If you have kids, the local school will be a big part of your new home buying decision. That’s why it’s important to get a school’s “vital statistics”, such as:

 

• Safety record
• Curriculum
• Accommodation for special needs
• Awards
• Average class sizes
• Extracurricular activities. (sports, arts, crafts, technology, etc.)
• Scores on standardized achievement tests
• Daily schedules and vacations

Even such seemingly inconsequential details as hours of operation can be important. If school starts a half hour later than you expected, you may not be able to drop off your kids on your way to work and therefore, you will need to make other arrangements.