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

When refining your search, it’s important to focus on a balanced, student-centered list. The Reality of Academic Fit It is a mistake to assume that the "best" school is the one with the highest rigor. A student who is perpetually underwater in a high-pressure environment rarely finds the confidence to lead. Look beyond the name and investigate the learning profile: Support:  Does the school offer robust executive function coaching, or is "support" just a peer-tutoring center?

Now is a really good time for students to come up with goals for the new semester. We recommend using our 2026 Goal Sheet  to help your student begin the new year prepared.  Academic Goals Goal 1:   Why it matters: Milestones: ☐

Building Familiarity Reduces Test Anxiety The ISEE has a very specific structure: multiple timed sections, dense reading passages, challenging vocabulary, and a unique quantitative reasoning component. Without preparation, students may feel overwhelmed simply because the format is unfamiliar. Targeted test prep helps students learn what to expect, how long each section is, what types of questions appear, and how to pace themselves. When the format feels predictable, anxiety d

For decades, ADHD has been primarily associated with hyperactive boys who can't sit still in class. But this narrow image has obscured a crucial reality: girls have ADHD too, and their experiences often look dramatically different. The Invisible Presentation While boys with ADHD tend to display more obvious external behaviors like physical restlessness and impulsivity, girls are more likely to have the inattentive type. They may appear quiet, dreamy, or "spacey" in class. The

The Hidden Challenge: ADHD in Adolescent Girls Middle school and high school represent a critical period when academic demands intensify dramatically. Students face multiple teachers, complex schedules, long-term projects, and increasing social pressures. For girls with ADHD, these years can feel overwhelming as they navigate: Managing assignments across six or seven different classes Remembering materials, deadlines, and commitments Planning and initiating homework without i

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