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, Kindergarten, Parenting, Private Schools, Special Needs Manhattan, Special Needs NYC

Is Your Preschool-Aged Child Developing Normally?

Are you worried about your preschooler?  I have found that lots of parents are, quietly, especially if a child is their first. Parents seem especially worried about their preschool children who may not be keeping exact pace with peers or siblings.  Parents may have a nagging feeling and not want to overlook something that could … Continue reading Is Your Preschool-Aged Child Developing Normally?

abacusmom Admissions, Brooklyn Private Schools, Children's Classes, Manhattan Private Schools, NYC Private Schools, Parenting, Private Schools, Riverdale Private Schools

This Tip Will Help Your Child Get Into NYC Private School Kindergarten

For better or worse, NYC private schools want to admit mature students.  From their perspective, who better to admit to kindergarten than students who are already performing at kindergarten level? So the time to push your three or four year old ahead is now--spring and summer--before he will be under examination when he applies this … Continue reading This Tip Will Help Your Child Get Into NYC Private School Kindergarten

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

NYC Private School Trend Spotter: You’re Not the Only One Who Hates Drop Off

Dropping off your child at an elite Manhattan private school every morning may sound like a dream come true, but in actuality may leave something to be desired.  Three possibilities: There could be ear-splitting noise.  Last year, students and parents at Horace Mann Nursery School on East 90th between Park and Madison were the victims of the … Continue reading NYC Private School Trend Spotter: You’re Not the Only One Who Hates Drop Off

abacusmom Admissions, Brooklyn Private Schools, Manhattan Private Schools, NYC Private Schools, Parenting, Private Schools, Riverdale Private Schools, School advisor

Nursery University Film Gets NYC Private School Admissions Process

 I just caught Nursery University on Netflix last night.  I was invited to participate in the film but didn't, fearing it would be another exploitative show about those crazy New Yorkers.  Interestingly, Nursery University is a film about those crazy New Yorkers, but its portrayal of the bizarre process to get into Manhattan private nursery school is … Continue reading Nursery University Film Gets NYC Private School Admissions Process

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

NYC Private School Kindergarten: Blocks are Back

In The New York Times, Kyle Spencer writes With Blocks, Educators Go Back to Basics: As in fashion, old things often come back in style in education. The Parents League workshop reflects a renewed faith in unit blocks — those basic, indestructible wooden toys created in the early 1900s — sweeping through some elite swaths of … Continue reading NYC Private School Kindergarten: Blocks are Back

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

Manhattan Families Applying to Westchester and New Jersey Private Schools

For many years, some Westchester, Long Island, and New Jersey families have opted for New York City private schools.  Now Winnie Hu of The New York Times breaks the news that the phenomena goes both ways: Private Schools in Suburbs Tap Manhattan Market.  Suburban private schools like Hackley, Dwight-Englewood, and the newly expanding Mohawk are offering … Continue reading Manhattan Families Applying to Westchester and New Jersey Private Schools

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

Private School Kindergarten Interviews: Better to Be Bilingual?

While being bilingual does add a certain je ne sais quoi to an application, for private school kindergarten interviews, it's best if children know English well. But for life, it's good for kids to be bilingual.  Dr. Perri Klass reports in Hearing Bilingual: How Babies Sort Out Language in the Times that bilingual children are more versatile … Continue reading Private School Kindergarten Interviews: Better to Be Bilingual?