A family was inquiring about rentals in Augusta. They had their eye on a house listed on Zillow, but were worried because the assigned high school had a score of 3. The nearby school had a score of 9, so their concern was understandable. However, they didn't actually know what the basis for the scores of 3 and 9 was. They were simply alarmed by the numbers.

Looking at the Richmond County school district that oversees Augusta, the gap becomes quite clear. Davidson Fine Arts Magnet School and Johnson Magnet School each received a score of 9 from GreatSchools, while Academy of Richmond County High School scored 3 and Lucy Craft Laney High School scored 2 (according to GreatSchools). The reason for such disparities within the same county is due to the different structures of magnet schools and regular assigned schools. Magnet schools often have higher test scores because they go through an application and selection process.

GreatSchools scores are not determined by test scores alone. They combine test scores with college readiness, student growth, and equity to assign a score between 1 and 10. For high schools, achievement, growth, and college readiness each account for one-third of the score, with college readiness calculated based on SAT and ACT scores, graduation rates, and participation in AP or dual enrollment programs. The equity metric examines performance gaps based on income or disability status. In the past, test scores were the primary focus, but now a composite score that includes multiple metrics has taken their place.

Therefore, it is difficult to judge a school based solely on a score of 3. The low score may reflect not only test scores but also low growth or equity metrics, and conversely, recent improvements may not yet be fully reflected in the numbers. It is important to look at trends over the past 3 to 5 years rather than just one year's score. Consistently low scores and those that are recovering are entirely different stories.

The student-to-teacher ratio and reviews should also be considered. Even if a school has a low score, if it has a small class size and more contact with teachers, the actual satisfaction may differ. Reading parent reviews on the GreatSchools page in reverse chronological order can give you a sense of the atmosphere that isn't captured in the numbers. Most importantly, it's essential to verify the actual assigned school. School boundaries can change based on adjustments by the Richmond County School Board, so if you find a house you like, be sure to check the assigned school for that address on the school board's website.

If you are moving to Augusta from another state, it's wise to consider property tax burdens along with school scores. Georgia has different property tax rates by county, and areas with higher-rated schools tend to have higher housing prices, property taxes, and insurance rates. If you budget based on the standards of your previous state, you may underestimate your actual monthly expenses. Checking the estimated property tax for your desired address on the Richmond County Tax Assessor's website can help you get a complete picture alongside school scores. Keep in mind that tax rates can be adjusted annually, so be sure to verify the latest figures before signing a contract.

To summarize what to check before signing a contract:

• Components of the GreatSchools score (achievement, growth, college readiness, equity)
• Score trends over the past 3 to 5 years
• Student-to-teacher ratio
• Distinction between magnet schools and regular assigned schools
• Actual assigned school based on address (check with the county school board)

In areas like Augusta, where magnet schools and regular schools are mixed, score differences may appear larger than the actual disparities in school districts. This article is not investment or legal advice, and it is advisable to verify with the Richmond County School Board and real estate professionals before making any decisions.