A family looking for a home in Cresskill was confused. Although they were clearly within Cresskill, the school information varied slightly across real estate websites. This confusion arises from not fully understanding school boundaries.

First, let's look at the school ratings displayed on Zillow or Redfin. These ratings are grades assigned by a nonprofit organization called GreatSchools. They range from 1 to 10, and simply put, they are a composite score that takes into account various factors, not just test scores.

According to the official description, high school ratings are based on four components: test scores, academic growth, college readiness, and equity. If all data is available, achievement, growth, and college readiness each contribute 33% to the overall score. If college readiness seems unfamiliar, think of it as a measure that combines SAT or ACT scores, graduation rates, and how many students take advanced courses like AP or IB. Equity examines whether performance and attendance are consistent across various student groups, including low-income and disabled students.

It's also good to know how to verify this information. By searching for a school name on the GreatSchools website, you can see the four detailed scores displayed below the overall score. If you click on several years of data, you can also see whether the ratings are trending upward or downward.

To elaborate a bit more on the growth component, schools with many high-achieving students often receive high ratings based solely on test scores. In contrast, growth measures how much students have improved compared to the previous year, so a school that started with lower scores can still receive a good rating if it shows consistent improvement. This means that two schools with the same overall score can have very different actual performance.

Looking at the schools in Cresskill, Cresskill Jr Sr High School received a GreatSchools rating of 7, while Cresskill Middle School received an 8. The student-to-teacher ratio is 15 to 1. This school district is considered one of the higher-rated districts in New Jersey according to Niche.

To further discuss the student-to-teacher ratio, a lower number means that each teacher is responsible for fewer students. This is a significant indicator, just like test scores. It's also helpful to look at how the ratings have changed over the past few years to see if they are on the rise or decline.

However, in a small town like Cresskill, school boundaries can be particularly confusing. Even within the same zip code, the assigned school can vary depending on which block you are in. This means that the school listed on real estate websites may differ from the actual assigned school.

In northern New Jersey, where small school districts are concentrated, property tax rates can also vary slightly from town to town. For families moving from out of state, it's advisable to check not only school ratings but also tax and insurance conditions by county.

To summarize, a rating is just an outcome, and the factors that create that outcome are test scores, growth, and college readiness. Once you understand the composition of these factors, it becomes easier to see why schools with the same score of 7 can have different strengths.

Here's a checklist of items to verify when choosing a home:

• GreatSchools rating and recent trends
• Student-to-teacher ratio, parent reviews
• Actual assigned school and boundaries based on the property address

In a small district like Cresskill, there aren't many listings available. When a home that meets your criteria comes up, checking the school rating and assignment boundaries first can save you time when making a decision.

You cannot judge a school solely based on one score. School boundaries change frequently, so be sure to verify the assigned school for the specific address before signing a contract. This article does not constitute investment or legal advice, and it is recommended to consult a professional before making any agreements.