Smart City Kids

05/30/2026

Spring tour season is officially over! If you spent time visiting schools this spring, first of all: great work. That's not nothing.

Here's the honest truth though: visiting schools is only half the battle. The families who get ahead are the ones who use May and June to turn everything they saw into a real plan: a school list, early essay conversations, a summer schedule that actually moves things forward.

We're heading into June with a lot of good content and some free workshops to help you do exactly that. Sign up with the links below!

Middle & High School Admissions Panel: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1988570702502?aff=oddtdtcreator

College Admissions 101 & College Myths Debunked: https://luma.com/user/smartcitykids

In the meantime, what's the one admissions question you're still sitting with after spring tours? Let us know below. 👇

05/26/2026

📣 Applying to NYC independent schools in 2026? Join us for our FREE Admissions Panels featuring Admissions Directors from top NYC schools!

Learn more about the Kindergarten, Middle School, and High School admissions processes directly from the experts — including application timelines, interviews, testing, and what schools are really looking for.

🗓 Kindergarten Panel: May 27, 2026
🗓 Middle/High School Panel: June 3, 2026
⏰ 12:00–1:00 PM
💻 Free on Eventbrite

Whether you’re just beginning the process or preparing applications now, these workshops are a great opportunity to gain insight and ask questions.

Sign up now!
https://www.eventbrite.com/o/smart-city-kids-15639372606

11/26/2025

“What makes a student stand out?"

Emma Katznelson from Masters School says:
"Simply being themselves. Too often, students feel they need to recite a list of achievements or what someone else thinks they should say - but authenticity always shines brighter."

At Masters, they want to imagine the real student in their classrooms, not a rehearsed version. So take a deep breath, relax, and just show you!

For the full panel, click here: https://youtu.be/VUF9_1N96Ks?si=vMJ-15upQOEMfAAc

11/24/2025

Navigating NYC public school admissions can feel like cracking a secret code—especially when it comes to the random number (RAN). 🎲

This computer-generated number acts as a tie-breaker when multiple students share the same admissions priority. While the string of letters and numbers might look confusing at first, here’s the key insight: only the first two digits really matter. Lower numbers give students a better shot at securing a seat, while higher numbers make offers less likely when priorities are equal.

Curious how this plays out for elementary, middle, and high school applications? Or want to estimate your child’s odds at their top-choice schools? There’s a smart guide that breaks it down, updated each year with data on past applicants.

Get the full breakdown here:

In New York City public school admissions, a random number (sometimes called the lottery number or RAN) is a computer-generated number assigned to every student’s application. When multiple students have the same admissions priority – for example, zoned, sibling status, grades, or test score –...

11/22/2025

With so many independent school options in NYC, it’s completely normal to feel both excited and overwhelmed. After dozens of tours and conversations, many families suddenly find themselves comparing notes, second-guessing preferences, and wondering which school is truly the “right” one.

But here’s the grounding truth:
The best school is the one where your child will thrive.

As you narrow your list, consider the questions that matter most:
• Does the learning environment spark curiosity and engagement?
• Can you see your child connecting with the school’s community and culture?
• Is the environment—both physical and social—one where they’d feel confident and supported?
• Does the day-to-day logistics of the school fit your family’s reality?

If you’re feeling pulled in different directions, you’re not alone—and a little clarity can go a long way.

Take a deeper look at what truly matters when choosing a school:

The number of independent schools in New York City can be both daunting and exciting. It is easy to feel overwhelmed by the range of choices, but all these options also offer families a unique opportunity to find a school that is just right for their child.

11/21/2025

Thinking about transitioning from public to private school?

As Calhoun’s Lindsay Sisson shared, don’t let a different learning environment hold you back. If a school accepts your child, it's because they see their potential and are ready to support their growth. Public school background or not - your child can thrive.

11/15/2025

How Much Do Parents Matter in Admissions?

“We actually don’t do parent interviews — for any grade level.”

Brad Walters, Admissions Director at UNIS, explains how their admissions process prioritizes getting to know the child over formal parent interviews. Instead, students participate in engaging activities — like playing a simple game — so the admissions team can observe collaboration and communication in a natural setting.

It’s all about seeing who the student really is.

For the full panel, click here!
https://youtu.be/VUF9_1N96Ks?si=qGF2KmQapKyfH07v

11/10/2025

We’re looking for what lights a kid up — their passion. It might be Taylor Swift, the Mets, or even lunch. Whatever it is, we want to see that spark.”
Andrew Weller from Birch Wathen Lenox School shares what interviewers really look for during Middle & High School Admissions — curiosity, courage in conversation, and the ability to listen and disagree respectfully.

Passion and thoughtful dialogue make a lasting impression.

11/06/2025

Parent interviews aren’t just formalities - they’re opportunities. Ask questions, explore programs, and see if the school aligns with your child’s needs. At Trevor Day, this process ensures families and schools are the right fit for each other!

09/03/2025

How honest should you be in the admissions process?
The short answer: very.
Admissions teams want to know your child as they really are. Honesty helps everyone find the right fit, and authenticity is what makes the process meaningful.

Sign up for our next admissions panel! https://www.eventbrite.com/o/smart-city-kids-15639372606