A person inquiring about homes in Concord asked why the school score in this neighborhood is 8, yet the home prices differ significantly from the neighboring area. They assumed that if school scores rise, home prices would follow suit. However, recent market trends indicate that the relationship between the two is not that straightforward.

The school scores displayed on Zillow and Redfin are ratings assigned by the nonprofit organization GreatSchools. This score is merely an indicator of a school's academic performance and is not the sole factor determining the overall market value of a neighborhood. Other factors, such as commute distance, housing inventory, and mortgage rate trends, also influence home prices. School scores should be viewed as just one piece of the puzzle.

Even within the Concord school district, there are significant differences in scores among schools. According to GreatSchools, Christa McAuliffe School and Broken Ground School both received a score of 8. In contrast, Concord High School and Three Rivers School scored 4, while Abbot-Downing School and Beaver Meadow School scored 5. Rundlett Middle School has a score of 6. Scores can vary greatly depending on the school level and location, even within the same district.

Understanding how these scores are generated can clarify things. GreatSchools ratings are calculated based on standardized test scores compared to other schools, academic growth indicators showing how much students have improved over the year, and equity indicators assessing performance gaps among student groups. For high schools, factors such as college readiness, including SAT and ACT scores, graduation rates, and advanced course completion rates, are also included. Because multiple elements are mixed into a single number, it can be challenging to determine a school's strengths and weaknesses based solely on the score.

Before making a contract, there are three main things to check. First, whether the rating has been trending upward or downward in recent years. A single year's score may not distinguish between temporary fluctuations and structural trends. Second, the student-to-teacher ratio. Even with the same score, differences in class size can affect the actual learning environment. Third, reviews left by parents. Information not captured in scores, such as commuting conditions or school atmosphere, is often found here. In New England, the way schools are operated can vary slightly from town to town, so reading reviews can highlight these differences more clearly.

When checking school information, it is common to also look at sites like Niche in addition to GreatSchools. Niche uses an alphabetical grading system and places a relatively high emphasis on parent reviews. Because the grading criteria of the two sites differ, the perceived rankings of the same school may feel different. Therefore, rather than relying solely on the numbers from one site, it is essential to develop a habit of cross-referencing multiple sources.

If you are moving to Concord from Massachusetts or another New England state, you should also consider property tax burdens. New Hampshire has many towns with relatively high property tax rates, but no state income tax. Calculating monthly housing costs based on your previous residence may not accurately reflect your actual burden, so it is advisable to check the property tax rates for each town separately.

• Rating trends - whether it has been trending up or down in recent years
• Student-to-teacher ratio - experiences may differ even with the same score
• Parent reviews - information not captured in scores, such as commuting and atmosphere
• Check assigned school address - district boundaries can change frequently

In New Hampshire, many school district boundaries are drawn differently from city boundaries. Whether a house you like falls within the Concord school district or is assigned to a neighboring district can depend on just one address. Please verify the assigned school for that address before purchasing. This information is not investment or legal advice, and it is recommended to consult with a professional before finalizing any contracts.