As we near the end of another COVID-impacted school year, I sat down with Phyllis Fagell, school counselor and author of Middle School Matters. I wanted to know what she is seeing in the halls of her school and in her work with parents, students, and teachers, as we all search for ways to recover […]
One of the most stressful parts of the private school admissions process is the looming idea of writing an essay, or even multiple essays. In many ways, the essays make this process feel much like the dreaded college admissions process, even though you may be in 6th, 7th, or 8th grade now. I work with […]
Sometimes they look a little sheepish when they ask. “Katy, do you have any advice for us about the parent questions?” The private school admissions process is often one that seems to throw unexpected curveballs every step along the way. And right when it feels like you are rounding third base, you notice that the […]
One truism that we often see in education is a policy trickle-down effect. Often, something gets enacted at the higher education level, and a few years later, we start to see that policy gain momentum at the secondary school level. The latest version of this pattern is Test-Optional Admissions. The Washington, DC area is disproportionately […]
Watching this mom walk out of my office, less anxious than when she arrived, I thought about our conversation — a frequent one I have with 8th grade parents as the fall application season starts to take shape. All of them have started to recognize that the private school admissions process in the DMV (and […]
The end of the school year will soon be upon us. You’ll finally be free — at least for a few months — from the challenges you’ve seen in school this year and last. It will be another chance for something new. Hopefully, you already have plans to enjoy the upcoming summer, and ideally, you […]
Eighth-grade teachers love to say, “Your high school teachers aren’t going to do that for you next year!” High school is an important transition, and teachers are trying to help you establish your academic independence. One of the key ways we’ve seen this refrain ring through is in the day-to-day management of your assignments. Chasing […]
Eighth-graders are taking on some of their most challenging courses to date, enjoying the last year of middle school, and preparing to launch their high school career. In the midst of all this, parents should make time to help students familiarize themselves with potential high school options through virtual visits, chats with current students, and […]
For students considering the SSAT during the new testing year (August 1, 2021 – July 31, 2022), there are significant changes to available testing opportunities, and families will have several options to consider as they sketch out their child’s individual application plan. Register to Take the SSAT At Home Students may take the test via SSAT-At-Home. […]
Many families with rising 8th-grade students are well into the process of looking at potential secondary schools for their children. Although parents naturally want to do everything possible to ensure their student’s successful entry into the right school, it is important during this process to recognize opportunities to shift a sense of responsibility for this […]