Why growth matters
Here's the lowdown on why student growth data is such an important way to measure a school's quality.
Why equity matters (for all kids)
No matter who your child is, how a school serves students from underserved communities is an important factor in understanding the school’s overall quality.
Why we changed our ratings
Parents deserve information that sheds light on how schools do their jobs.
Why student-centered education should be the norm
Want a high school where every kid finds their unique learning path? Allow students a way to exercise their voice and choice.
The power of positive school culture
How everyone treats each other at a high school has a huge impact on learning. This is what to look out for.
How to make better teachers
Teachers are the most powerful factor in your child’s education: that’s why ongoing teacher development should be a cornerstone of every high school.
Supporting at-risk students creates a more effective school for all
Research shows that high schools that successfully support at-risk students are more effective for all their students.
Why college counseling matters
Early and ongoing access to college counseling has been shown to influence whether students apply to college and which colleges they choose.
The value of student-staff connections
Positive, meaningful relationships between high school students and their teachers and principals are more than just nice to have; they're the foundation for a great high school.
Why all students should take advanced classes
The best high schools don’t just provide rigorous courses for motivated students, they encourage every student to explore advanced classes.
The importance of real-life learning and career pathways
Whether it’s career and technical training or outside internships, hands-on learning in high school gives kids purpose and makes school relevant.
High school quality
It’s not always obvious. Here’s an insider’s guide to the sometimes invisible factors that indicate a high school is effective, and how you can recognize the signs.
Understanding rolling admissions
Some colleges accept applications and admit students on a rolling basis rather than after a set deadline. Here’s what parents and teens need to know about rolling admissions.
Education rebel with a cause
Until recently, local school boards were run mostly by political players. This Oakland dad represents a new breed of parents who are taking power into their own hands.
Understanding °ÅÀÖÊÓƵ Ratings
Our school profiles now include important information in addition to test scores. Here's a look at what goes into your school's °ÅÀÖÊÓƵ Summary Rating.
Schley Middle High School: Doing what's best for kids
In the name of doing what's best for kids, College Success Award-winning Schley Middle High School embraces dual-enrollment, offers one-on-one academic and college counseling, and ensures that there's a path for every student.
Like a Sponge podcast: Kindergarten Confidential
What’s it like to tour 12 elementary schools in search of the best one for your child? Join us as we take a look at one of the weirdest milestones in modern American parenting.
Inside a place-based school
The idea behind place-based education is to immerse students in learning by locating the school inside an inspiring learning environment. Public Museum School, a middle school in Grand Rapids, MI, for example, is on the top floor of a museum.
Inside a performance-based school
Performance-based learning means that students get to learn at their own pace. See how adopting this model changed student outcomes at Lindsay High School.
Inside a high-expectations, high-support school
Many charter schools have adopted this school model to help traditionally underserved students prepare for college. KIPP Bayview Academy, a 5-8 school in San Francisco, exemplifies this cool school model.
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