GRAPHS OF CHARACTERISTICS:
Comparing School Systems on a National Percentile Basis

The graphs in this section show how all 10 school systems compare to each other and other school systems in the nation on a national percentile basis on selected characteristics.

School Building Enrollment: Elementary Schools Average number of students per elementary building: 494 Graph

A large number of students in a single elementary school building (grades K-5) may mean more program offerings, extracurricular activities, and choice of teachers. On the other hand, what is gained in breadth and diversity may be lost in personalized instruction and individual attention. Be sure not to confuse school building size with school system size, which has its own distinct set of advantages and disadvantages.

School Building Enrollment: Secondary Schools Average number of students per secondary building: 669 Graph

Although the size of a school system may not have as direct an effect on the students’ well-being as the size of an individual school, it can have some impact. A larger school system may be better able to afford more specialized programs, including fine arts, vocational training, and special athletic programs. In a smaller school system parents may have a greater say in the policy decisions of school administrators and board members.

School System Enrollment Average number of students per school system (nationwide): 2,768 Graph

A large number of students in a single middle or high school (grades 6-12) building may mean a greater variety of course offerings, more extracurricular and athletic activities, and choice of teachers. On the other hand, what is gained in breadth and diversity may be lost in personalized instruction and individual attention. Be sure not to confuse school building size with school system size, which has its own distinct set of advantages and disadvantages.

School Class Size Average elementary pupil/teacher ratio, nationwide: 21.1 to 1 Graph Average secondary pupil/teacher ratio, nationwide: 16.4 to 1 Graph

Educational experts differ on the importance of class size to educational quality. However, many parents feel that a low pupil/teacher ratio leads to more personalized instruction. Others prefer the opportunities for greater diversity and more competition that larger classes may provide.

Pupil Performance on Scholarship Exams Graph

For some parents, a record of high scores on national college entrance examinations is a great advantage. They may like the highly competitive atmosphere that is sometimes part of such a school system. Other parents have found equally high quality education in school systems that do not boast extremely high test scores.

Instructional Expenditures Per Pupil Graph

School systems typically spend a large portion of their budgets on curricular programs and materials, services, facilities and personnel that are related to the direct instruction of students. Some feel that high per pupil expenditures correlate with academic quality, but some feel that expenditures per pupil do not necessarily affect educational quality.

Teacher Salaries Graph

School systems usually strive to keep teacher salaries in line with school system growth and the national economy. Some may provide salary incentives or merit raises for successful performance, while others may base teacher salaries on length of service and academic credentials, or some combination of these approaches.

Building and Facilities Expenditures Graph

A portion of the school system budget is allocated annually for maintenance and upkeep. Families may wish to consider the amount a school system spends for construction and maintenance of buildings, grounds, athletic facilities, and other areas students routinely utilize for instruction and school activities.

Percentage of Families with School-Age Children Graph

Some school districts serve communities with more school-age children than others. In these communities there are more parents likely to be involved in the schools than in communities with fewer school-age children.

Home Property Values in the School System Graph

You will want to choose a school system that your family finds comfortable and affordable. Don’t make the mistake of thinking that good schools can only be found in expensive neighborhoods.

Income Level of School System Residents (Per Capita Income) Graph

Like home property values, the average income in the neighborhood you choose is going to reflect your family’s income and lifestyle.

Education Level of School System Residents Graph

While the educational level of residents in a community is another reflection of the income of that community, it can also be a sign of how available certain specialized educational programs will be. Generally speaking, people who themselves have had more education are more likely to support better and more diverse educational programs.

School System Tax Base Graph

A large tax base means a community may have more money available to support the schools. Affluent communities generally have a larger tax base, but so do communities with large numbers of taxpayers. Other communities collect taxes from large corporations or industries, leading to a larger tax base with less of a tax burden on individual taxpayers.

Community Poverty Level Graph

The percent of families living in poverty within a community can affect the programs offered within a school system, as well as have an impact on the allotment of funds that may be available for various activities and services.

For information on the SchoolMatch® FairCompare Analysis
Contact: Dr. William L. Bainbridge or Dr. Steven M. Sundre
at FairCompare Information Request

Copyright © 2012 by Public Priority Systems, Inc.
May 21, 2012