To find the best school *for you*, consider these factors and research schools accordingly:
* Elementary School: Look at schools within your specific neighborhood, considering factors like class size, teacher-student ratios, and the school's overall academic performance as reported by the California Department of Education (CDE).
* Middle School: Similar factors as elementary school apply, plus consider the availability of specialized programs (e.g., gifted and talented, arts, STEM).
* High School: Focus on college preparatory programs, AP/IB course offerings, extracurricular activities, and the school's college acceptance rate and the types of colleges students typically attend.
You can find information on individual schools' performance through the CDE website, GreatSchools.org, and Niche.com. These websites offer data and reviews but remember that they present a snapshot and may not capture the full picture of a school's environment. Visiting schools in person, talking to current students and parents, and reviewing school websites are also essential steps in making an informed decision.