GreatSchools.net Unveils First No-Fee Internet Guide to All California Public Schools

Business Wire, August 17, 1999

SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 17, 1999--

For the first time, the Internet will provide parents and the community in-depth, free, reliable and up-to-date information on all 8,000 K-12 public schools in California.

August 23 marks the statewide expansion of the GreatSchools.net website, the most comprehensive online guide to schools. Among the most current information is the complete 1999 STAR test results, recently released by the California Department of Education, accompanied by an explanatory guide. The website (www.GreatSchools.net) also includes college entrance exam scores, graduation rates, teacher qualifications, and student and teacher demographics.

The GreatSchools.net site features sophisticated tools for searching, sorting, and comparing schools. For example, a visitor to the site can compare schools within a particular district. Alternatively, a viewer can compare schools of similar size or demographic makeup. The site also includes education related articles, tips to help parents find the right school for their children, ideas on how to support local schools, and information about the California public education system.

For years, people have consulted regional printed school guides, but the information is often limited and out-of-date as soon as it leaves the publisher. Because data on the GreatSchools.net site is updated whenever the state releases new test scores or when the school informs GreatSchools.net of changes, the information is always current.

Families moving to new communities, switching schools, or checking on their existing schools will consider GreatSchools.net a valuable tool.

Northern California school districts that have been included in the website for the past year report they've benefited from the additional tool to communicate with parents.

Using GreatSchools.net, realtors can help their clients by providing pertinent data about any California public school for free.

Businesses can also use GreatSchools.net to help recruit employees, promote their commitment to education, and more effectively target their education investments.

GreatSchools.net launched in the fall of 1998 covering schools in San Mateo and Santa Clara counties. Later that year, it extended its coverage to the entire Bay Area. The statewide version, available August 23, is made possible with support from companies, foundations, and community groups.

Editor's note: Go to GreatSchools' Online Press Room (www.greatschools.net) to download logos and screen shots, quickly access a school profile, and demo our enhanced school profile that will be launched this fall.