By October, the excitement of a new school year has usually started to fade. The notebooks aren't new anymore, routines have settled in, and the reality of homework, tests, projects, and busy schedules has arrived. For many students, October is the perfect time for a reset. Rather than waiting for the first report card or for a small struggle to become a bigger one, families can pause, take stock, and make a few thoughtful adjustments. The goal isn't to decide that something

1. Practice Thoughtful Responses Admissions teams want to know what excites your student about learning and school life. Practice questions like: “What’s your favorite subject and why?” “How do you handle challenges?” “What are you most looking forward to in a new school?” Encourage them to speak honestly—not just what they think the interviewer wants to hear. 2. Encourage Self-Reflection Have your student think about what kind of environment helps them thrive. What kind of c

One of the most important parts of the transition to college happens before a student ever steps into a classroom: learning how to advocate for what they need. At the college level, students are responsible for identifying barriers, requesting accommodations, submitting documentation, participating in meetings, and communicating with the appropriate offices. The accommodations a student may have received in high school do not automatically transfer to college, and the process

By September, most seniors should have a good sense of the colleges they are considering. The summer may have included campus visits, research, family conversations, and plenty of time spent narrowing down possibilities. Now, as application deadlines approach, many students and families are beginning to consider another important question: Should Early Decision be part of the application strategy? Early Decision can be a wonderful opportunity for the right student, but it is

A new school year brings a fresh start and a wonderful opportunity for students to think about what they want to accomplish. Setting academic goals can help students build confidence, develop positive habits, and take greater ownership of their learning. 3 Tips for Setting Academic Goals 1. Focus on Growth Encourage your child to set goals that go beyond grades. Improving study habits, staying organized, participating in class, reading regularly, or asking for help are all me

Summer is wonderful, later bedtimes, relaxed schedules, fewer alarms, and possibly a little too much time spent saying, “I’ll do it tomorrow.” But then September arrives, and suddenly students are expected to remember homework, deadlines, backpacks, passwords, sports schedules, and dozens of other things! After a few months of a more flexible routine, getting back into the rhythm of school can feel overwhelming. The good news is that students don’t need to have everything fig

As summer winds down, August marks one of the busiest and most important months in the independent school and college admissions process. The work you do now can make all the difference in the months ahead. Now is the time to: Register early and attend school open houses to experience campuses, meet faculty, and determine which schools are the best fit for your student. Schedule admissions interviews as early as possible, as calendars fill quickly and many schools begin meeti

A new school year brings exciting opportunities for growth, learning, and achievement. While the start of the year is often filled with shopping for supplies and settling into new routines, it's also the perfect time to look ahead and plan for the academic milestones that lie ahead. Having a roadmap for the year can help students stay organized, reduce stress, and make the most of every opportunity. For elementary students, the focus should be on establishing strong learning

The 2026–2027 Common App opens on August 1, and one of the best ways to reduce stress during senior year is to get started early. Use this time to brainstorm your college list, draft your personal statement, and begin thinking about your activities and accomplishments. Starting now means you'll have more time to refine your application instead of rushing to meet fall deadlines. The good news for seniors and families is that this year the Common App includes only a handful of

Summer is the ideal time to map out your testing schedule for the upcoming admissions cycle. One of the most common mistakes students and families make is waiting too long to register for admissions exams, only to find that preferred test dates and locations are full. Students applying to independent schools should review upcoming registration deadlines for the ISEE and SSAT and consider testing in late summer or early fall to allow time for retesting if needed. Families purs

For many students, summer is a welcome chance to relax after a busy school year. It is a time to spend with family, explore new interests, and take a break from the routines of classes, homework, and exams. But summer can also be an opportunity for something equally important: reflection. As students begin thinking about private school, boarding school, college, or specialized program applications, they often focus on grades, activities, and deadlines. While those pieces matt

One of the most common questions families ask is: “When should students begin college test prep?” The answer depends on each student’s goals and learning style, but in general, the best time to start preparing for the SAT or ACT is during the second half of sophomore year or the summer before junior year.

As families head into summer, June is often when school and college applications begin to feel “real.” Rising seniors start thinking about essays, younger students begin exploring school options, and parents wonder how quickly the months ahead will move. The good news is that successful applications are about timing and planning.

Summer before senior year is a pivotal time for college-bound students. While it’s tempting to savor the break, using these months strategically can reduce stress during the fall and set you up for success in the application process. Here are key ways rising seniors can get ahead: Finalize Your College List Spend time researching colleges and refining your list into a balanced mix of reach, target, and likely schools. Consider factors such as location, size, academic programs

As the school year winds down, we know everyone is looking forward to a well-deserved break. Summer is a wonderful time for rest, travel, and unstructured fun, but it can also become very easy for those hard-earned learning habits to slip during the long break. We wanted to share a few thoughts on how we can keep students on track without killing the summer vibe. With just a little intention, we can maintain academic momentum so they return to school ready to thrive. Elementa

As we shift from the rigid schedules of the school year into the freedom of summer, we often hear parents worry about the "summer slide." While we usually think of this in terms of math or reading, there is actually a second area where students tend to lose ground during the break: their executive function skills. When the external structure of school disappears, students can get a bit rusty on planning, organization, and self-management. The good news is that summer is actua

As spring gives way to summer, students are often juggling a heavy academic load between final projects, exams, and deadlines. As their energy and focus start to wane during this time, this combination can create the perfect storm for stress and burnout. Many parents notice their students becoming irritable, disorganized, or discouraged in the final stretch of the school year. The good news: with the right support at home, you can help your student finish strong and avoid an

Go Back to Your "Why" When you first started this process, what were you looking for? It’s easy to get distracted by a school’s prestige or a brand-new athletic center, but now is the time to look at your "non-negotiables." The Academic Reality: Beyond the rankings, look at the day-to-day. If your child loves hands-on projects, will they be happy in a lecture-heavy traditional environment? The "Feel" Factor: Think about the community. Does your child need a high-energy, com

College tours can be exciting, but also overwhelming. For neurodiverse students, the environment, support systems, and campus culture play a crucial role in whether a school feels like a place to thrive. This guide helps students and families focus on what matters most, with sensory-friendly tips and questions that encourage self-advocacy. Academic Support & Flexibility Learning accommodations : Ask about the disability services office. What’s the process for getting accommod

Visiting a college campus can be one of the most valuable steps in the admissions process. Beyond glossy brochures and polished websites, tours give students and families the chance to experience a school’s personality firsthand. A well-prepared visit can provide clarity and help narrow down choices. Here are key things to observe during a college tour: Campus Atmosphere First impressions matter. As you walk around, pay attention to how the campus feels. Is it lively and bust