What do you look for in a "great" school district?

We're looking to buy a house very soon and wondering what statistics do we look for in "great" school districts? and do I find this information?

Any feedback would be appreciated...thanks!

Re: What do you look for in a "great" school district?

As a teacher, I look to see if there are a variety of programs offered, a large number of different classes offered, and if the students (for the most part) value their education.

I try not to look at test scores, even though I know a lot of people place emphasis on them, because I think they're too subjective.

Re: What do you look for in a "great" school district?

Thanks - this helps!

Re: What do you look for in a "great" school district?

I looked for the number of AP classes, clubs, sports teams, National Merit finalists, Intel Science finalists/winners, and number of students going to my ivy league alma mater.

Re: What do you look for in a "great" school district?

Sports and activities in the middle and high school (in addition to test scores and graduation rates, college attendance, etc.). To me they need to have stuff to do as teens so as to not get into trouble when they don't necessarily want to do homework and hang out w/ mom and dad anymore. Sports kept me on a very straight path, but a variety of activities is important to me as maybe my kids won't be as into sports as I was, something else they can be passionate about and even learn leadership skills.