Start by reviewing official state school report cards from the Indiana Department of Education, which provide data on test scores, graduation rates, and student growth. Combine this with independent rating sites that aggregate parent reviews, academic outcomes, and college readiness indicators. Visit each school’s website to review academic programs, faculty qualifications, and extracurricular offerings, and schedule campus tours to observe classroom environments, talk with administrators, and assess overall culture and safety. Comparing several schools using the same criteria will help you identify the highest-performing options in Crestwood that also fit your family’s priorities.

Focus on core academic performance, including standardized test results, student growth metrics over time, and graduation or promotion rates. Evaluate class sizes, teacher experience, and teacher retention to understand instructional quality. Review program offerings such as advanced placement courses, special education services, gifted programs, arts, athletics, and career-technical education. Consider school safety records, discipline policies, and social-emotional support services like counseling. Practical factors such as transportation options, before- and after-school care, and proximity to home or work should also play a role in your decision. Finally, assess school culture through open houses, family engagement opportunities, and direct conversations with current parents when possible.

Reliable performance data is typically available through the Indiana Department of Education’s online school report cards, which include academic achievement, growth scores, attendance, and accountability ratings. Many local districts also publish annual performance reports on their websites, detailing specific initiatives, assessment results, and improvement plans. Independent school comparison platforms can supplement this by providing side‑by‑side views of Crestwood schools, though you should verify any summary ratings against official state data. When touring schools, ask administrators for the most recent performance summaries, accreditation status, and any improvement goals to gain additional context beyond raw test scores.

Extracurricular activities can significantly enhance a student’s school experience by fostering leadership, collaboration, and time‑management skills, so they should be part of your evaluation. Review each Crestwood school’s offerings in athletics, clubs, arts, music, STEM programs, and academic competitions to see how well they align with your child’s interests and potential talents. A strong extracurricular program often reflects an engaged staff and a supportive school culture. However, activities should complement, not replace, strong academics and student support services. Prioritize schools that balance robust academic expectations with accessible, well‑organized extracurricular opportunities that promote well‑rounded development.

Begin by creating a comparison checklist that includes academic performance indicators, student‑teacher ratios, available programs, safety records, and support services. Use the same set of criteria for each Crestwood school you are evaluating, and record data from official state reports, district publications, and school websites. Visit each school during operating hours to observe classrooms, common areas, and student interactions, and ask identical questions of administrators to maintain consistency. Incorporate both quantitative metrics, such as test scores and graduation rates, and qualitative impressions, such as communication style and school climate. Reviewing your notes side by side will help you identify which school best matches your educational goals, values, and your child’s learning needs.