Best school district around Springfield?

[Lake Junkie]

I just have to jump in here with my humble opinion...

When people ask me about a "good" school district, my answer is: It Depends.

It depends on what you are looking for, and how much time you personally spend with your children on their studies. It depends on whether sports is a big issue, or class size, or updated computer labs.

And whether or not a small school is better depends on the small town to which it is attached! One of the things I've said over and over here is that small towns vary and have their own unique personality. And like dating a new guy, you have to really get to know a town before you will know if you want to "marry" it! Some little bergs that haven't seen any growth in 50 years can tend to be a bit "closed" to newcomers.

In my area, which I suppose is "around" Springfield, all of the school districts have their strengths and their weaknesses. Many will tell you Branson is best partly because of the sports programs (& they've won state honors)...but others like the class sizes & teachers in Hollister. Reeds Spring is one I've heard lots of good things about!

It depends.

I always recommend parents take a day, line up appointments, and visit each school. Get the tour, talk to a few teachers & students, see if you can get a feel for the attitudes in the area.