Locate a copy of the school's report card. Most schools post them online on the school's website. If you can't find one for the local school, request one.
Visit the school. Spend time in the school. Consider spending a couple hours a week working as a volunteer in the school. Talk with administrators, teachers and students.
Look at statistics the state's department of education provides regarding your school district. Items such as statewide standards, teacher certification, retention and drop-out rates, facilities, diversity and school morale are available in state reports. Most states require their schools to undergo periodic reviews, usually on a 5-year rotation.
Compare test scores of the local school with other schools in the district, the region or the state. With the advent of national testing for No Child Left Behind, you can even compare test scores in math and reading on the national level.
Evaluate the school's annual progress reports. If the school is showing constant improvement, that's a good sign the students are learning in the school district.
Analyze the school's financial situation. Look at how much money is coming in versus how much money the school district is spending. Also, check out which programs receive the most funding.