Think of a penny! Quick! Are you picturing a copper-colored, small, round coin with a smooth edge? Is there a President’s face on it? If so, which way is it facing? Are there any words? If you are not able to answer some of these questions, you are not alone. This conundrum is the same for much of what our students experience when preparing for assessments in school. They may think they “know” their material, when, in fact, they are merely “familiar” with it. We call this an illusion of knowledge.

Schools can learn a lot from tangential industries. Granted, schools are not retail establishments, car rental companies, or tech firms. Still, parents buy the product an independent school sells and expect to receive the product they purchased, even though the buyer is not the consumer in this case. The student is the consumer of the product. It is a business with many layers and complexities, where we must demonstrate value in everything we do. 

What we knew before the pandemic was that young people were struggling with mental health issues, particularly anxiety and/or depression. This was a national challenge as rates of depression and anxiety were on the increase, however there was a lack of resources (psychologists, guidance counselors, etc.) to meet this need. Read more for how fostering independence can ease children's anxiety.

This time of the year schools invite parents into the building or connect virtually for what is most commonly known as the “Parent-Teacher” conference. While the very thought of sitting with your child’s teacher can bring about anxious feelings, a positive partnership between school and home is essential to a student’s success. Here are a few tips for making the most of your meeting.

Who’s ready? It’s unavoidable. A new and exciting school year is upon us! It is normal to feel a balance of emotions at this time, whether you are a parent, a student, or even a teacher! Now is the time to start valuable routines that will make the transition from summer to school a smooth and enjoyable one. 

Entitlement is a phenomenon that has become increasingly prevalent in today's society. So much of our children’s lives are fast-paced with a “here and now” mentality. Children who grow up feeling entitled often believe that they are owed things without having to work for them. This can lead to problems in their adult lives, as entitlement can hinder the ability to develop healthy relationships, succeed in the workplace, and be self-sufficient. Read more for key steps parents can take to avoid raising entitled children.