Start by reviewing objective performance data, such as California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP) scores and School Accountability Report Cards (SARC) for schools serving Maywood. Check the California School Dashboard to compare academic performance, graduation rates, and college/career readiness indicators. Then look at student–teacher ratios, availability of advanced coursework, and support services such as counseling and special education. Finally, supplement the data by visiting campuses, talking with administrators and teachers, and asking current families about school culture, safety, and communication practices.

Consider academic performance indicators, graduation and attendance rates, and the range of programs offered, including honors, Advanced Placement, dual-language, and career–technical pathways. Evaluate class sizes, teacher qualifications, and staff stability. Review school climate factors such as safety measures, disciplinary practices, and student support services. It is also important to look at after-school programs, enrichment opportunities, parent involvement, transportation options, and how well the school’s values and expectations align with your family’s priorities.

Reliable information comes first from official sources, including the California Department of Education website, the California School Dashboard, and each school or district’s own website and SARC reports. You can also consult reputable third-party platforms that aggregate test scores, demographics, and parent reviews, but use them as a supplement rather than the sole basis for decisions. Local community organizations, parent–teacher associations, and neighborhood meetings in Maywood can provide additional context about school strengths, challenges, and recent changes that may not be reflected in numerical ratings alone.

School location and attendance boundaries are important because they determine which public schools your child is automatically eligible to attend and influence daily logistics such as commute time and transportation costs. In Maywood, district boundary maps indicate your neighborhood schools, and living within a boundary can improve your chances of enrollment and access to school-based services. You should review boundary maps, bus routes, and safe walking paths, and verify whether any schools have special enrollment policies, magnet programs, or transfer options that might allow attendance outside your immediate area if a better fit is available.

During a visit, observe how students and staff interact, the overall cleanliness and safety of the campus, and whether classrooms appear organized, engaging, and appropriately resourced. Ask about academic expectations, homework policies, and how the school supports diverse learners, including English learners and students with special needs. Inquire about communication methods with families, opportunities for parent involvement, and availability of extracurricular activities. Take note of how administrators respond to your questions and whether they provide clear, transparent information about student performance and improvement plans specific to the Maywood community.