School Smarts NYC

In this episode, Carolyn DeFir takes us along with her on a tour of Manhattan's High School for Health Professions, explaining its admissions pathways, academics, student life, internships, and the college office.  Prospective families listening in will get a practical sense of who may thrive there, what opportunities stand out, and what to weigh when deciding if it is a good fit for their student. 

In this episode, host Carolyn DeFir breaks down the concepts of "Best Fit" and "Rank In Order of True Preference"  explaining how NYC families can identify high schools that fit their child and rank programs by genuine preference. She covers academic style, school culture, commute, extracurriculars and student support, then demystifies how ranking interacts with the matching process and waitlists.

In this episode, Carolyn explores the unique features of the Boerum Hill School for International Studies. Carolyn highlights the school's IB curriculum, strong community, and varied opportunities for students in this small to medium sized school located in Brooklyn. 

In this episode of the School Smarts NYC podcast, Carolyn discusses the complexities of high school curriculums, focusing on various educational models such as Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), consortium schools, career and technical education (CTE), and early college programs. She breaks down the meanings and implications of these programs, helping families navigate their options and find the best fit for their students. 

In this episode, Carolyn DeFir shares insights from her recent school tour at Essex Street Academy, a small Consortium School on the Lower East Side. Carolyn reports on the school's unique approach to academics, admissions, and student support within the NYC public school landscape. 

In this episode, Carolyn guides families through the complex process of NYC high school admissions, focusing on screened plus assessment schools, essay preparation, and strategic ranking for the specialized high schools. She shares practical tips to navigate deadlines, assessments, and application strategies to find the best fit for your child.

In this episode, host Carolyn DeFir offers strategic advice for navigating NYC high school admissions, especially when faced with less favorable lottery numbers and/or tier. She discusses alternative pathways, the importance of a balanced application list, and tips for maximizing chances through assessments, auditions, and other factors.

This episode provides a comprehensive guide to navigating the NYC high school application process, starting from the application opening on October 6th. It covers key steps, tips, and strategies for parents and students to approach this complex process with confidence.

In this episode, Carolyn shares expert tips on how to effectively tour high schools, what questions to ask, and how to assess the vibe and fit for your student. Perfect for parents navigating the NYC high school application season.

In this episode, Carolyn DeFir hosts acting coach Dana Berger to discuss the ins and outs of auditioning for drama programs in the performing arts high schools of New York City. This talk explores the intricacies of audition preparation, the impact of coaching, and navigating the callback process for aspiring actors. Dana shares expert insights on how families can best support their children through the competitive world of performing arts admissions.