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
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
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
How to Choose the Best Private School Admission Consultant: Rankings that Matter
Confused by consultant rankings? Discover what really matters when choosing a private school admission consultant. Expert tips, red flags, and insider advice.
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
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
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
Manhattan Country School Files for Bankruptcy
The last few years have been tough for Manhattan private schools. We lost Blue School, Solomon Schechter and Weekday. Calhoun and Metropolitan Montessori merged. Now Erin Hudson reports in Bloomberg that Manhattan Country School is financially struggling so much that they just filed for bankruptcy. I said: "What's different here and sad is typically I've … Continue reading Manhattan Country School Files for Bankruptcy
Client Testimonials on NYC Private School Admissions
Thrilling day as more clients write in with their NYC private school success stories! Dear Emily, We received our acceptance letter from <1st Choice Private School>. Thank you — We would like to highlight how much we appreciated your professionalism, keen insights, intelligence, and responsiveness throughout this process. Sincerely, <Dad, Mom and Child> and Thanks … Continue reading Client Testimonials on NYC Private School Admissions
Success Stories: NYC Private School Admissions
Today has been a truly wonderful day at Abacus Guide, filled with exciting news from families celebrating their NYC private school acceptances. I'm honored to have guided these parents and children through the admissions process, and their kind words mean the world to me. From a thrilled family: Dearest Emily, We want to say thank … Continue reading Success Stories: NYC Private School Admissions