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.
Episodes
50 episodes
Two Months of School Left: Grades, Burnout, and Keeping Your Kid (and Yourself) Intact
This episode explores the challenges and strategies for supporting students through the final months of the school year, emphasizing balance, mental health, and practical advocacy tips for parents. It offers a comprehensive guide to navigating ...
Waitlist Limbo: Why Nothing Is Moving (Yet) & What To Do About It
This episode addresses the complexities of NYC high school waitlist processes, explaining why waitlist movement is slower than expected and offering strategies for families navigating this uncertain period.
You Can Do This Yourself: How to Choose Between High School Offers (and Trust Your Gut)
In this episode, Carolyn shares practical advice for NYC high school applicants and parents navigating multiple offers, waitlists, and decision-making. Learn how to revisit your 'why', research effectively, and trust your instincts to choose th...
What You’ll Actually See on MySchools When The Offers Are Released (and What It Really Means)
This episode guides NYC families through the high school offer process, including how to interpret offer letters, waitlist strategies, and important deadlines. Hosted by Carolyn DeFir, it offers practical tips and emotional support for navigati...
Advice for Curious 7th (& 6th) Grade Families
In this episode of the School Smarts NYC podcast, host Carolyn DeFir discusses the complexities of navigating the New York City high school application process. She emphasizes the importance of understanding grades, screen groups, and the signi...
So Close… Yet, So Far Away: What to Know One Month Before Offers
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...
Sensory Diets 101: Not Just for Neurodivergent Kids
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 ne...
The Deposit Dilemma: Catholic & Private School Offers Without the Panic
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 im...
Do Regents Still Matter? A No-Panic Explanation
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 b...
Academic Supports in High School: Where to Find Help, Why It Exists, and How to Use It
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 navigati...
Afterschool Activities, Clubs & Sports: Why They Matter
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-b...
(Bonus Episode) Intention Setting vs. Resolutions: A Gentler Way to Review Your Year (For Busy Parents of Teens)
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 patt...
IEPs & 504s in High School: Planning the Transition from Middle School
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, prepa...
So You Got a Callback… (or You Didn’t): What It Means, What It Doesn’t, and What To Do Next
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 stu...
Congratulations, You Hit Submit…Now What?
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 th...
Before You Hit Submit: Your Final NYC High School Application Q&A
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 under...
Two Weeks to Go: Your Last-Minute, No-Panic Game Plan
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 proces...
(Bonus Episode) Tour Report #12: Eleanor Roosevelt High School
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, s...
(Bonus Episode) Tour Report #11: New Explorations in Science, Technology & Math (nest+m)
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 ...
(Bonus Episode) Tour Report #10 Midwood High School at Brooklyn College
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...
Hidden Gems: NYC High Schools You Might Not Know—But Should
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 opp...
(Bonus Episode) Tour Report #9: Edward R. Murrow
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, includin...
(Bonus Episode) Tour Report #8: University Neighborhood High School
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,...
(Bonus Episode) Tour Report #7: NYC iSchool
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 c...
Assessment Anxiety: Helping Our Kids (and Ourselves) Keep Calm and Carry On… to the Test Room
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 visualiza...