Choosing a school district- school tour question

[daisyd]

We've been looking at school districts as a prelude to buying a home, but 2 of the towns we're interested in will only permit tours if I'm a current resident of the town! Is there any way of getting around this? I'd appreciate ideas from anyone who has BTDT. TIA!

[ha98ed14]

We've been looking at school districts as a prelude to buying a home, but 2 of the towns we're interested in will only permit tours if I'm a current resident of the town! Is there any way of getting around this? I'd appreciate ideas from anyone who has BTDT. TIA!

No, but that is really bad sign IMO. It says to me that they only want people who are already "stuck there" to see the school. They are looking for a captive audience, the customer that has no where else to shop because they are the only store in town. If they were proud of their school and thought people would be attracted by their great programs, etc., then they would make their school a selling point for the community and want to show it off.

I would find out if this is a district policy or a a school policy. Principals have a lot of discretion in things like this, and I think that says a lot about whether it is that school or a district policy. Then you will know where the dysfunction lies. Honestly, I would call and find out how they want me to prove I live there. Do you have a friend who lives in the town where you want to go? Ask them if they will sign up for a tour and you could just "tag along".

[hellokitty]

Personally, I think that school tours are not a very good way to judge a school. The best way is to talk to as many parents whose children currently attend the district and pick their brains and ask about their experiences.

[daisyd]

The towns have 6 elementary schools a piece and the residents only policy applies to all the districts. Greatschools.com has the schools all rated at 10 and people come to this town for the schools, this much I know. But I'd like to get a feel for each of them to see if one will be better than the other in terms of fit for DS. I've spoken to parents and mostly they like the town schools. The only concerning thing seems to be high levels of competition. They are asking for a lease or ownership in the town for a tour. Thanks for your input.

[AnnieW625]

Personally, I think that school tours are not a very good way to judge a school. The best way is to talk to as many parents whose children currently attend the district and pick their brains and ask about their experiences.

:yeahthat: 1000% We did go to open house at DD1's school and I thought that was a great way to get a feel for the school and how the parents are. Our school didn't offer tours either except at open house.

[crl]

Tours can be very disruptive to students and teachers so I would not assume that the policy is intended to avoid scrutiny.

I agree that tours are of limited value in assessing a school, but I do think they are of some help, so I sympathize with wanting to do them before deciding where to live. Some ideas: call the principal and ask if an exception can be made, ask if there are any school events that are open to the public (open house, carnival, performances), if you know someone who lives in the school zone ask them if they will schedule a tour and invite you along.

Catherine

[daisyd]

Thanks for the ideas, I'll make some phone calls!

[american_mama]

Also talk to people in the PTO to get a sense of the school. The PTO president, at the least, should be available to talk and perhaps others. Presumably, a PTO president is very involved and probably pro-school, but hopefully will still be honest in her pros and cons. You could also ask to attend a PTO meeting; ours are usually monthly.