I was quoted this week in a New York Times article by James Barron about a former Catholic school building in Sunset Park that will soon become the permanent home of a charter school. You can read the article here: Where a Catholic School Closed, a Charter School Opens As I told The Times, "One … Continue reading NYC School Buildings Last Longer Than Schools
What Spence’s Expansion Says About NYC Private Schools
As a school consultant and former Carnegie Hill resident, I enjoyed Matthew Sedacca's recent Curbed article on The Spence School's proposed expansion plans. Beyond reporting the facts, Sedacca does something increasingly rare: he captures neighborhood atmosphere. Reading it reminded me a bit of Jimmy Breslin's work, where the people and the place are as important … Continue reading What Spence’s Expansion Says About NYC Private Schools
School Selection Program Reference
If you're getting started figuring out your child's schooling journey, including weighing NYC private vs public, NYC public vs. suburban public, choosing Manhattan, Brooklyn, Riverdale, Westchester or Greenwich private schools, understanding the admissions timeline and testing and getting all your most private questions answered, you're on the right website. Over the last 25 years, Abacus … Continue reading School Selection Program Reference
Prince George Chooses Eton. Why New Yorkers Should Care.
Prince George will attend Eton College, ending years of speculation. But beneath the royal headlines lies a familiar admissions story. Discover what NYC, Westchester, and Greenwich families can learn about preparation, school fit, and long-term planning.
Private Parent Advisory Sessions for Thoughtful Educational Decision‑Making
One of the most common things parents say to me is: We want to make the right decision, but it's very hard to see clearly when it's your own child. That’s exactly where my parent advisory sessions come in. Last night, after a one‑on‑one session with a family navigating some complex educational decisions, I received … Continue reading Private Parent Advisory Sessions for Thoughtful Educational Decision‑Making
The End of the “Common Calendar”? What It Means That Top NYC Schools Have Left ISAAGNY
In a meaningful shift that hasn’t gotten enough attention, Horace Mann, Ethical Culture Fieldston, Riverdale, Collegiate and Brearley have left ISAAGNY and are no longer following the shared admissions calendar. That calendar used to create some order in an otherwise stressful process—everyone applied, heard back, and decided on roughly the same timeline. Now, these schools … Continue reading The End of the “Common Calendar”? What It Means That Top NYC Schools Have Left ISAAGNY
Success Stories: Middle School Admissions Triumph
From a successful middle school applicant family today: Emily, I hope you are well. We wanted to share the good news that <Child> has been accepted to both <top Brooklyn> and <top Manhattan school> for the coming year. At this point, <top Manhattan school> feels like the strongest fit for <Child>, and he is genuinely … Continue reading Success Stories: Middle School Admissions Triumph
Soaring Private School Tuition in NYC: What to Know
Private school tuition in New York has reached a point that would have seemed unimaginable a decade ago. Schools that once hovered around the $40,000 mark — even Avenues charged about $40,000 per year when it opened and in its early years — are now demanding well over $70,000 a year. Thanks to Amanda Gordon … Continue reading Soaring Private School Tuition in NYC: What to Know
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
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