1 point. This is the GreatSchools score for the middle and high schools that frequently appear when you list properties in downtown Baltimore on real estate sites. These schools are Booker T. Washington Middle School and Benjamin Franklin High School, and there has been a phenomenon where these two schools show up as assigned schools for almost every address in downtown Baltimore.

According to a report by The Baltimore Banner, the reason for this is revealed. Zillow sorted the list of schools in downtown Baltimore alphabetically and displayed the schools at the top of that list as defaults, regardless of actual addresses. Zillow has acknowledged the issue with the data connection for schools in downtown Baltimore and stated that they will work on improvements.

This case is significant because the school assignment system in Baltimore is different from that of other cities. Most cities in the U.S. use a school district system where students are automatically assigned to schools based on their addresses, but middle and high schools in downtown Baltimore operate a school choice system where students can apply to any school in the city. However, real estate sites failed to reflect this structure and displayed incorrect schools.

So, should we assume that all scores for downtown Baltimore are low? Not necessarily. The Baltimore School For The Arts received a score of 9 according to GreatSchools. It is an audition-based magnet school with 443 students, and the student-to-teacher ratio is 16 to 1. However, this school also requires an audition for admission, so living nearby does not guarantee automatic assignment.

It is also helpful to understand the components that make up the GreatSchools score. According to the official description, test scores, academic progress, college readiness, and equity indicators are combined with different weights depending on the school level and data availability. Even for schools like Booker T. Washington Middle School that received a score of 1, it is difficult to judge all aspects of the school based solely on that score, and first and foremost, it is essential to verify whether that school is indeed the assigned school. From the perspective of investors looking for rental income, it is worth noting that cities like Baltimore that use a school choice system require more explanation to tenants.

Ultimately, the reasons for encountering different scores on various sites, or scores that do not match reality, can be summarized in two points. One is that the school assignment methods vary by region, and the other is that the data connections of real estate sites are not perfect. Both of these aspects cannot be discerned by looking at just one number.

• Reconfirm whether the school listed on the real estate site is the actual assigned school on the education department's site
• First, check whether it is a school choice system or an address-based assignment system
• Be aware that magnet and audition-based schools have separate application procedures
• Check the detailed items and recent grade trends below the overall score

In cities like Baltimore that operate a school choice system, it is especially important not to judge schools based solely on addresses. Before visiting properties, it is necessary to directly check the list of schools available for application and the application procedures on the relevant county or city education department's site.

Families moving from out of state to Maryland should also keep in mind that property tax and insurance conditions may differ from those of their previous residence. This varies by county, so it is advisable to check for each property.

The school scores on real estate sites are a starting point, not a conclusion. This is especially true in cities where the school assignment system is not typical. This article is not investment or legal advice, and it is recommended to consult with a professional before making any actual contracts.