Meet the International Baccalaureate (IB)—what it is, how it works, and why it might be the right fit for your student. If you’ve heard of the IB Program (International Baccalaureate) but felt unsure how it differs from a traditional education, this episode is for you. I’m joined by two wonderful guests from Carolina Preparatory Academy—formerly the middle and upper school of The Montessori School of Raleigh, rebranded in 2025—who live and breathe IB every day: Michelle Miller, IB Coordinator, and Dave Ratledge, IB Math/Science Team Lead.

Whether you’re IB-curious or actively exploring advanced pathways, you’ll walk away with a clear, parent-friendly understanding of what IB is—and how it can shape confident, capable learners for life.

LInks:

Carolina Preparatory Academy: https://www.carolinaprepnc.org/

The Montessori School of Raleigh: https://www.msr.org/

Triangle School Consulting: https://triangleschoolconsulting.com

 If you're a parent exploring private elementary, middle, or high schools for your child, chances are you've heard about the ISEE and SSAT tests. In this episode, we're joined by Sheba Brown, founder of a trusted test prep company and longtime educator, to break down everything you need to know about these entrance exams.

We cover the key differences between the two tests—question types, testing formats, and scoring systems—plus how to decide which exam might be the better fit for your child. Sheba also shares practical tips on when to start preparing and how to use practice tests effectively.

Most importantly, we zoom out to talk about the bigger picture: how these scores fit into the overall admissions process and why they’re just one piece of the puzzle. Whether you're just starting the private school journey or deep in the application season, this episode will help you feel more confident and informed.

A+ Test Prep Resources Page:  https://aplushigherscores.com/resources/

Summer should be full of popsicles, late bedtimes, and muddy adventures—but what about all that learning your child worked so hard for during the school year?

In this episode, Sarah breaks down the facts around summer learning loss (aka “the summer slide”) and why it matters—especially for young children. But don’t worry—this isn’t a lecture or a list of pricey programs. You’ll walk away with simple, affordable, and low-pressure ways to keep your child’s brain engaged this summer, without sacrificing fun or freedom.

From board games to bedtime reading, and even letting kids be bored, Sarah shares practical tips and a big dose of reassurance. Because yes—your child can keep learning all summer long…and still be a kid.

Episode 1- Is Public School Right for My Child?

Episode 4- Public School Parent Interview re: Year-Round Schooling

Episode 38- Game On! All About Game-Based Learning

Best Summer Games and Books

Moving to a new area with school-aged kids? You’re not alone—and you’re definitely not the only one feeling overwhelmed. In this episode, we’re digging into one of the most stressful parts of relocating: choosing a school.

We discuss why relying on online ratings and rankings like GreatSchools might be leading you in the wrong direction—and what you should be focusing on instead. You’ll hear the biggest pitfalls families run into when using school ratings to choose where to live, and walk away with practical steps for structuring your search around fit, not just test scores.

Whether you're moving across town or across the country, this episode will help you feel more grounded, more informed, and more confident in your next steps.

💛 Need extra support with your school search during a move? Learn more about Sarah’s relocation consulting services at TriangleSchoolConsulting.com.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

📩 Know a friend who’s moving? Send this episode their way—they’ll thank you later.

What if the key to raising confident, independent kids isn’t doing more—but letting go a little? In this episode, we sit down with Marina Lopes, author of Please Yell at My Kids, to explore how community shapes childhood. Drawing from years of travel and conversations with parents around the globe, Marina shares insights into how different cultures support both children and caregivers. We talk about the loneliness of American parenting, the pressure to perform, and why the breakdown of extended families and community ties impacts our kids more than we realize. From spontaneous neighborhood playdates to rethinking our approach to parental control, this conversation invites us to imagine a more connected, less anxious way of raising children—one where we trust others, embrace imperfection, and build a village around our kids.

The Education Breakdown

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Worried about getting your child ready for kindergarten? You’re not alone—and the good news is, it doesn’t need to be overwhelming. In this episode, we’ve gathered wisdom straight from seasoned kindergarten teachers to give you the real essentials of kindergarten readiness. No expensive supplies. No Pinterest-perfect crafts. Just everyday routines, bite-sized strategies, and developmentally supportive tips you can start today.

You’ll learn the 6 most important areas to focus on this summer—including social skills, independence, and early literacy—all shared with encouragement and realism. Whether you're feeling excited, anxious, or a little sad about this big transition, this episode is here to support you and your child.

✅ What kindergarten teachers really want kids to be able to do

Join us today!

The Education Breakdown

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If you’ve ever wondered whether enrolling your child in a dual language immersion (DLI) program is the right move, you’re not alone. As an education consultant, I hear this question all the time—and in this episode, we’re breaking it down together. We’ll dive into what DLI programs actually are, why they’re growing in popularity across the U.S., and what makes them so appealing to families hoping to raise bilingual kids.

You’ll learn:

The difference between 50/50 and 90/10 language models

The real benefits of bilingualism, from better memory to higher adaptability

Common concerns, like whether your child will fall behind in English

The type of child (and family) that tends to thrive in these programs

And key questions to ask before committing to a DLI school

Whether you’re excited about the idea of raising a bilingual child or feeling overwhelmed by what it would mean for your family, this episode is your starting point. As always, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer—but by the end, you’ll feel more confident knowing what to consider and what to ask.

Listen in, take what resonates, and remember—you know your child best.

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In this episode of The Education Breakdown, Sarah sits down with Jenna Cheney and Brett Garrison from Fusion Academy, a unique one-to-one learning model with 84 locations across the U.S. They discuss how Fusion provides a personalized education experience for 6th–12th grade students, particularly those who need individualized support due to social, emotional, or learning differences.

Jenna and Brett share inspiring success stories of students who have thrived in Fusion’s flexible environment, which includes customized scheduling, virtual class options, and daily communication with parents. They also highlight the importance of socialization through clubs and activities, ensuring that students not only receive tailored academic instruction but also build essential social and teamwork skills.

Whether your child is struggling in a traditional school setting, needs executive functioning support, or is academically advanced and looking for a customized learning experience, this episode provides valuable insights into how a one-to-one education model can help students reach their full potential.

Tune in to learn more about how Fusion Academy is redefining personalized learning!

Fusion Academy dot com

-The Education Breakdown

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As a parent, you want your child to feel safe, supported, and engaged in their learning. But what happens when something feels off? If your child dreads school, struggles academically, or faces ongoing challenges that aren’t improving, you may be wondering: Is this the right school for my child?

In this episode, I’ll walk you through:

Switching schools is a big decision, but it doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. By taking a thoughtful, step-by-step approach, you can determine whether a change is truly the best move for your child—and feel confident in whatever decision you make.

Listen in for practical guidance and reassurance as you navigate this process!

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Curious about the Reggio Emilia approach to early childhood education? In this episode, Sarah sits down with Jennie Ogden, a seasoned preschool teacher and director with 15 years of experience, to provide a primer on this child-centered philosophy. What makes Reggio Emilia unique? How does it encourage deep learning through play and exploration? Jennie breaks down the core principles, from child-led learning to the importance of environment and intentional teaching. She also shares insights from her visit to Reggio Emilia, Italy, offering real-world perspectives on how this approach nurtures creativity, curiosity, and respect for young learners. Tune in for a clear and engaging introduction to one of the most inspiring educational philosophies!

The Little School: https://thelittleschool.net/

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