A few questions to help prep your middle-schooler for his/her admissions interview.
Read More
Whew. You've done it. You conquered Ravenna. You’ve woken everybody up at 8am on a Saturday for virtual observations. You’ve tracked down transcripts, booked JATP appointments, and ironed first-day outfits. So….now what?
Read More
Easy, manageable ways to get all those applications and requirements finalized over the break!
Read MoreWith the application for Atlanta independent schools quickly approaching (some as early as this coming Monday--eek!), we wanted to learn into parents to see if there were any outstanding questions about tying up loose ends. We received an overwhelming amount of questions and wanted to share some with you all as you're wrapping up final action items this weekend.
Read More
Here in Atlanta, it is beginning to feel like fall—at least to us Southerners. We’re bundled in our scarves and vests, sipping our PSLs, and enjoying the sub-80 degree weather (just don’t tell New England). As we welcome in another fall season, we wanted to share some treats on how to begin the school admissions process. Follow along with us over the next week for what you need to know!
Read More
At the start of the school year, we include a copy of Emily Oster’s “Family Firm” in our welcome basket to families. We’ve started adding this book into our gift bundle because it’s a tremendous resource in making the big school decision. Oster frames the decision-making process in a way that is tangible and practical. Take a look at her Four F’s (four steps to follow the your family faces a big choice).
Read More
Ravenna is the shared application portal for a number of AAAIS-member schools in the Atlanta area. This platform makes it easy to keep all of your docs in one place—but it can be a little overwhelming, too! We’ve compiled a check-list on how to apply to schools using Ravenna. So grab a cup of coffee and settle in.
Read More
To more holistically assess kindergarten-readiness skills, independent schools and teachers are broadly evaluating a child’s gross motor skills. Here’s a list of skills we’re looking for—and ideas to incorporate practice into your everyday routine that is fun and easy!
Read More
Newer to the education scene, transitional kindergarten serves as an “in between” following Pre-K and a traditional Kindergarten program. Is your child a “young 5?” Is this placement worth considering? How to tell if your child is a good fit for this type of program.
Read More
Usually acquired during childhood, gross motor skills use the legs, arms, and torso to perform
everyday functions. These include not only basic tasks, like walking, running, jumping, and
sitting upright, but also activities that require hand-eye coordination, such as throwing,
catching, kicking a ball, swimming, or riding a bike.
Read More
New for 2023, a targeted resource that offers resources and strategies backed by the latest research to help parents make the most informed decisions when it comes to prioritizing Kindergarten readiness and choosing the right school.
Read More
New changes coming to JATP procedures as of this week! We outline everything for you here.
Read More
Ensure a seamless JATP experience by incorporating games and activities to play over the break. This list has been put to the test--and is student-approved!
Read More
If you’re a parent of a lower school kiddos, chances are you’ve done your homework on the JATP, a cognitive entrance assessment required as a supplement for your child’s application. If you’ve taken advantage of upcoming holiday breaks to schedule a JATP evaluation with an Atlanta-based child psychologist, you may be feeling angst, stress, or anxiety building up to test day. We aim to take some of the tension out of the equation by building some awareness of what’s to come on test day.
Read More
JATP testing for applicants interested in the 2023-2024 school year is underway! We outline how to register for the JATP and how to delegate a chosen psychologist in Ravenna. We also explain how to schedule an appointment and what to expect.
Read More
The private school admissions frenzy can drum up feelings of anxiety, stress, confusion, and doubts. So, let us partner with you and relieve some pressure. The complete guide below tackles how to even begin this daunting process, what to look for on school tours, and gives you handy how-to guides of registering for the JATP, SSAT, and setting up that dreaded Ravenna profile.
Read More
If you’re reading this, more than likely, you’re considering a new school home for your Lower School kiddo next year. We recommend that families give themselves 6-12 months of runway to fully investigate their options. For families with Lower School learners (grades K-5), a standardized cognitive test is required for all applicants. We strongly encourage parents to understand the “BTH” of paperwork and portals before the flurry of Open Houses even hits. By getting ahead of things like JATP registration and Ravenna, families are able to put themselves in a strategic position going into an-already stressful season of the holidays (which, coincidentally, is when the bulk of Open Houses are).
Read More
If you are considering enrolling your child at a new school, you need to consider some questions before you even visit the school. If, in fact, the school ends up on your short list, be sure to review the questions to keep in mind as you meet with classroom teachers, principals, and counselors.
Read More
Moving schools this year is a big change. Whether you’re moving across town or to the other side of the world, this transition can cause emotional tension. Changing schools is the challenge now, but we realize that life yields adjustments again and again and so we want to partner with parents as they help their children and teens navigate the hurdle before them. So, we’ve developed a reading list to support the whole family—both parent and student—throughout this often stressful process.
Read More
Changing schools is the challenge now, but we realize that life yields adjustments again and again and so we want to partner with parents as they help their children and teens navigate the hurdle before them. So, we’ve developed a practical guide for children, teens, and parents as they navigate the process of changing schools.
Read More