For a family looking for a home in Palisades Park, the first concern was this: How is this school score calculated? They thought it was based solely on test scores, but it turned out to be much more complex.

The school scores displayed on Zillow or Redfin are ratings given by the nonprofit organization GreatSchools. The scores range from 1 to 10, with higher numbers indicating better evaluations. The calculation method can be outlined as follows.

First, there are the test scores. This looks at how well students have reached proficiency levels on standardized tests administered weekly. The second factor is academic growth, which measures how much students have improved compared to the previous year. The third is college readiness, which combines SAT and ACT scores, graduation rates, and participation rates in advanced courses like AP and IB. The fourth factor is equity, which examines whether performance and attendance are consistent across various student groups, including low-income and disabled students. If a high school has all the data, achievement, growth, and college readiness each contribute 33% to the overall score.

When you search for a school name on the GreatSchools site, these four detailed scores are displayed separately below the overall score. By clicking on several years of data, you can also see whether the rating is trending upward or downward.

Let's clarify why growth is needed as a separate metric. Schools with many high-achieving students can easily receive high ratings based solely on test scores. In contrast, growth measures how much students have improved compared to the previous year, so schools that started with lower scores can still receive good evaluations if they show consistent improvement. This is why relying solely on test scores is insufficient.

Looking at the schools in Palisades Park, Lindbergh Elementary School has a GreatSchools score of 6. Palisades Park Jr Sr High School has a score of 4, which is lower than the average for similar schools in New Jersey, according to GreatSchools.org. Since elementary and secondary school scores can differ, the focus may change depending on the age of your children.

Once you understand the calculation method, it becomes clear why you can't rely on just one score. Even with the same score of 6, a school strong in test scores but weak in growth, and a school that is the opposite, can be entirely different institutions. By clicking on the detailed items next to the rating, you can see where that school excels.

When looking at areas like Palisades Park, which have relatively low entry prices, it's wise to check not only school ratings but also property taxes and management fees. Tax rates and conditions can vary by town.

In cases where elementary and secondary school scores differ, it's advisable to consider not only the current necessary stage but also the stages your child will progress to in the future. To avoid having to reconsider moving in a few years, it's better to check both stages from the start.

To summarize the items to check in order, there are three main points:

• Details of the rating composition, including test scores, growth, and college readiness, as well as trends over recent years
• Student-to-teacher ratio and parent reviews
• Actual assigned schools based on property address, which may differ for elementary and secondary schools

Palisades Park is relatively accessible within northern New Jersey. If the school rating is lower than in other towns, it's appropriate to first check which detailed components of the rating are weak before making a judgment. Even if test scores are low, consistent growth could indicate a different future direction.

Understanding the meaning of the scores makes decision-making much easier. School district boundaries change frequently, so be sure to verify the assigned school for the specific address before signing a contract. This article does not constitute investment or legal advice, and it is recommended to consult a professional before making any actual contracts.