There was a client who had been looking at properties in Lynnwood for a long time. They chose a school based solely on test scores. In the end, they regretted it. The reason is simple: test scores are only half of the score composition.

Let's revisit the GreatSchools scores. For elementary schools, test scores and academic growth are mixed equally. Test scores reflect the abilities of that year's students. Growth indicates how much improvement there has been compared to last year. These are two different stories. There are schools with high test scores but low growth. The opposite is also true.

The equity rating is another important factor to consider. It shows whether students from various backgrounds achieve good results evenly. If you only look at the overall score, you might miss these detailed aspects.

Let's look at the scores for Lynnwood Elementary School. Lynnwood Elementary School has a score of 6. Hazelwood Elementary School also has a score of 6. Both schools are part of the Edmonds School District. Lynnwood Elementary School is classified as average compared to all elementary schools in Washington State.

Just looking at the numbers can be ambiguous. Therefore, we should also consider the student-to-teacher ratio. If this ratio is similar to or lower than the district average, it indicates that the classroom situation is not bad. Conversely, if it is higher than average, there may be burdens that the numbers do not show. If you filter out based solely on the score of 6, you will miss these detailed circumstances.

The trend of grades is also something to check. We look at whether the scores have been rising or falling over the past three years. If the trend is upward, even a currently low score may change soon. If the trend is downward, the opposite is true. The trend provides more information than a single point score. From my long-term observation, this trend has been a much more reliable indicator than a single year's score.

Reviews are also a reference. However, you need to check the date of writing. Older reviews may differ from the current situation. It's better to read recent reviews.

Lynnwood is conveniently located for commuting to downtown Seattle, so rental demand is relatively steady. Even if the school district scores are average, investors looking at commuting convenience and rental income may approach it from a different perspective. However, families moving in for actual residence will have to place more weight on school district factors.

If you are moving to Lynnwood from another state, it's also good to understand the characteristics of Washington State. Washington has no state income tax, but finances are covered by property tax and sales tax. If you were paying income tax in your previous state, the overall tax structure may feel different, so it's better to get a sense of it in advance. For those who have just immigrated from Korea and are choosing their first settlement, it's also wise to be aware of these differences in tax structures.

Finally, check the assigned school. Lynnwood has several school district boundaries close together. The school that is close on the map may differ from the actual assigned school. If you like a property, it's best to check directly on the Edmonds School District website using the address.

Getting into the habit of checking school scores is not a one-time thing. GreatSchools scores are updated annually, so it's safe to go through the process of checking once more before finalizing a contract. Especially when weighing multiple properties, organizing scores, ratios, and trends by school side by side makes it easier to compare later. From my long experience in viewing properties, I have often seen that contracts made without this organization process tend to leave regrets later.

Please do not judge solely by test scores; consider growth, ratios, trends, and assignment status together. This article is not investment or legal advice, and it is advisable to verify with a professional before finalizing any contracts.