School Smarts NYC
Your trusted guide to New York City high school admissions, special education support, and finding the best-fit school for your child.
School Smarts NYC gives parents expert tips, guidance, and real talk on navigating the NYC school system—from applications and screened admissions to IEPs, 504 plans, and beyond.
Because student success starts with informed families—and maybe a little humor to get you through it.
Podcasting since 2025 • 6 episodes
School Smarts NYC
Latest Episodes
Does Size Matter? Choosing The Right-Sized High School for your Kid
In this episode of the School Smarts NYC podcast, host Carolyn DeFir explores the complexities of the New York City high school admissions process, focusing on the significance of school size. She discusses the pros and cons of big, medium, and...
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Season 1
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Episode 6
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37:20
“So… Where Do They Go to College?”
“So… Where Do They Go to College?”What College Acceptance Lists Actually Tell You (and What to Ask Instead)In this episode of the School Smarts NYC podcast, Carolyn addresses a listener's question about evaluating high schools bas...
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Season 1
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Episode 5
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29:30
Starting Your High School List (Without Losing Your Mind)
In this episode of the School Smart NYC podcast, host Carolyn DeFir shares her insights and experiences as a parent navigating the high school admissions process in New York City. She discusses the importance of building a draft list of schools...
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Season 1
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Episode 4
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50:59
Screened, Screened+, Essays, and Portfolios and Auditions (oh my!)
In this episode of the School Smarts NYC podcast, host Carolyn DeFir navigates the complexities of high school admissions in New York City. She discusses the different types of screened schools, the admissions methods used, and the importan...
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Season 1
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Episode 3
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30:13
NYC High School Admission Process From Start to Finish
This conversation provides a comprehensive overview of the New York City high school admissions process, detailing the complexities and nuances involved. It covers the application timeline, various admission methods, the significance of the ran...
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Season 1
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Episode 2
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51:35