abacusmom Admissions, NYC, NYC Private Schools

Why Families Seek Intuitive Educational Guidance: A Touching Parent’s Letter

Every so often, I receive a message that reminds me why I do what I do. A dad I worked with a few years back just wrote: Good Morning Emily, I am so happy to hear from you again.  Emily, in our last meeting in Westchester you left in me strong impression of a deeply … Continue reading Why Families Seek Intuitive Educational Guidance: A Touching Parent’s Letter

abacusmom Admissions, Kindergarten, Manhattan Private Schools, NYC Private Schools, Uncategorized

Mastering Parent Interviews: Prep for Success

Parent interviews can be nerve-wracking. Even the most confident parents sometimes freeze or stumble when talking about their child, the school, or their family’s goals. That’s where my interview prep service comes in. I guide parents through the process so they feel calm, confident, and ready to present their child authentically. We cover the types … Continue reading Mastering Parent Interviews: Prep for Success

abacusmom Admissions, Brooklyn Private Schools

Discover BASIS Independent Brooklyn: Top K-12 Private School Open Houses

We were pleased to receive the following from BASIS Independent Brooklyn today: Learn why BASIS Independent Brooklyn consistently ranks among the top K-12 Private School in the nation at our upcoming fall Open Houses. Our Brooklyn school has two campuses, and it is part of a network known for its advanced curriculum that blends liberal … Continue reading Discover BASIS Independent Brooklyn: Top K-12 Private School Open Houses

abacusmom Admissions, Kindergarten, NYC Private Schools, Uncategorized

The Importance of Personalized Essay Help in the Age of AI

Parents ask me: “Now that there’s AI, do we still need essay help?” Yes. AI writes. But it sounds like AI. Generic. Flat. Not like your child. Not like you. Schools notice. Three families just emailed me: “Thank you for the feedback. Incorporated and reads much better!!” and <Wife> just said "Wow, that is a … Continue reading The Importance of Personalized Essay Help in the Age of AI

abacusmom Manhattan Private Schools, NYC Private Schools

Same-Sex Schools Appoint Different Sex Leaders

In 2024, Collegiate School appointed Bodie Brizendine, former head of Spence, as its new leader, replacing David Lourie, who had served since 2020. Brizendine’s appointment is historic: she is the first woman ever to helm this nearly 400-year-old boys’ school, a rare break from centuries of male leadership. The significance is clearer when you compare … Continue reading Same-Sex Schools Appoint Different Sex Leaders

abacusmom Admissions, Brooklyn Private Schools, Educational Consulting, Kindergarten, Manhattan Private Schools, NYC Private Schools, Parenting, Private Schools, Westchester Private Schools

The Truth About NYC Private School Admissions and Consultants

Families sometimes ask me: “Do you advocate for your clients with schools?” The answer is no—and that’s exactly as it should be. NYC private schools want to evaluate each child and family on their merits, not on their consultant. Admissions officers consistently make clear that they do not give preference to applicants because of a … Continue reading The Truth About NYC Private School Admissions and Consultants

abacusmom Admissions, Private Schools, Uncategorized

Harrow School Launches $75K Co-Ed Campus in New York

As reported by Bloomberg’s Erin Hudson, the iconic British boarding school Harrow is opening a $75,000-a-year co-ed campus on Long Island this fall. Harrow International School New York will serve grades 6–12, offering both day and boarding options, and awarding the International Baccalaureate diploma. Students will wear British-inspired uniforms—with the school’s famous straw hats saved … Continue reading Harrow School Launches $75K Co-Ed Campus in New York

abacusmom Admissions, Manhattan Private Schools, NYC, NYC Private Schools, NYC Public Schools

Demand for Elite NYC Private Schools Grows Amid Political Changes

The most elite NYC private schools continue to garner strong parent demand, especially with the shifting political headwinds we have witnessed since the pandemic. A significant percentage of NYC public school parents are fed up by changes in how students are selected for G&T programs and by the rise in "equitable" grading, in which all … Continue reading Demand for Elite NYC Private Schools Grows Amid Political Changes

abacusmom Admissions, Manhattan Private Schools, NYC Private Schools, Uncategorized

The Survival of Creative Private Schools in Competitive Admissions Era

Thanks to Nicole LaPorte at Town & Country for her insightful summer article, Can Private “Alternative” Schools Survive in the Age of Cutthroat College Admissions? As LaPorte notes, as college admissions become more competitive, traditional academic metrics are increasingly prioritized by families. Progressive private schools like Saint Ann’s in Brooklyn and Peninsula in California—known for … Continue reading The Survival of Creative Private Schools in Competitive Admissions Era