Why do different websites have different school rankings?

Because each website has its own secret sauce—and not all of them are using the same recipe. One site might obsess over SAT scores, another over parent reviews, and yet another over how many AP classes a school offers (spoiler: more isn’t always better). Think of rankings like restaurant reviews: one critic loves five-star steak houses, another swears by hole-in-the-wall taco joints. Neither is wrong—they just have different tastes. That’s why rankings vary. So don’t get whiplash jumping between lists. Instead, find out what each ranking values, and then ask yourself: “Do I care about that?” Your kid’s future isn’t a math equation—it’s a messy, magical journey. Pick a path that fits, not just one that’s trending.