Moving With Kids: How to Research Schools

New Jersey School Performance Reports

The New Jersey Department of Education publishes School Performance Reports for each public school and district. The reports include information such as enrollment, programs, assessments and other measures the state tracks. You can compare the schools you are considering on the same measures.

New York State public school data

The New York State Education Department publishes data for each public school and district on its public data site. You can look up enrollment, assessments and other information the state reports.

Decide what matters to your family

• Programs your child needs, such as special education services, English language learner support, or specific classes and activities.
• Schedule, before and after school care, and transportation.
• Class sizes and how the school communicates with families.
• Commute to school from the homes you are considering.

Ask the district directly

Each MoveMatched town guide links to the official school district website so you can start there.

• Which school would my address be zoned for?
• What documents do I need to enroll, and when can I register?
• How do transfers or program placements work?
• Is there a visit or open house for new families?

Why we do not rank schools

MoveMatched does not rank schools or describe them as better or worse. Fair housing rules matter, and rankings often hide what a family actually needs. We link you to official sources and let you decide. Your agent can also share official data, but cannot steer you toward or away from a town based on who lives there.

Time the move around the school calendar

If you can, plan the move so your child starts at the beginning of a term. Ask the district about registration dates, required documents and any placement testing. Many districts ask for proof of address, such as a lease or deed, plus your child's birth certificate and immunization records.

Request records from your child's current school early. Transcripts, special education plans and health records can take time to send.

Visit if you can

• Ask whether the school offers tours or open houses for new families.
• Talk to the school about any services your child uses now and how they continue after the move.
• Check the school bus or walking route from the homes you are considering.
• Look at after school programs and activities your child cares about.

Private, charter and other options

Public schools are only one option. Your area may also have charter schools, magnet or specialized programs, and private or religious schools, each with its own application process and deadlines. Some have application windows months before the school year starts.

Charter and magnet programs may use lotteries or applications that are separate from your home address. Ask each school or district how admission works and when to apply, and keep copies of everything you submit.

Keep the search grounded in facts

• Use the official state reports for each school you consider, on the same measures.
• Ask schools and districts the same questions so you can compare answers.
• Write down what matters most to your family before you start looking.
• Talk to your agent about homes near the schools and programs you choose, and let them handle the housing search.