Online Resources Can Assist Home Buyers Search for the Best School to Meet Their Family's Needs

Looking for a new home for you and your family? If so, finding a community with schools that can best meet the needs of your family may well be on the top of your list. According to Joe Houlihan, managing partner of Houlihan & O’Malley Real Estate Services in Bronxville, NY, it is critical to check out the schools – both in person and online – ­ in the communities you are considering, especially if you are moving to a new area.

“While you’ll want to tour the schools you are interested in, and interview faculty, administrators, and parents, there are also some very helpful online resources to give you a head start on your search for schools that can best meet your children’s needs,” he says.

In order to help home buyers do that, Houlihan’s website features an online tool called the “Neighborhood Navigator,” which provides home buyers with information on public, private, and parochial schools in the areas they are considering. Information includes school ratings and reviews, Regents Examination test scores, and enrollment figures, as well as student to teacher ratios and percentage of college-bound students.

Houlihan also recommends visiting the U.S. Department of Education Institute of Education Sciences’ National Center for Education Statistics, which offers publications, reports, statistics, and other data that can help you find the best school for your child. Their School District Demographics System (SDDS) enables you to view snapshot reports and district profiles, and to download data so that you can compare different school districts.

In addition, there are a number of websites that compile information about school districts and specific schools, from preschools to colleges. Some free sites to consider include SchoolDigger.com, GreatSchools.org, and k12.niche.com. Houlihan advises visits to the websites of the school district in the communities you are considering. “When evaluating and comparing school districts be sure to examine such indicators as class size, student-to-teacher ratings, standardized test results, number and range of Advanced Placement (AP) courses, average SAT/ACT scores, and college matriculation results,” he says.

Houlihan has another tip: Find online support groups and discussion forums composed of parents in the cities or towns you are considering. A great place to start is City-Data.com, which has more than 70,000 users and numerous discussions about school districts and neighborhoods.

About Houlihan & O’Malley

The Residential Sales Group at Houlihan & O’Malley is a boutique agency dedicated to offering clients inspired service, unwavering focus, and a commitment to real estate excellence. At Houlihan & O’Malley, agents who are knowledgeable, involved, and dedicated treat clients to an exceptional level of service. The Residential Sales Group appreciates the needs and time constraints of its clients and constantly strives to embody the company’s motto of “Excellence on Your Side.”

There are currently nine agents working in the Residential Real Estate Sales Group. Together they represent the best combination of dedicated service and real estate skill. Individually, the agents have received numerous awards from the Hudson Gateway Association of Realtors (HGAR) for outstanding sales. All Houlihan & O’Malley salespersons are members HGAR, the New York State Association of Realtors, and the National Association of Realtors. Managing Partner Joe Houlihan is proud to be a member of the Board of Directors of the Hudson Gateway Multiple Listing Service.