What I wish I knew about researching schools before buying a home.
So you’re interested in schools?
Purchasing a new home is already stressful enough, especially if you’re relocating to a new state (like many Floridians have). Finding the right school for your kids adds another layer of complication. The key is to do your research BEFORE you begin your home search. But don’t worry, the information you need is out there! You just need to find it.
As a parent and real estate professional, I understand the desire to choose the right home and the right school for your children. I’ve compiled a helpful guide to give you a starting point for your research. Every parent is different, with various values and expectations, so this guide still puts YOU in the driver’s seat…just a little more informed.
How Does Public School Grading Work in Florida?
School grades provide an easily understandable way to measure the performance of a school. Parents and the general public can use the school grade and its components to understand how well each school is serving its students. Schools are graded A, B, C, D, or F. Each school is graded based on the components for which it has sufficient data. Schools must test at least 95% of their students.
Components
In 2024-25, a school’s grade may include up to twelve components. There are five achievement components and four learning gains components, as well as components for middle school acceleration, graduation rate and college and career acceleration. Each component is worth up to 100 points inthe overall calculation.
Five Achievement Components
The five achievement components are English Language Arts (ELA), Grade 3 ELA, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies. These components include student performance on statewide standardized assessments, including the comprehensive assessments and end-of-course (EOC) assessments. The components measure the percentage of full-year enrolled students who achieved a passing score.
Four Learning Gains Components
These components are learning gains in ELA and Mathematics, as well as learning gains for the lowest performing 25% of students in ELA and Mathematics. These components include student performance on statewide standardized assessments including the comprehensive assessments and EOC assessments for the current year and the prior year. The components measure the percentage of full-year enrolled students who achieved a learning gain from the prior year to the current year.
Middle School Acceleration
This component is based on the percentage of eligible students who passed a high school level EOC assessment or industry certification.
Graduation Rate
The graduation rate is based on an adjusted cohort of ninth grade students and measures whether the students graduate within four years.
College and Career Acceleration
This component is based on the percentage of graduates from the graduation rate cohort who earned a passing score on an acceleration examination (qualifying AP, IB, or AICE), earned a passing grade in a dual enrollment course that qualified for college credit, earned 300 clock hours through career dual enrollment courses in the same approved program, earned an Armed Services Qualification Test score and two course credits within the same military branch, or earned an industry certification.
School Grades Calculation
The number of points earned for each component is added together and divided by the total number of available points to determine the percentage of points earned.
School Grading Scale (2025)
The grading scale for elementary schools is as follows: A=62% of points or greater; B=54% to 61% of points; C=41% to 53% of points; D=32% to 40% of points; and F=31% of points or less. The grading scale for middle, high, and combination schools is as follows: A=64% of points or greater; B=57% to 63% of points; C=44% to 56% of points; D=34% to 43% of points; and F=33% of points or less.
Source: Florida Department of Education
Where to Start Searching
OFFICIAL SCHOOL GRADES*
- Public schools are graded A-F. Find out schools’ grades.
- Helpful source: Comprehensive metrics can be found from the Florida Department of Education
TEST SCORE TRENDS
- See how schools have changed over time, including chronic absenteeism rates and student/teacher ratios.
- Helpful source: SchoolDigger
STUDENT PROGRESS (GROWTH)
- Looking specifically at student growth shows how consistently students improve over time.
- Helpful source: GreatSchools
SCHOOL CULTURE & COMMUNITY
- Look for parent & student reviews
- What clubs, sports, & extracurricular programs are offered
- Helpful source: Niche
SCHOOL ZONE & BOUNDARY CHANGES*
- Ensure you understand current and future zoning
- Find enrollment caps & capacity metrics
- Helpful source: District website (e.g. Orange County Public Schools)
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