EQAO Results

EQAO results are a hot topic among buyers, and technology is matching up home budgets to results.  It is fantastic that this information exists, but to truly understand the results you have to know far more than the basic rankings.  How large was the class size? What was the make up of the class? How many completed the entire test?  The list goes on. The results are stats, and can be interpreted many, many ways.  I am here to say there is far more to a good school than its EQAO results.  The principal, the staff, the parents, the community and of course the children all make up a school.  The school is where your child will grow, and absolutely check it out, but go way beyond EQAO results.  Go meet the principal, observe a recess, afterschool dismissal time, inquire about extracurricular activities.  It takes a village to raise a child, so check out your potential village- do most of the kids walk home, are they bussed, driven etc.  Is there daycare in or near the school? If this is a concern check it out too and see if there will be space available for your child.  What does the daycare offer? Is there a lunch program? What time is drop-off and pick-up etc.?  Is it a warm, fun environment for your children? What is staff turnover etc.  These are just a few things to consider.  A local Realtor can really assist you in understanding the neighbourhood beyond the numbers.  Many know parents and families in all the local schools, and can fill you in on what the area has to offer your child outside of school.  They know these things because they too are part of your child's community, and will be serving you and your community well beyond this year's EQAO result.