School Smarts NYC

In this episode of the School Smarts NYC podcast, host Carolyn discusses the high school admissions process in New York City, focusing on the stress and challenges faced by families. She provides insights into navigating the application process, understanding different offer scenarios, and managing the emotional rollercoaster that comes with school placements and waitlists. Carolyn emphasizes the...

In this episode, Carolyn DeFir explores the concept of sensory diets, emphasizing their importance for individuals of all ages, particularly teens. She explains how sensory diets are personalized sets of sensory inputs that help regulate the nervous system, improve focus, and manage emotions. The discussion covers the significance of understanding sensory systems, practical applications of sensory...

In this episode of the School Smarts NYC podcast, host Carolyn DeFir discusses the complexities of high school admissions in New York City, focusing on the emotional rollercoaster of callbacks from performing arts schools like LaGuardia, the implications of non-refundable deposits for Catholic and independent private schools, and the importance of understanding the admissions process. Carolyn emph...

In this episode of the School Smarts NYC podcast, host Carolyn DeFir dives deep into the complexities of the New York State Regents exams. She discusses the purpose of these exams, which serve as a measure of mastery in core subjects and have been tied to graduation requirements. Carolyn provides insights into the changing landscape of Regents requirements, particularly for students graduating in...

In this episode of School Smarts NYC, host Carolyn DeFir discusses the various academic supports available to high school students in New York City. She emphasizes the importance of understanding these resources, especially for parents navigating the high school transition with their children. Carolyn highlights the significance of asking for help, the social dynamics that may prevent students fro...

In this episode of the School Smarts NYC podcast, Carolyn DeFir,  discusses the significance of extracurricular activities for high school students. She emphasizes the importance of finding a balance between involvement and personal well-being, addressing the pressures students face in today's competitive environment. Carolyn provides insights into how clubs and activities can foster connecti...

In this episode of School Smarts NYC, Carolyn reflects on the past year and discusses the importance of setting intentions rather than resolutions as the new year approaches. She emphasizes the value of reviewing one's calendar to identify patterns and set meaningful goals for the upcoming year, particularly for parents of teens navigating the high school admissions process. Carolyn encourage...

In this episode of School Smarts NYC, host Carolyn DeFir discusses the transition from middle school to high school, focusing on the importance of understanding IEPs and 504 plans. She shares insights on navigating high school admissions, preparing for support systems, and the role of parental advocacy in ensuring students receive the necessary accommodations. Carolyn emphasizes the need for proac...

n this episode of the School Smarts NYC podcast, host Carolyn DeFir focuses on the significance of callbacks. She emphasizes the importance of understanding what callbacks mean, how to navigate the anxiety surrounding them, and the need for students to be themselves during auditions. Carolyn also touches on the collaborative nature of arts schools and reassures parents that not receiving a callbac...

In this episode of the School Smarts NYC podcast, host Carolyn DeFir congratulates parents and students on completing the high school admissions process. She emphasizes the importance of taking a moment to breathe and celebrate the hard work that went into the journey. Carolyn discusses the waiting period after submitting applications, offering advice on how to cope with the anxiety of waiting for...

In this episode of School Smarts NYC, host Carolyn DeFir shares personal experiences, answers frequently asked questions, and provides practical advice for parents and students navigating the final days before the application is due. From understanding school rankings to managing applying to zoned schools, Carolyn emphasizes the importance of making informed choices and trusting one's instinc...

In this episode of the School Smarts NYC podcast, host Carolyn DeFir guides listeners through the final countdown to the NYC high school admissions deadline. She shares practical advice for parents and students navigating the application process, emphasizing the importance of organization, emotional support, and trusting one's instincts. Carolyn discusses the significance of finalizing applic...

In this episode of the School Smarts NYC podcast, Carolyn provides an in-depth tour report of Eleanor Roosevelt High School, highlighting its academic rigor, supportive community, and vibrant arts programs. She discusses the school's culture, student engagement, and the importance of college preparation, while also addressing the competitive admissions process. The episode serves as a compreh...

In this episode of the School Smarts NYC podcast, host Carolyn DeFir provides an in-depth tour report of Midwood High School, highlighting its academic programs, school culture, extracurricular activities, and support systems. She discusses the school's size, the various specialized programs available, and the vibrant school spirit. Carolyn also covers the admissions process and the college r...

In this episode of the School Smarts NYC podcast, host Carolyn DeFir explores NEST+m, a high school within a K-12 school located on the Lower East Side of New York City. She discusses the school's unique environment, student dynamics, academic offerings, extracurricular activities, and the admissions process. Carolyn emphasizes the supportive atmosphere of NEST+m, which caters to a diverse ra...

In this episode of the School Smarts NYC podcast, host Carolyn DeFir emphasizes the importance of understanding school choices, rankings, and the value of hidden gems—schools that may not be widely recognized but offer excellent educational opportunities. Carolyn shares insights on various boroughs, highlighting specific schools and their unique offerings, while encouraging families to explore all...

In this episode of the School Smarts NYC podcast, host Carolyn DeFir provides an in-depth exploration of Edward R. Murrow High School, one of Brooklyn's largest and most iconic high schools. She discusses the school's unique offerings, including its renowned arts programs, the Communication Arts program, and the growing emphasis on STEM and sports. Carolyn emphasizes the vibrant school s...

In this episode of the School Smarts NYC podcast, Carolyn DeFir explores the unique educational landscape of iSchool in Soho, NYC. With a focus on student choice and real-world learning, iSchool offers a distinctive curriculum that emphasizes critical thinking and creativity over traditional testing. The school provides a supportive environment with dedicated college counseling, making it an appea...

In this episode of the School Smarts NYC podcast, host Carolyn DeFir explores the rising popularity of University Neighborhood High School (UNHS) in New York City. She discusses the school's unique culture, strong leadership from the principal, and the various academic programs and support systems in place to help students succeed. The episode also delves into the admissions process, highligh...

In this episode of the School Smarts NYC podcast, Carolyn discusses the anxiety surrounding the high school application and testing process for both students and parents. She shares practical techniques for managing anxiety, including visualization, breathing exercises, and grounding techniques. The conversation emphasizes the importance of preparation and self-regulation for both kids and parents...

In this episode of the School Smarts NYC podcast, host Carolyn DeFir discusses the complexities of navigating the New York City high school admissions process, particularly focusing on specialized high schools. She emphasizes the importance of understanding application deadlines, ranking schools wisely, and managing stress during this challenging time for families. Carolyn provides insights into t...

In this episode of the School Smarts NYC podcast, host Carolyn DeFir provides an in-depth overview of Baruch High School, a small screened school in Manhattan. She discusses the school's educational philosophy, community values, curriculum offerings, special education programs, extracurricular activities, and the admissions process. Carolyn shares insights from her personal experience and res...

In this episode of the School Smarts NYC podcast, host Carolyn DeFir emphasizes the importance of finding a school that is a good fit for each child. Carolyn discusses the significance of school tours, evaluating academic and extracurricular opportunities, and the logistics of commuting. She encourages parents to engage with their children throughout the process and to trust their instincts when s...

In this episode of the School Smarts NYC podcast, host Carolyn DeFir discusses the recent changes in the admissions process at The Beacon School, one of New York City's most talked-about high schools. She shares her personal experiences attending an open house, insights into the school's academic structure, and the vibrant student life. Carolyn emphasizes the importance of the new leader...

In this episode of the School Smarts NYC podcast, Carolyn addresses frequently asked questions regarding the school application process in New York City. She discusses the importance of ranking schools based on true preference rather than strategy, the complexities of lottery numbers and waitlists, and the challenges of interpreting chance predictors. Carolyn also provides insights on applying to...