A. The district that governs the school you're researching appears here. Even neighboring districts can vary greatly. Budgets, teacher salaries, and policies are among the key factors that can differ.

B. School calendars are getting complicated, with about one-fifth of all the state's schools on year-round schedules. The type of year-round schedule can also vary. Be sure to check with the district office for the essential facts before enrolling your child in a school. For explanations of the different types of year-round schedules, try the state Department of Education. Source: California Basic Education Data System (CBEDS)