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 • 13 episodes
School Smarts NYC
Latest Episodes
IEPs, 504s & NYC High School Admissions + Top 10 NYC High Schools for Students with Learning Differences
In this episode of the School Smarts NYC podcast, host Carolyn DeFir guides listeners through the complex landscape of New York City high school admissions, focusing on special education designations, the differences between IEPs and 504 plans,...
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Season 1
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Episode 13
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1:01:51
Tour Season: The Other NYC Marathon
In this episode of the School Smarts NYC podcast, host Carolyn DeFir provides insights on how to prepare for tours, what to expect during the visits, and how to engage with schools and students effectively. Carolyn emphasizes the importance of ...
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Season 1
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Episode 12
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57:51
"If you don't know, now you know" (Dear 6th and 7th Grade Families)
In this episode of the School Smarts NYC podcast, host Carolyn DeFir emphasizes the importance of building foundational skills in sixth grade, the high stakes of seventh grade, and strategies for preparing for high school admissions. Carolyn sh...
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Season 1
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Episode 11
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25:17
How to Research NYC High Schools Like a Pro (with NYC-SIFT Creator Adrian Liang)
In this episode of the School Smarts NYC podcast, host Carolyn DeFir speaks with Adrian Liang, the creator of NYC-SIFT, a free tool designed to help families navigate New York City high school admissions. They discuss Adrian's background, the c...
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Season 1
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Episode 10
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51:07
Back-to-School Meets High School Admissions
In this episode of the School Smarts NYC podcast, host Carolyn DeFir shares insights on preparing for the back-to-school season, strategies for managing the admissions process, and tips for staying organized and grounded during this hectic time...
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Season 1
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Episode 9
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36:06