A family was looking at homes in Oklahoma City. They found two houses they liked, which were only a block apart. However, the assigned schools listed on Zillow were different. One house was assigned to an elementary school with a GreatSchools score of 9, while the other was assigned to a school with a score of 5. They were only a 3-minute walk apart, yet there was this discrepancy.

This can be confusing for many people. The school district boundaries shown on the map can actually be divided by a single road or even specific address numbers. The school assignment information on real estate websites is just for reference. Before finalizing a home purchase, it's essential to verify the assigned school for the exact address on the local school district's website.

First, let's clarify what the GreatSchools score means. The school scores displayed on Zillow and Redfin are mostly sourced from GreatSchools.org. This score ranges from 1 to 10, with scores of 1-3 considered below average, 4-7 as average, and 8-10 as above average. According to GreatSchools' official description, this score is calculated by comparing three indicators—test scores, college readiness, and equity—against the state average. In some states, an additional indicator called academic growth may also be included, which measures how much students have improved compared to the previous year. Therefore, even if a school has a low score now, if it shows rapid growth, it may be viewed differently.

There are several factors to check in order:

• Don't just look at test scores; also consider the college readiness metric, which is calculated based on graduation rates and participation rates in AP and dual enrollment courses.
• Check the equity score as well. This indicates whether students from diverse backgrounds are achieving equally.
• Look at the student-to-teacher ratio and the score trends over the past 3-4 years. This will indicate whether the school is improving or declining.
• Reviews on the site can also be helpful. However, keep in mind that reviews may reflect the opinions of a small number of parents, so they should be taken as supplementary information rather than definitive.

In fact, looking at schools in the Oklahoma City area, Dove Science Academy HS has a GreatSchools score of 10, Spring Creek Elementary School has a score of 9, and Southridge Junior High School also has a score of 9. Conversely, there are schools with lower scores even within the same city, and this difference often translates into differences in home prices. In Oklahoma City, there are a few school districts preferred by Korean families, so it's better to evaluate schools individually rather than making broad judgments based on a single score.

Sometimes the scores displayed on Zillow or Redfin may differ from the original data on GreatSchools.org. This is due to timing differences in updates. GreatSchools may update first, while Zillow's updates can lag by days or even weeks. Therefore, it's wise to check the latest scores directly on GreatSchools.org before making a final decision.

There are aspects that numbers alone cannot capture. It's also a good idea to call the schools you're interested in to ask about enrollment procedures and class assignments, and if possible, visit to get a feel for the atmosphere. Online scores are just a starting point, and the final decision should be based on verified information gathered through personal investigation. It's commonly said that higher-scoring school districts tend to have higher property values, but this can vary greatly by area, so it's more accurate to compare the prices of nearby listings rather than relying solely on a specific number.

Ultimately, rather than categorizing schools as good or bad based on a single score, it's important to analyze what factors contribute to that score and to verify the school district boundaries directly. In areas like Oklahoma City, where school districts are closely divided, skipping this verification process can lead to regret later. This article is not investment or legal advice, and it is recommended to consult with the local school district and real estate professionals before making any contracts.