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.
School Smarts NYC
Latest Episodes
Bonus Episode: SOS! Bad Lottery Number or Screened Group? Now What?!
In this episode, host Carolyn DeFir offers strategic advice for navigating NYC high school admissions, especially when faced with less favorable lottery numbers and/or tier. She discusses alternative pathways, the importance of a balanced appli...
NYC High School Applications Open October 6th: Here's What to Expect
This episode provides a comprehensive guide to navigating the NYC high school application process, starting from the application opening on October 6th. It covers key steps, tips, and strategies for parents and students to approach this complex...
How to Tour a NYC High School: What to Ask, Notice & Remember
In this episode, Carolyn shares expert tips on how to effectively tour high schools, what questions to ask, and how to assess the vibe and fit for your student. Perfect for parents navigating the NYC high school application season.
NYC High School Drama Auditions: What Families Need to Know with Dana Berger
In this episode, Carolyn DeFir hosts acting coach Dana Berger to discuss the ins and outs of auditioning for drama programs in the performing arts high schools of New York City. This talk explores the intricacies of audition preparation, the im...
Beyond the Numbers: What NYC High School Scores Can—and Can’t—Tell You
In this episode, Carolyn discusses the upcoming New York City high school admissions process, focusing on the importance of understanding various data points such as academic scores, survey scores, and impact scores. She emphasizes the need for...