Never pay for more than one lesson at a time up front. And if you do that, do it with a credit card so it's not your money. If they offer a discount for up front it usually means they have exhausted all other means of credit.
I don't know the schools "over East" but as a general rule I've found that customer service is inversely proportional to the glossiness of the brochure. All that glitters is not gold!
Go somewhere where you are comfortable with the people you meet there.
And never ask to see a CFI without an appointment!