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Private School Admissions Optimization Lessons from the 2024-25 Season
This past season, private school admissions exhibited demographic trends of families moving around the Bay Area, as well as impacts of a softening economy. In the Peninsula and South Bay, private schools noted an increase in applications, whereas some San Francisco independent schools saw a softening. What can we learn from these trends to prepare for the next season of admissions? Rather than risk missing the next shift, we can diversify our list and strengthen our applicati

Vicky Keston
May 295 min read
1,809 views
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Approaching the High School Application Marathon
For students applying to private high schools, the fall semester of 8th grade can be stressful. Between school tours, open houses, and application essays, a teen can feel overwhelmed, nevermind if you add on top of the application process the typical 8th grade academic load and extracurriculars. Students who spread the process out with advanced planning can plan the process, allowing the students to stay calm and focused, rather than overworked and stressed.

Vicky Keston
May 126 min read
620 views
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School for Mild Neurodiversity – ADHD, ASD, Dyslexia, 2E
Finding the right school fit is always a priority, and it’s even more important for students with mild neurodiversity, such as ADHD, Autism, Dyslexia, Dysgraphia, Dyscalculia, or other special needs. For students who are both gifted and have an additional neurodiversity, often called 2E, it can be critical to find the right combination of support and challenge. This blog will focus on the characteristics of a school that provide this ideal environment.

Vicky Keston
May 65 min read
595 views
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Off Season School Applications
We sometimes realize that our children need a new school outside of the standard application timelines. Whether the school changed, your child’s needs changed, your family relocated, or the lack of fit hit you late in the school year, it is still possible to make a change for the next school year.

Vicky Keston
Apr 284 min read
347 views
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Facts and Myths about Public vs Private School
Public or private school, and are the benefits of private school worth the cost? Today’s article will review facts and myths of each.

Vicky Keston
Mar 64 min read
812 views
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How to Increase SFUSD Enrollment
SFUSD has decreased enrollment, causing a negative budget certification. Increasing enrollment by expanding popular programs could help.

Vicky Keston
Feb 216 min read
225 views
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Brightworks: Project Based Learning Pioneer
Brightworks of San Francisco pioneered project based learning in K-12 education, now nestled among trees in the Presidio.

Vicky Keston
Feb 134 min read
225 views
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Lycée San Francisco: New IB Track for Non-French Speakers
The Lycée (preschool thru 12th grade French) opened an international baccalaureate (IB) program for 6th-12th graders who don't speak French.

Vicky Keston
Oct 10, 20246 min read
584 views
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Gifted or High Achiever
Parents frequently wonder, is my kid gifted or a high achiever? How do I tell the difference? How should I choose a school to fit my child

Vicky Keston
Sep 29, 20245 min read
1,193 views
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IQ Testing for Schools: the Prepping ControversyÂ
When applying to gifted schools, parents are asked to submit an IQ test for their child. These tests aim to show the ability to learn.

Vicky Keston
Jul 12, 20244 min read
663 views
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Private School Educational Consultants: What is this, Why Hire One?
A consultant can help you craft your school list, review all admissions materials, including student and parent essays.

Vicky Keston
Jun 20, 20245 min read
147 views
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Valuing Private School Extras: Music, Arts, Academic Support, and More
Schools may offer visual and performing arts, foreign languages, or making. Other resources include school counselors, learning specialists,

Vicky Keston
Jun 12, 20243 min read
394 views
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Private School on a Budget, Without Financial Aid
There is always an income that feels too low to comfortably pay tuition for private schools, yet too high for financial aid

Vicky Keston
May 11, 20243 min read
721 views
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How Many Private Schools Should We Apply To?
How many schools should we apply to? Is there a best number to ensure acceptance, while balancing the work load for applying

Vicky Keston
May 4, 20243 min read
458 views
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Student Essays for Middle and High School Essays
How is applying to middle school or high school different than kindergarten? The student plays a more active role. Among the biggest time...

Vicky Keston
Apr 13, 20243 min read
444 views
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Gifted Friendly Schools: Options for a Fast Learner
Parents of gifted kids often struggle to find the best school placement. Since most Bay Area public school districts don’t offer gifted...

Vicky Keston
Apr 9, 20245 min read
1,842 views
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High School: Prepare Your Teen for College
Parents have frequently asked me, what should my high schooler do to prepare for college? What courses should they take? What...

Vicky Keston
Apr 6, 20244 min read
271 views
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School and the Single Parent
Everything can feel more complicated when you are a single parent. Schools are no exception. How do you find a school where your kids...

Vicky Keston
Apr 2, 20244 min read
292 views
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Counseled Out: My Child Must Leave Their School
What to do when your private school asks you to transfer your child out . . . . perhaps, there have been long standing behavioral issues;...

Vicky Keston
Mar 27, 20244 min read
642 views
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Off Season School Search
March arrived, and while other parents received admissions decisions, you realized that your child needs a new school. Maybe you accepted...

Vicky Keston
Mar 23, 20244 min read
573 views
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