Checking out the school scores can start by going to websites like:
http://www.schooldatadirect.org

Also, we recommend that you visit the school directly, ask the important questions for you and your family and attempt to talk to other parents that are at the school. Knowing where your children will be attending, where the school bus stops in your neighborhood and how the school is perceived in the area is important.
Once you have visited the schools you may also want to locate private school and home school options just in case to make sure that they are around you.

Many schools have reviews on the internet now from parents.  Also, see if they have a blog where parents post their thoughts.