by Emily Glickman on December 22, 2009
As a Manhattan private schools educational consultant in practice for over a decade, I can tell you reliably that 2009 was a unique year. Here’s what we’ll remember about 2009:
1. The New York Times ran not one, but two stories about companies running ERB prep programs. If you want to irritate a private school admissions director, that is the way to do it. As a result, look for less emphasis on ERB scores in 2010 admissions decisions.
2. The strange Manhattan economy—lots of people financially strapped and stressed, and lots of other people doing just fine—has not translated into reduced competition for private school seats. Admission for kindergarten remains extremely competitive at the most sought-after private schools. Demand for seats vastly outstrips supply, since most affluent, ambitious families seek the same few destinations.
3. Living on Park Avenue, summering in the Hamptons, running a bank, chairing a benefit, starring in a television show—it’s all good. Thanks to the economy, generous, more affluent families have an even greater admissions advantage than usual.
4. The ISEE was changed this year, and scores are all over the place, particularly on the Lower Level exam. The good news: disappointing scores may not lead to disappointing admissions results.
5. The zoned public school situation is so in flux and out of wack that 2009 marked the first full year that some families considered private school as their backup.
About the Contributor: Emily Glickman is a regular contributor to the NYC Private Schools Blog in the area of area of private school admissions.
by NYC Private Schools on December 8, 2009
We are excited to announce that Alexandra Mayzler, Founder and Director of Thinking Caps Tutoring (TCT), will join us as a regular blog contributor in the area of study skills.
Alexandra began her career in education while still a student herself and channeled her personal experiences into creating teaching methods that make studying easier, more interesting, and even enjoyable. In her work with students, she wanted to achieve a kind of teaching that went beyond cramming for tests and memorizing facts. Alexandra wanted to reach out to students using a method of study that her students could relate to, and one that included both parent and student-friendly study and homework skills.
Her desire to work with students combined with extensive study and training in psychology, evolved into the formation of Thinking Caps Tutoring, a full-service educational company that helps students acquire the fundamental skills and confidence they need to succeed at any point in their educational path, from primary and secondary school, to college and beyond.
Alexandra meets with hundreds of families and creates study plans tailored for the individual student. Creativity is the core of Alexandra’s approach to teaching and to TCT: she has created methods of study that teens and tweens can easily use, encourage students to work independently, and fosters healthy communication between parents and students when it comes to homework and studying.
Over the past several years, Alexandra has created a Study Skills Program and a series of test prep courses titled Thinking Caps Survival Guide for the ISEE, SHSAT, SAT, ACT, AP and Regents. She also consults with New York schools on designing curricula. She is in the process of creating a skills program for university students. Most recently, Alexandra wrote a study skills book that is due out in September 2010.
Alexandra enjoys dreaming up ways of study that get kids excited about learning, and in her free time she likes to cook, go running and travel to new places.
Loading ...