In this episode of The Education Breakdown, Dr. Tiffany Boss and Amy Sanchez explore the International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme and how it comes to life at Burton Elementary School. They break down the IB educational philosophy and explain what sets it apart from traditional elementary school models.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

This episode is especially helpful for parents researching International Baccalaureate programs, IB elementary schools, and progressive public school options that prioritize inquiry, student agency, and global-minded learning.

Amy Sanchez | [email protected]

In this episode of The Education Breakdown, Sarah sits down with Uzma Bogwani and Michelle Hageman DeCamp from Carolina Friends School to explore how one school is redefining assessment—and why it works. Together, they unpack Carolina Friends School’s departure from traditional grading systems and shine a light on the powerful impact of narrative feedback, authentic learning experiences, and a whole-child approach to academic growth.

Listeners will learn how this Quaker-rooted school uses evidence-based assessment practices to foster confident, curious, self-directed learners who thrive in college and beyond.

In this episode, Sarah sits down with Stephanie Klupinski for a deep dive into the world of charter schools — how they work, what sets them apart, and how parents can make informed decisions.

Together, they explore:

Stephanie also shares:

Whether you’re curious about charter schools, considering one for your child, or just want to better understand their role in public education, this episode provides a strong foundation to understanding the ins and outs of charter schools.

For more information about NC charter schools, visit https://triangleschoolconsulting.com/charter-schools-in-the-triangle/ 

For information on the mentioned episode about doing school tours, check out Episode 57 of The Education Breakdown Podcast  https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-ne4rd-1986e51

You’ve toured schools, flipped through glossy brochures, and listened to everyone tell you which school is “the best.” And yet… you still feel uncertain. If that sounds familiar, you are not alone. Choosing the right school for your child can feel overwhelming, especially when every option promises to be perfect.

In this episode, I’m breaking down the myths that often keep parents stuck during the school selection process. Using real stories from families I’ve worked with, I’ll help you see past flashy marketing, buzzwords, and reputations so you can focus on what truly matters: finding a school that aligns with your child’s needs and your family’s values.

You’ll learn:

If you’re in the middle of school tours or starting to explore different educational paths for next year, this episode is a must-listen. I’ll give you the tools and perspective to approach school selection with clarity and confidence — without feeling like you have to tour every school in your city.

Ready to narrow down your list of schools and find the right fit for your child? Schedule a consultation with me and let’s make this season of school choice feel manageable, focused, and aligned with your family’s values. Visit triangleschoolconsulting.com to connect.

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.

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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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