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

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.

What is executive function coaching? Executive function (EF) is considered the “CEO of the brain.” These skills are critical to an individual’s capacity to organize, prioritize, plan, and follow through on tasks. EF skills are just as important — if not more — than pure ability in order to succeed in school. During EF coaching, the coach teaches strategies to develop executive function skills and practices these skills with the student so that they become routine. The strateg

Starting a new school year can create a substantial cognitive load for students as they transition back into routines and rules that they haven’t been practicing over the summer. The beginning weeks of the school year present specific opportunities for families to support their child through this transition and set them up for academic success. By proactively establishing and monitoring your child’s progress and goals, you can begin to create a strong foundation of collaborat

Summer is a time to embrace different rhythms and routines, to recharge a bit, and to enjoy family time, and we hope you are making the most of this season. Finding time for summer vacations and for your child to relax are important priorities. Amidst the summer fun, it’s well worth taking a look at some school-related goals before the next school year begins. Weaving in some educational activities can help your child begin the new school year feeling more confident and prepa

When families start the college admission process can vary based on each student, family and other considerations. Some begin the very early stages of college admissions in late middle or early high school, while others wait until a student’s junior or even senior year to get the ball rolling. There’s not a one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to this process or its timing, but at MAIA we tend to recommend rising juniors or rising seniors have college admissions on their

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 .