School Smarts NYC

In this episode, Carolyn discusses the upcoming New York City high school admissions process, focusing on the importance of understanding various data points such as academic scores, survey scores, and impact scores. She emphasizes the need for families to dig deeper into these numbers to find the right school fit for their children, rather than relying solely on rankings. The conversation covers how to interpret these scores, the significance of community engagement, and the importance of asking the right questions during the school research process. In this conversation, Carolyn discusses the changing dynamics of school popularity, the importance of academic resources, and how to evaluate schools beyond just their academic scores. This episode aims to guide parents in finding the best fit for their children by considering various factors that contribute to a positive educational experience.

This episode provides a comprehensive guide for families navigating the NYC high school admissions process, emphasizing early preparation, organization, and strategic planning and research to reduce stress and increase success while building a starter list of schools.

In this bonus episode, Carolyn DeFir shares practical advice for families navigating late-stage waitlist offers and the stress of deciding between two schools. 

In this episode, Carolyn shares invaluable advice for ninth grade students and their parents navigating the start of high school, emphasizing self-advocacy, involvement, kindness, and practical tips for a successful freshman year.

In this episode, Carolyn DeFir sits down with Molly Levine, co-founder of Lemon Tree Learning to discuss high school admissions testing, executive function skills, and strategies to support students through the stressful process of applying to high schools in New York City. They explore test types, prep timing, managing stress, and practical tips for families. Molly shares expert insights on navigating the high school admissions process, test prep strategies, and supporting executive functioning skills for students. Perfect for parents and students aiming to reduce stress and improve outcomes.

In this episode, Carolyn DeFir breaks down the complexities of New York City high school admissions, focusing on screened admission groups or "tiers", lottery numbers, and how to strategize your application process. Perfect for parents navigating this overwhelming system, she offers clear insights to help you build a balanced and informed application list.

This episode provides an overview of the NYC high school admissions process, decoding key terminology and pathways to help families navigate the complex system with confidence.

In this Bonus Episode Carolyn answers a recent question about transfer options available when a student already feels they don't like their new high school. Carolyn addresses the common concerns from families about high school placement, transfer options, and navigating waitlists, providing practical advice for parents facing these challenges.  School Smarts Hotline is a Bonus Episode Series featuring Real Questions, Real Families, Real Answers.

School Smarts NYC is back!  High School Application Season is soon! Join host, Carolyn DeFir as she guides NYC families through the upcoming high school admissions process and beyond, sharing expert tips on research, testing, and thriving in high school.

In this episode, Carolyn shares essential tips and timelines for NYC families navigating the summer months and high school applications, regents exams, and summer waitlist movement. Perfect for parents and students aiming to stay ahead in the complex NYC school system.