The Education Breakdown

Have you ever walked into a room and immediately felt tense, scattered, or like you just wanted to leave? Now imagine your child feeling that way at school — or in their own bedroom — every single day. In this episode of The Education Breakdown, host Sarah Keiger sits down with Kirsten Horton, child development and learning environment specialist and founder of Joyful Learning Environments. With n...

Moving your family to a new area is one of the biggest transitions you'll ever navigate — and if you have school-aged kids, the school question is probably keeping you up at night.  Which district should we live in?  Did we miss the magnet lottery?  Is it too late to find a good school?  In this episode, Sarah walks you through the most common questions she hears from relocating families and gives...

If you've ever wondered what magnet schools actually are, whether your child "qualifies," or how the application process even works — this episode is for you. We sat down with Tamani Powell, Director in the Office of Magnet Programs at Wake County Public Schools, who has been living and breathing magnet education since 1998. She is, in every sense of the word, the expert. Quick note: The second ha...

In this episode of The Education Breakdown, we talk with Kelly Hayes, founder of Wonder Learning Center in Apex. Kelly shares how her path—from attorney to parent of twice-exceptional children—led her to create a learning environment designed specifically for gifted and neurodiverse middle and high school students. Wonder operates as a hybrid micro-school for students in grades 6–12. In our conver...

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: What the International Baccalaureate (IB) program...

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 who...

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: What charter schools are and how they differ from traditional public schools How funding and accountability work within the charter system The admissions process, including lotteries a...

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...

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...

 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 f...

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 simp...

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 b...

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 abo...

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 suppor...

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...

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 Bre...

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: Common reasons parents start questioning their child’s school f...

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-l...

In this episode, Tom sits down with Sarah, who works as an Education Consultant, to explore why learning about different educational methods is essential for parents. They discuss the rapid pace of change in today’s world, what it really means for a child to be “successful,” and how parents can make informed choices about their child’s education. Sarah breaks down the impact of school choice on pu...

Join us as we learn from Maggie Connolly, an expert in early childhood education with nearly 50 years of experience! Maggie joins us to talk about what truly makes a great preschool environment and what parents should know when choosing the right fit for their child.    In this episode you will hear: Best practices in early childhood education like hands-on learning, unstructured play, and the imp...

In this episode of The Education Breakdown, Sarah sits down with Julie Ross, longtime educator, homeschooler, and founder of A Gentle Feast, to explore the revolutionary ideas of Charlotte Mason. They dive into Charlotte Mason’s emphasis on natural learning, rich literature, and real-world experiences. Julie explains the concept of living books—narrative, engaging stories that ignite curiosity and...

What if there were a school that checked every box for your child’s education? A place where creativity, independence, and real-world skills take center stage? Your answer could be Acton Academy. In this episode of The Education Breakdown, we explore the innovative approach of Acton Academy, a global network of learner-driven schools that’s flipping traditional education on its head. Here’s what y...

Recess might seem like a small part of the school day, but its impact on children’s physical health, cognitive development, and emotional well-being is profound. In this episode, we dive into the alarming decline of recess time in schools over the past 50 years, why this trend is happening, and what it means for our kids. From startling statistics about today’s recess averages to the proven benefi...

In this episode, we chat with Stephanie, a former middle school language arts teacher who is now a stay-at-home mom navigating the world of education for her rising kindergartner. Stephanie brings a unique perspective, blending her experiences as an educator with her current journey as a parent—just like many of our listeners—working to find the best school fit for her child. Stephanie reflects on...

Join us for a fascinating conversation with Kallie, an insightful 13-year-old with firsthand experience in three progressive education models. Kallie shares her journey through a private day school, an Acton Academy, and now a hybrid school, offering a unique perspective on each approach. Together, we explore the pros and cons of these educational methods, the evolving role of technology in the cl...