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PODCAST

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.

kids & family parenting

All Episodes

25:19

Before You Hit Submit: Your Final NYC High School...

School Smarts NYC ·

2025/11/27

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 understanding school rankings to managing applying to zoned schools, Carolyn emphasizes the importance of making informed choices and trusting one's instincts. The episode concludes with encouragement for families as they approach application deadlines, remi...

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38:46

Two Weeks to Go: Your Last-Minute, No-Panic Game Plan

School Smarts NYC ·

2025/11/20

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 process, emphasizing the importance of organization, emotional support, and trusting one's instincts. Carolyn discusses the significance of finalizing applications, managing stress, and maintaining a balanced school list, while also encouraging families to co...

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25:22

(Bonus Episode) Tour Report #12: Eleanor Roosevelt...

School Smarts NYC ·

2025/11/19

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, student engagement, and the importance of college preparation, while also addressing the competitive admissions process. The episode serves as a comprehensive guide for families navigating the high school landscape in New York City.

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28:24

(Bonus Episode) Tour Report #10 Midwood High School...

School Smarts NYC ·

2025/11/14

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 school's size, the various specialized programs available, and the vibrant school spirit. Carolyn also covers the admissions process and the college readiness resources offered to students, making a compelling case for why Midwood is a top choice for f...

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20:16

(Bonus Episode) Tour Report #11: New Explorations in...

School Smarts NYC ·

2025/11/14

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 offerings, extracurricular activities, and the admissions process. Carolyn emphasizes the supportive atmosphere of NEST+m, which caters to a diverse range of learners and prepares students for college. The episode concludes with insights on the school's...

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53:12

Hidden Gems: NYC High Schools You Might Not Know—But...

School Smarts NYC ·

2025/11/13

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 opportunities. Carolyn shares insights on various boroughs, highlighting specific schools and their unique offerings, while encouraging families to explore all options available to them. The episode concludes with a reminder that the best fit for a student...

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19:04

(Bonus Episode) Tour Report #9: Edward R. Murrow

School Smarts NYC ·

2025/11/10

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, including its renowned arts programs, the Communication Arts program, and the growing emphasis on STEM and sports. Carolyn emphasizes the vibrant school spirit and the diverse opportunities available for students, encouraging parents to consider Murrow as a via...

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16:58

(Bonus Episode) Tour Report #8: University...

School Smarts NYC ·

2025/11/10

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, and the various academic programs and support systems in place to help students succeed. The episode also delves into the admissions process, highlighting the importance of lottery numbers and the different pathways available for enrollment. Carolyn em...

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12:55

(Bonus Episode) Tour Report #7: NYC iSchool

School Smarts NYC ·

2025/11/10

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 critical thinking and creativity over traditional testing. The school provides a supportive environment with dedicated college counseling, making it an appealing option for independent and creative students. The admissions process is straightforward, req...

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23:16

Assessment Anxiety: Helping Our Kids (and Ourselves)...

School Smarts NYC ·

2025/11/07

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 visualization, breathing exercises, and grounding techniques. The conversation emphasizes the importance of preparation and self-regulation for both kids and parents during this stressful time.

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25:44

Don’t Wait ’Til After Trick-or-Treat: The SHSAT...

School Smarts NYC ·

2025/10/30

In this episode of the School Smarts NYC podcast, host Carolyn DeFir discusses the complexities of navigating the New York City high school admissions process, particularly focusing on specialized high schools. She emphasizes the importance of understanding application deadlines, ranking schools wisely, and managing stress during this challenging time for families. Carolyn provides insights into the admissions algorithm, the significance of school rankings, and the necessity of registering fo...

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24:41

(Bonus Episode) Tour Report #6: Baruch High School

School Smarts NYC ·

2025/10/29

In this episode of the School Smarts NYC podcast, host Carolyn DeFir provides an in-depth overview of Baruch High School, a small screened school in Manhattan. She discusses the school's educational philosophy, community values, curriculum offerings, special education programs, extracurricular activities, and the admissions process. Carolyn shares insights from her personal experience and research, aiming to help families navigate the high school admissions journey in New York City.

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45:07

How to Know If It’s a Good Fit — The Art (and...

School Smarts NYC ·

2025/10/23

In this episode of the School Smarts NYC podcast, host Carolyn DeFir emphasizes the importance of finding a school that is a good fit for each child. Carolyn discusses the significance of school tours, evaluating academic and extracurricular opportunities, and the logistics of commuting. She encourages parents to engage with their children throughout the process and to trust their instincts when selecting schools. The episode is filled with practical tips and insights to help families make in...

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27:58

(Bonus Episode) Tour Report #5: The Beacon School

School Smarts NYC ·

2025/10/22

In this episode of the School Smarts NYC podcast, host Carolyn DeFir discusses the recent changes in the admissions process at The Beacon School, one of New York City's most talked-about high schools. She shares her personal experiences attending an open house, insights into the school's academic structure, and the vibrant student life. Carolyn emphasizes the importance of the new leadership at Beacon and how it aims to create a supportive environment for all students. The episode concludes w...

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31:46

You Asked, I Answered: The Most-Asked Questions (So...

School Smarts NYC ·

2025/10/16

In this episode of the School Smarts NYC podcast, Carolyn addresses frequently asked questions regarding the school application process in New York City. She discusses the importance of ranking schools based on true preference rather than strategy, the complexities of lottery numbers and waitlists, and the challenges of interpreting chance predictors. Carolyn also provides insights on applying to art schools, navigating open houses, and the flexibility of changing school preferences before de...

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13:02

(Bonus Episode) Tour Report #4: Millennium Brooklyn...

School Smarts NYC ·

2025/10/13

This episode provides an in-depth look at Millennium Brooklyn, a small yet vibrant screen school located in Park Slope, Brooklyn. Carolyn highlights the school's unique academic philosophy, commitment to inclusivity, structured curriculum, and the vibrant student life that fosters community engagement. The principal's dedication to a full schedule of instructional classes and the emphasis on research throughout the students' high school years are particularly noteworthy. Overall, Millennium B...

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13:03

(Bonus Episode) Tour Report #3: Brooklyn Technical...

School Smarts NYC ·

2025/10/12

In this episode, Carolyn shares her experience visiting Brooklyn Tech, the largest high school in America, during an open house. She discusses the school's impressive size, the various programs offered, and her observations during the visit. Carolyn also reflects on the overwhelming nature of the open house and provides insights for parents navigating the application process for specialized high schools in New York City.

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40:24

Now What? The Post-Application is Open Pep Talk

School Smarts NYC ·

2025/10/09

In this episode of the School Smarts NYC podcast, host Carolyn DeFir guides parents through the complex process of school applications for the 2026-2027 school year. She shares her personal experiences and insights on navigating the application landscape, understanding lottery numbers and tiers, and making informed decisions about school choices. Carolyn emphasizes the importance of using available tools and resources, dealing with disappointment, and exploring alternative options, including ...

en-us

13:57

(Bonus Episode) Tour Report #2: Millenium Manhattan

School Smarts NYC ·

2025/10/04

In this episode of the School Smarts NYC podcast, host Carolyn DeFir provides an in-depth review of Millennium Manhattan, a small screened high school in New York City. Through a virtual tour led by the principal, Carolyn highlights the school's vibrant environment, academic rigor, supportive structures, and the admissions process. She emphasizes the importance of advisory programs, college readiness, and the overall positive atmosphere of the school, making it a compelling option for prospec...

en-us

17:52

(Bonus Episode) Tour Report #1: Bard High School...

School Smarts NYC ·

2025/10/02

In this episode of the School Smarts NYC podcast, host Carolyn DeFir takes listeners on a detailed tour of Bard Early College High School in Manhattan. She shares her personal experiences and insights as a parent navigating the high school admissions process with her daughter. The episode covers the unique curriculum, academic structure, campus environment, student life, and the admissions process at Bard, providing valuable information for families considering this school for their children.

en-us

35 results

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