What are you beginning?
Some people look for sport in which case I recommend cross training and finding a school that sponsors tournaments. (i.e. Ohio Martial Arts College schools)
Some are looking for self defense in which case I would say find a good Krav Maga or Jiu Jitsu school.
Some are looking for discipline, in which case I would suggest a traditional Tae Kwon Do or Karate school.
What are you looking for specifically?