With over 100,000 public schools in the United States, it’s no surprise that comparing them can feel overwhelming. There’s often too much (or too little) information online, and each state collects different kinds of data based on distinct educational goals. To make things even more confusing, different websites (including those run by state and federal governments, nonprofits, and for-profit companies) use different approaches to present their own version of school quality.

If you’re wondering which source to trust — and which one holds the right answer for your family — you’re not alone.

That’s where GreatSchools comes in. For more than 25 years, we’ve helped families make sense of school data. Our ratings offer a consistent, research-based lens for understanding school quality and a helpful tool to support your school search. Here’s how they work.

What makes GreatSchools ratings different?

We collect and analyze data from all 50 state departments of education (plus Washington, D.C.), and the federal government and organize it so that it’s easy to understand and relevant to parents’ priorities. Our methods are ever-evolving based on new research, available data, and feedback from real families and education experts.

We don’t “rank” schools in comparison to one another. Instead, we assign ratings that reflect important factors like how much students are improving within a school year, performance on state tests, and how well schools prepare students for college. Our multi-measured approach is designed to offer a more well-rounded perspective on school quality.

How do GreatSchools ratings work?

At the top of GreatSchools profiles, you’ll find the overall GreatSchools Rating — a number from 1 to 10 that provides a snapshot of how a school is doing compared to other schools in the same state.

It’s important to know this number is not a percentage or a grade like you’d see on a report card. A rating of 5 doesn’t mean “50%” or that the school is “failing.” In fact, it means the school is performing right in line with the state average.

Here’s how to interpret the rating scale:

1–4: Performing below the state average
5–6: Performing around the state average
7–10: Performing above the state average

What’s in a rating?

We calculate the GreatSchools Rating using up to three themed ratings, depending on the school’s grade levels and the data available:

  1. Student Progress Rating: Also called the Academic Progress Rating in states without available growth data, this measures how much progress students make year over year. It’s a powerful indicator of a school’s ability to help students learn, regardless of where they started.
  2. Test Score Rating: This shows how well students perform on state standardized tests in core subjects like math and reading.
  3. College Readiness Rating: Available only for high schools, this rating reflects how well the school prepares students for college. It includes factors like graduation rates, SAT/ACT performance, and participation in advanced coursework such as Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), or dual enrollment.

Each themed rating draws on state and federal data. In our GreatSchools Rating, we weigh the themed ratings based on how strong the research is behind each measure and how much data is available. For example, student growth receives greater weight because experts agree it’s a more accurate reflection of how much a school contributes to student learning, regardless of students’ backgrounds.

Check out How to choose a school for your child. In our guide, you can see all the aspects of evaluating, visiting, and choosing the right school for your child’s unique needs. Then, you can search for schools near you.

How to use GreatSchools ratings in your school search

Now that you know the basics of how our ratings work, here are some smart ways to use them in your school search:

  • Start with the data: Use the GreatSchools Rating and themed ratings to narrow your list of schools. Focus on areas that matter most to you, like academic growth, college prep, or test performance.
  • Look beyond the numbers: GreatSchools profiles include verified community reviews, student group performance data, and information from school leaders to help you understand more.
  • Ask the right questions: When you visit schools or speak with educators, use our data to start meaningful conversations. For example: “How do you support students who need help catching up?” or “What college and career prep options do you offer?”
  • Consider your family’s needs: Think about logistics like start times and transportation, or special offerings like extracurriculars or electives.
  • Trust your instincts: A school visit or conversation with a teacher or parent can tell you things data can’t. As you walk the halls or discuss the school culture, ask yourself: “Would I feel good about my child spending their childhood at this school every day?”

What our ratings don’t tell you

GreatSchools ratings are a powerful starting point, but they don’t capture everything that matters when choosing a school. They won’t answer personal questions, like whether they offer afterschool care or the type of schedule that fits your family’s needs. Schools can claim their profile and add that kind of information, though, so it’s worth checking the school’s profile to see if it’s available.

They also don’t tell you how it feels to be part of a school community, and whether it’s a place where your child will feel welcomed and excited to learn. You can get a sense of that by reading reviews from other parents, talking with others in your community, or visiting the school.

Every child is different, and the school that’s right for your family might not be the one with the highest rating. Think of GreatSchools ratings as one tool that, combined with your own research and priorities, can help you find the right fit. Remember: the “best” school is the one where your child will thrive.