By the time early application deadlines have passed, many seniors are ready for a break, and they should take one. But submitting Early Decision and Early Action applications is a milestone, not the finish line. Regular Decision and Early Decision II still need attention, and the weeks ahead are when students can strengthen their applications, refine their lists, and make more informed choices. Our advice: have every remaining application ready before winter break, and stay o

As November arrives and the school year settles into a familiar rhythm, many parents find themselves wondering how to help their children stay on track academically. Between checking assignments, reminding students about deadlines, and making sure homework gets done, managing schoolwork can feel like a second job. Of course, these efforts come from a place of love. We want our children to succeed, feel confident, and avoid unnecessary stress. But as much as we want to make th

Parent-teacher conferences are among the most valuable opportunities families have to connect home and school.This guide will help you arrive prepared, keep the conversation focused, and leave with a clear plan to support your student academically, socially, and emotionally. Confirm the Details (1 week before) ☐ Confirm the date, time, length, and format of the meeting (in person or virtual). ☐ Decide who will attend, and whether your student should join for part of the conve

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

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

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

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

The Executive Function Coaching (EFC) guide was developed by MAIA Education Resource Center for professionals to use when working with students. It was also developed to help parents better understand EFC. The strategies and recommendations in this guide are time-tested and highly effective.

When a high school student is struggling in school – whether for academic, social-emotional, or other reasons – it could be time to consider other school options. This isn’t a decision to be made lightly since a school transition, even when it’s the right approach, is a big deal for a teenager. However, finding the right school environment could be the key to helping your child thrive during these critical years. When should you consider a transition to a different high schoo

The transition to college life can be exciting and rewarding, while at the same time stressful and nerve-wracking — for students and parents alike. For many teens, especially those with learning differences or struggling with mental health issues, the level of independence and responsibility required can feel overwhelming. We convened New York City-area medical, psychological and educational professionals for their insights on helping disorganized teens prepare for college .

We would like to invite you to watch our latest webinar, Raising Complex Teens with ADHD/LD/Anxiety, an interdisciplinary panel discussion with educators, mental health and medical professionals, Kenny Creed, MSEd, Scott Quasha, PsyD, Scott Palyo, MD, and Sharon Thomas,MSc, MSEd. This dynamic and comprehensive discussion will address the medical, social/emotional, parenting and academic needs typically seen in teens that may not fit neatly into only one diagnostic criteria.

Getting ready for the new school year means more than just back-to-school shopping for backpacks, clothes and school supplies. For many children, this fall will mark the first time that they’re in a 5-day, in-person program since the start of the pandemic. Given this, supporting your child by preparing him or her physically, emotionally and mentally is even more important to reduce back-to-school jitters. As learning consultants, we’ve compiled our tips on how to truly get yo

This webinar will provide specific recommendations for how students can use the summer months to successfully complete their applications .