abacusmom Admissions, Brooklyn Private Schools, Hill Schools, Kindergarten, Manhattan Private Schools, NYC Private Schools, NYC Public Schools

Last Chance for a Consultation about NYC Private School Kindergarten “Bucketing”

I have two spots left to consult with you about how to "bucket" your NYC private schools list for your preschool director.   Consultation includes advice about sending I Love You/ strong interest  letters and First Choice letters, Manhattan, Brooklyn and Westchester private and public school options, confidential thoughts about various schools.  Call now, 212-712-2228 or … Continue reading Last Chance for a Consultation about NYC Private School Kindergarten “Bucketing”

abacusmom NYC Public Schools, Public Schools

PTA Power at Some Top NYC Public Schools

Kyle Spencer of The New York Times broke an important story today about how Manhattan parents at some public schools in affluent areas have done an amazing job fundraising for their students, in some cases raising more than a million dollars a year.  I said: “Many now have amenities that can compete with private school offerings,” … Continue reading PTA Power at Some Top NYC Public Schools

abacusmom Brooklyn Private Schools, Manhattan Private Schools, NYC Private Schools, NYC Public Schools, Riverdale Private Schools, Westchester Private Schools, Westchester Public Schools

Emphasizing Performance vs. Character at Elite NYC Schools

Thanks to David Brooks for his superb opinion piece, Why Our Elites Stink In this provocatively titled article, Brooks discusses how over the last generation, the meritocracy took over from the old Protestant establishment, rising to positions of power in banking and government.  In his view, the meritocracy believes in the power of an individual's performance, … Continue reading Emphasizing Performance vs. Character at Elite NYC Schools

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

Packer is on the Up and Up

As a former Packer student, I was very interested in Jenny Anderson's Times article today about Packer:  As a Private School in Brooklyn Raises Its Profile, Questions of Identity Arise To sum up, as NYC private school admission generally has become more competitive, Packer has become more competitive, with more students applying and more money spent … Continue reading Packer is on the Up and Up

abacusmom Admissions, Brooklyn Private Schools, Hill Schools, Kindergarten, Manhattan Private Schools, NYC Private Schools, NYC Public Schools, Private Schools, Public Schools, Riverdale Private Schools

If You Give Up Your NYC Private School Spot, Will You Lose a Year’s Tuition?

The New York Times and the Wall Street Journal both weigh in today about what happens when families who sign a contract for Manhattan private school then back out, often because the child has been admitted to a top public school.  A number of schools, including Mandell, Friends, York Prep, and Little Red, have sued … Continue reading If You Give Up Your NYC Private School Spot, Will You Lose a Year’s Tuition?

abacusmom Admissions, NYC Public Schools

NYC Public Elementary School Students Hurt By Tutoring Overkill

Just reading Anna Phillips' well-timed New York Times article  Fight for Middle School Spots Benefits Tutoring Firms will make you tired and depressed. Coming off Easter "break", many fourth and fifth graders have been forced to attend test prep centers in preparation for days of upcoming math and English state testing.  Understandably, city parents are concerned about … Continue reading NYC Public Elementary School Students Hurt By Tutoring Overkill

abacusmom Brooklyn Private Schools, Hill Schools, Manhattan Private Schools, NYC Private Schools, NYC Public Schools, Parenting, Private Schools, Public Schools, Riverdale Private Schools, Westchester Private Schools

The School Boards — NYC Private Schools, Public Schools, and More Online

I recently highlighted The School Boards as an up-and-coming website for New York parents. I had a chance yesterday to chat with the founder of The School Boards, Will Pan.  I was deeply impressed by his integrity and persistence in setting up an exciting new site for families. Will writes: The whole idea of the site came … Continue reading The School Boards — NYC Private Schools, Public Schools, and More Online

abacusmom Admissions, Hill Schools, Kindergarten, Manhattan Private Schools, NYC Public Schools, Private Schools, Riverdale Private Schools

Why NYC Preschool Directors Ask Parents For Their “Bucket List”

Do preschool directors want to know what parents hope to accomplish before they die? Get their children into Dalton? Sort of. Right now many preschool directors are asking parents how they rank the private schools to which their children are applying to kindergarten, and to put those schools into metaphorical "buckets". ie Bucket 1.  Dalton, … Continue reading Why NYC Preschool Directors Ask Parents For Their “Bucket List”

abacusmom Admissions, NYC Private Schools, NYC Public Schools

Public School Drop Outs? Top Zoned New Yorkers Considering Other Options

A lot of public school parents have been calling me lately because they're considering applying to private high school or middle school, or switching to private.  Surprisingly often these parents are from places like Bronxville, Scarsdale, and PS 6.  This is what's typically on their minds: Too many budget cuts.  They're talking about firing the teachers' … Continue reading Public School Drop Outs? Top Zoned New Yorkers Considering Other Options