A family looking for properties in Buffalo checked the school scores as soon as they opened the app. They were initially surprised to see many homes with scores of 2 and 3. Recently, it has become common to eliminate candidates based solely on such low scores. However, there are a few things to check first.

Looking at the GreatSchools scores for schools in the Buffalo area, many schools actually have low ratings. Buffalo Elementary School of Technology has a score of 2, Buffalo Collegiate Charter School has a score of 3, and the Bilingual Center also has a score of 3. In contrast, Buffalo United Charter School has a score of 5, which is average, and Frederick Olmsted School 56 has a score of 6, slightly above that. There is a significant variation in scores among schools within the same city.

Let's clarify what these scores reflect. GreatSchools rates schools on a scale from 1 to 10 based on test scores, college readiness, and equity indicators. Since these scores are relative compared to the state average in New York, it does not necessarily mean that the quality of the schools is poor. However, because test scores carry a significant weight, areas with lower test preparation tend to have lower overall scores.

The three components that make up this score are as follows. Test scores reflect academic achievement compared to the New York state average, college readiness is based on graduation rates and participation in advanced courses, and the equity indicator assesses whether various student groups achieve evenly. Since test scores have a large weight, areas with relatively poor test preparation environments tend to have lower overall scores. The weight of the equity indicator varies by school level. Generally, this indicator is more heavily weighted in middle and high schools than in elementary schools. Therefore, it is advisable to interpret the same score differently depending on your child's grade level.

A low score does not automatically mean that the school is bad. Reading parent reviews can reveal positive evaluations regarding communication with teachers, after-school programs, and safety during commutes. Remember that scores are centered around test performance, while reviews are closer to actual satisfaction with the school experience.

So, before making a judgment based solely on scores in the app, here are some items to check:

• Whether the rating has been trending upward or downward over the past three years
• How the student-to-teacher ratio compares to the New York state average
• How closely the specific details in parent reviews align with the scores
• Whether the property address falls within the actual assigned district, confirmed through the school district office

Also, please check the student-to-teacher ratio. Depending on how it compares to the New York state average, you can gauge classroom density that may not be visible through scores alone.

When contacting the school district office, be sure to ask not only about the property address but also whether there are any plans for future adjustments to school district boundaries. In areas undergoing redevelopment, boundaries may be redrawn based on changes in student populations.

In recent years, Buffalo has seen an influx of young families alongside redevelopment, leading to a gradual increase in ratings for some school districts. Therefore, when looking at scores, it seems realistic to consider not just the current numbers but also the trend over the past few years.

For families moving from out of state, it is advisable to budget for the property tax burden in New York, including Buffalo, which may feel higher than in their previous residence. Tax rates can vary by county. While many terms may feel unfamiliar, checking scores, reviews, and assigned districts in order will make the decision-making process much easier.

This article is not investment or legal advice, and it is recommended to reconfirm assigned schools and property tax conditions through consultation with the school district office and professionals before making any actual contracts.