For those moving to Riverside and looking into schools for their children, choosing a high school can be as challenging as the cost of housing.

When I look at school evaluation data, I see some schools rated 9 and others rated 7, and then on another site, the rankings are completely different, leaving me wondering what to believe. However, when I compile data from sources like Niche, SchoolDigger, and U.S. News, there are still schools that consistently stand out in Riverside.

The most notable one is Riverside STEM Academy. This school is not just an average high school; it is a public school with a strong focus on STEM that receives high ratings even in California. The curriculum is centered around science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, and students show very high achievement levels in math and English.

However, there is something parents need to understand. A good school is not necessarily the best fit for every child. If your child enjoys solving math problems and is considering a college path in science or engineering, this could be a great environment. But if your child loves drawing, music, and writing, pushing them solely towards STEM due to parental ambition could lead to different outcomes. It's not just about the school rankings.

Another frequently mentioned school is Martin Luther King High School, commonly referred to as MLK. It is one of the more preferred schools among parents in the Riverside Unified School District's general public high schools. Unlike smaller schools focused on specific areas like STEM Academy, MLK is a regular high school, which offers a wide range of options from AP courses to sports and club activities.

If your child has not yet decided on a major and wants to explore various activities while studying, a comprehensive high school like this might be more comfortable. This is why parents looking for homes in Riverside often check the MLK assignment area.

Polytechnic High School, commonly known as Poly, is also hard to overlook.

It is one of the older public high schools in Riverside and emphasizes a balanced approach to academics, AP courses, sports, arts, and various student activities. With its larger size, it can be advantageous for students who want to meet diverse friends and experience a variety of activities.

Ramona High School and John W. North High School are also long-established schools in Riverside. However, when comparing schools, it can be risky to judge solely based on graduation rates. Graduation rates are just the basics; you should also consider English and math achievement levels, the number of AP courses and actual participation rates, and college readiness programs.

Additionally, while researching schools in the U.S., I feel the need to be cautious about online rankings. Niche incorporates student and parent reviews, SchoolDigger places importance on test scores, and U.S. News uses its own criteria, including college readiness and test achievement. Therefore, it's not unusual for the same school to have different rankings across sites.

Ultimately, visiting schools in person is the best approach. If possible, attend campus tours or open houses and ask counselors about AP classes and college readiness programs. It's also important for your child to experience the school atmosphere directly.

Especially in Riverside, there can be significant differences between schools even within the same city. Don't rush to sign a contract just because you like a house; make sure to check which school your address is assigned to.

When it comes to academics, Riverside STEM Academy certainly stands out, but not every child is a STEM type. Some kids may be better suited for MLK, while others may find happiness balancing sports and studies at Poly. Ultimately, the best school is not necessarily the one with the highest ranking, but the one where our child can thrive and grow over four years.