As the semester reaches its halfway point, families often receive midterm reports, which provide a snapshot of a student’s academic progress and classroom habits. While these reports are not always part of a student’s permanent record, they provide valuable insights that can guide learning, strengthen habits, and shape a student’s approach for the remainder of the year. Why Midterm Reports Matter Midterm reports are more than just grades; they offer a window into a student’s

Parent-teacher conferences are an important opportunity to strengthen the connection between home and school. This guide will help parents come prepared, stay focused during the meeting, and take meaningful next steps, so your student gets the support they need to grow academically, socially, and emotionally. Reflect With Your Student (2–3 days before) ☐ Ask how they feel about school—what’s fun, what’s hard ☐ Talk about any subjects or tasks that feel overwhelming ☐ Note

When a student begins to struggle academically, socially, or emotionally, it’s natural to wonder: Is this just a phase, or is something deeper going on?  One of the most powerful tools available to families and educators is a formal evaluation. But knowing when to pursue one and how to approach it requires reflection, collaboration, and a clear understanding of what evaluations can offer. What Is a Student Evaluation? A student evaluation is a comprehensive assessment conduct

Submitting early college applications feels like crossing a major finish line. But for most students, it’s really just the first leg of submitting applications. The Regular Decision round approaches quickly, and to meet it with clarity and confidence, it's time to map out the weeks ahead. Let’s break it down together. 1. Celebrate the Milestone   Take a moment to acknowledge the effort that went into preparing and submitting your early applications. Recognizing progress helps

Here’s how families can turn campus tours into meaningful experiences: 1. Do Homework Before You Arrive Spend time researching the school’s philosophy, curriculum, extracurriculars, and support services. Come prepared with questions based on your student’s interests and needs. This allows for more intentional conversations during the visit—like asking how the advisory system works or what kind of social-emotional support is offered. 2. Look Beyond the Surface Facilities matte

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

Smart strategies to prioritize your time, polish your application, and stay grounded The final stretch before Early Decision deadlines can feel like a whirlwind, juggling your application and daily academics. Here’s how to organize the next four weeks so you can hit “submit” with confidence. Week 1: Audit & Adjust Take inventory and set priorities. Checklist your progress : personal statement, supplementals, activities list, test scores, and portfolio Identify gaps : essays n

For many students the college essay is the most personal and most intimidating part of the application. You’re not just listing accomplishments or test scores, you’re sharing who you are. Read our tips on how to write your personal essay with clarity and confidence. Understand the Purpose of the Essay Your personal statement isn’t just about impressing admissions officers—it’s about giving them a sense of your voice, character, and perspective, and gives you an opportunity to

The new school year marks a pivotal transition for many students. To ease this shift and minimize first-day nerves, preparing your student is essential. Here are five key strategies to help set your student up for a confident and successful school year. 1. Encourage a Positive Mindset Starting the school year strong isn’t just about grades; it’s also about confidence and attitude. Encourage your student to approach upcoming challenges with curiosity, not fear. Celebrate effor

MAIA Education's Successful Transitions to College: A Guide to Supporting Students , offers actionable steps and supportive strategies for a smooth and well-prepared transition to college. Students will learn practical strategies and tools to develop the skills, independence, and confidence essential for a strong first year of college. The guide covers key areas such as academic and personal skill-building, goal setting, individualized planning, and managing the transition to

There are many reasons why boarding school may be an excellent opportunity for your student. Boarding schools can offer a range of programs and services that are sometimes not available at day schools. In addition, a student’s academic and extracurricular life can be concentrated on one campus, which eliminates lost time for commuting in between activities and can help a student become more focused on their commitments. Boarding schools can help students develop independence

Summer is a time of freedom and possibility—a break from the usual school routine and a chance to grow in ways that classes don’t always allow. While it might be tempting for your student to spend their summer on autopilot, endless hours of scrolling or sleeping in won’t leave them feeling fulfilled when September rolls around. Here’s how to help your student make this summer their most productive and memorable one yet: Set Personal Goals: Begin by asking your student what th

Transitioning to college is an exciting but challenging time, full of new opportunities, relationships, and responsibilities. A successful first year starts when your and your student plan for the upcoming changes and ensure the right supports are in place. From building academic and personal skills to setting realistic goals, these tips provide a roadmap to help your student navigate this important achievement. Planning for Success The foundation of college success lies in s

The end of the school year can feel overwhelming. With exams piling up and project deadlines looming, it’s easy to let anxiety take over. Check out our practical tips to help you navigate your exams while keeping tension in check. Study Smarter, Not Harder Make a Study Schedule:  Create a timetable that breaks down your study sessions into manageable chunks. Focus on one subject at a time to avoid burnout. Remember to prioritize harder topics or ones you’re less confident abo

Standardized tests like the ACT and SAT can play an important role in the college admissions process, making preparation a crucial part of a high school student's academic journey. But one question often lingers: When should students start preparing? While the answer depends on individual circumstances, there are key milestones that can help guide a strategic approach. Understanding the Testing Timeline The ACT and SAT are typically taken during a student’s junior and/or seni

Although not every independent school follows the exact same admissions schedule, keep the following tips in mind.

Finding the right school for your student can be one of the most stressful and emotional tasks that you face as a parent. You want what’s best for your student, and you may feel a lot of pressure to get the decision about their education right. If you’ve decided to look beyond traditional public schools, the process of identifying can be daunting and overwhelming. However, it doesn’t have to be. As school placement and learning specialist consultants, we have shared our tips

Competitive private schools, boarding schools, and most specialized New York City high schools require that students take a standardized admissions exam. At most schools, these test results need to be submitted as part of the application process. Careful, timely preparation can make a big difference. To alleviate stress and help a student perform to the best of their ability, a student should start to prepare for the test during the spring or summer before they plan to appl

Getting into college starts long before submitting an application. We tell our clients that the full process should happen over the course of two school years. By doing so, not only is there enough time for all of the required steps, but it also significantly reduces anxiety and stress. Better yet, it allows the time for the college admissions process to be one of self-discovery and exploration. In an ideal world, we encourage parents and the student to start proactively thin

One of the questions that we’re most frequently asked is “what should I tell my student about their learning differences?” What you tell your student depends on their age. For younger students, it shouldn’t be about a diagnosis, but rather framing the discussion to highlight strengths and areas for development. The discussion should focus on why certain tasks are hard for the student and how you can support him or her.  For older students (middle school and beyond), the diagn