Choosing the right school for your child can be just as personal and emotional as choosing the perfect home. And, honestly? It’s often just as complicated. Your realtor can’t (and shouldn’t!) tell you if the schools near your dream home are “good” or not, but they can share important data like test scores, rankings, and other statistics. But let’s be real — numbers alone can’t paint the whole picture.
After working as an early intervention outreach director for DC Public Schools for 14 years, I’ve asked countless parents and guardians to consider a few key questions when they inevitably ask, “Is that a good school?” Let’s dive in.
What Are Your Educational Priorities for Your Child?
There are no wrong answers to this question. But it’s easy to get caught up in what friends and neighbors consider “good” schools. Instead, take a moment to reflect on what YOU want for your child.
Do you prioritize:
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Language immersion programs?
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High test scores?
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Diversity in both the student body and teaching staff?
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An engaged parent community?
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Proximity to home, so your child can walk to school?
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Before and after-school programs, extracurricular activities, or specific sports?
Like house-hunting, choosing a school is about finding the right fit, even if it doesn’t check off every single box on your list. Can it provide your must-haves? That’s the real question.
Public, Charter, Magnet, or Private?
If you’ve got little ones, thinking about school choices can feel overwhelming. And here’s a tip: Your perspective might change from elementary to middle and high school.
The DMV region is full of options at every level, but what happens when your ideal school doesn’t align with your rental or home-buying budget? Is a daily school commute something you’re okay with? And, if not, is moving down the road a possibility? These are all important considerations.
Have You Visited the School? Talked to Parents?
Just like you might step into a home and instantly feel like it’s “the one,” school visits can be just as telling.
When touring schools, ask yourself:
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Do you feel welcomed by the front office staff?
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Are the teachers excited to show you their classrooms?
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What’s the general vibe while walking around the school?
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What are parents saying about their experiences there?
Trust your instincts. But also keep an open mind. Sometimes a school has hidden strengths that don’t show up on a glossy brochure or website.
Does Your Child Have Specific Educational or Medical Needs?
During my time at DCPS’ Early Stages center, I spoke to hundreds of families with children who needed special accommodations or services through Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). Public schools are legally required to provide these services, but that doesn’t always mean every school can meet every child’s needs.
Some private schools are specifically designed for students with learning differences, but the costs can be significant. Understanding your child’s eligibility and knowing what school setting will work best can be a major factor in deciding where to live.
Trust Your Instincts and Use Your Resources
Whether you’re new to the DMV or just moving to a new neighborhood, few decisions impact your home purchase more than school choice. Your realtor is there to help you gather all the relevant community and home information you need. But only you can figure out where your family’s priorities and needs align.
Here are some helpful resources to explore:
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My School DC – Information on D.C. public and charter school lotteries.
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GreatSchools – School ratings, reviews, and test scores.
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Niche – Comprehensive school rankings and parent reviews.
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DC Public Schools – Information on Washington, D.C. public schools.
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Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE) – Information on the DC state education agency.
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Fairfax County Public Schools – Official website for Fairfax County schools.
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Montgomery County Public Schools – Maryland public school district details.
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Virginia Department of Education – State-wide school information for Virginia.
- Maryland State Department of Education – Resources for Maryland schools.
- Prince George's County Schools – Resources for Prince George's County Schools.
- Alexandria City Public Schools – Resources for Alexandria City Public Schools.
Finding the right school is a journey, much like finding the perfect home. It’s about discovering the best fit for your family’s unique needs and priorities. Trust the process, stay informed, and make the choice that feels right for your family.
