We love our "7" school. Others love their "9/10" schools. Some people don't like our "7" school. Other people don't like their "9/10" school.

So, really, your answer about the differences is going to vary depending on whom you speak. Frankly, my kids MSA scores rocked this year (unexpected by ol' mom). So, going to a "7" didn't seem to hurt him. His teachers actually teach and his school is not overcrowded, unlike a number of "9/10" schools. Great Schools is not the Bible of great schools. It is a guide. Moving out of a great community based on GS scores alone says more about your inadequacies than it does your school's.

Well don't move into the Burning Tree Elementary zone in Bethesda; it has a GS rating of "7" too!

I take these with a huge grain of salt. They are based on test scores, which only give you a small sense of the school.

If your neighborhood has a community e-mail, then put the word out asking for thoughts about the school. Do people like it, not like it, did they go private and why, etc.

We did this and got some valuable feedback. Just realize that everyone will have different opinions and be respectful of that.

Also, tour the school or call the office to see if you can talk to the principal or vice principal. They should be open to answering your questions. But again, be respectful especially of their time.

Good luck.

Anonymous wrote:OP what if scores drop at the new school? You could end up wandering the Tri-state area.

Lol! Was the Phineas and Ferb reference deliberate?

Great Schools does not base it's rankings on people's reviews or "ratings". The scores are based on the test scores of the students each yr, which is why it changes. So a lot of these replies are uninformed nonsense. That said if you are happy where you are, OP, then stay. I agree with the PPs that said try the elem school and see what you think and talk to neighbors that have kids in the elem school already. Home costs are usually more expensive in 9/10 schools and a 7 school might meet your needs just fine and save you money. If you don't like it, then move.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Those scores are often based on very few ratings. DD went to the school I believe you are talking about, and some parents love it, some parents hate it, and most of us think it is ok, which is the case at almost any school. Those websites tend to catch the extremes.

Ask about the school on DCUM, go to community events and find both parents who went to the local public school and those who decided to go private or switch and make a decision based on real information. I went through the same thing when DD was entering K and toured many private schools, but when I went to the open house and met the teachers and families, I knew it was the right place for her.

The scores aren't based on ratings; they're based on standardized test scores.

This. It is basically a function of the SES of the student population.

Yes how much time and money parents are willing to spend on tutoring and enrichment

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Those scores are often based on very few ratings. DD went to the school I believe you are talking about, and some parents love it, some parents hate it, and most of us think it is ok, which is the case at almost any school. Those websites tend to catch the extremes.

Ask about the school on DCUM, go to community events and find both parents who went to the local public school and those who decided to go private or switch and make a decision based on real information. I went through the same thing when DD was entering K and toured many private schools, but when I went to the open house and met the teachers and families, I knew it was the right place for her.

The scores aren't based on ratings; they're based on standardized test scores.

This. It is basically a function of the SES of the student population.

Anonymous wrote:Those scores are often based on very few ratings. DD went to the school I believe you are talking about, and some parents love it, some parents hate it, and most of us think it is ok, which is the case at almost any school. Those websites tend to catch the extremes.

Ask about the school on DCUM, go to community events and find both parents who went to the local public school and those who decided to go private or switch and make a decision based on real information. I went through the same thing when DD was entering K and toured many private schools, but when I went to the open house and met the teachers and families, I knew it was the right place for her.

The scores aren't based on ratings; they're based on standardized test scores.