Hi John. When you select a school, personal preferences play a big role. You can research a school and get information about how well the students did on statewide tests and so forth, but whether the school that tested the hightest is going the best fit for your child(ren) will depend on lots of other things in my experience. I would do preliminary research online, but then go visit the schools and talk to parents of children at the school as well as the principal and teachers at the school. See if you can audit a class in the grade that your child(dren) will attend and get a feel for the overall atmosphere at the school. Good academics is important, but not the only important thing. Good luck.

John, I would agree with Maureen sentiments. The State of Michigan has additional information, including No Child Left Behind. http://michigan.gov/mde you can also try http://www.schoolmatters.com/ which allows you to rate more than one district.

New York Real Estate guru Barbara Corcoran got in big trouble recently for stating that a school system in Alabama was not great. She made her comment based on research she had done on line. Frankly, I am shocked that she would make any comment about the quality of the school district. She ended up flying down to Alabama and doing a segment for the Today Show on how wonderful the schools are. Her end advice was to do your own research, including visiting the schools.

The Realtors here will not comment on school districts, but you can would do well to visit, ask questions and talk to parents. You may get some responses from people who are not real estate licensees too.