Elementary School Archives

Jun 21

Smiling student wearing a backpack in front of a chalkboard with math equations on it

The Ultimate Guide to the SSAT

By Katherine Friedman Elementary School, High School, Middle School, SSAT, Test Prep

Who takes the SSAT? The Secondary School Admissions Test (SSAT) is required for entry into some independent schools. While most independent day schools in Los Angeles use the ISEE (if they require an admissions test), many boarding schools and schools in other states require the SSAT, and some schools allow students to choose which test…

Mar 11

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Young adult student playing the piano with a tutor watching

How Music Can Help with Academic Development

By Jeff B. Elementary School, High School, Middle School, Music, Study Skills

In 1998 the governor of Georgia, convinced it would boost the academic achievement of children in his state, attempted to fund a program giving every child in the state a Mozart tape, in order to take advantage of the so-called “Mozart effect” where listening to Mozart increases intelligence. Unfortunately, this effect has been fairly thoroughly…

Feb 13

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Classroom full of students raising their hands to answer a question

How Independent Schools are using the ERB in lieu of the ISEE

By Angela B. Elementary School, High School, ISEE, Middle School, SSAT, Study Skills, Test Prep, Uncategorized

As we reflect on the last few years since COVID started, it becomes abundantly clear that the landscape for standardized testing and private school admissions has changed drastically. As always, the admissions process remains secretive and individualized, with a significant number of schools choosing to go test optional, meaning the ISEE or SSAT tests are…

Feb 10

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A male and female student studying together from a textbook

Different Ways to Stay Productive/Stay on Top of your Classes during Spring Break

By Jeff B. ACT, AP Exams, College Admissions, Elementary School, High School, Middle School, PSAT, SAT, Study Skills, Test Prep, Uncategorized

With spring break around the corner, many students may be wondering how best to use their time most productively. While students will of course want to relax and enjoy their well-earned rest, but spring break also provides ample time for students to catch up on missing work, prepare for tests or college admissions, or just…

Jan 16

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Young boy in grey hoodie looking at a computer screen

Remote School vs Remote Learning

By Katherine Friedman Elementary School, High School, Middle School, Study Skills, Test Prep

Now that most of us are back to in-person school and events, I often hear parents say, “I’d like to have in-person tutoring sessions because online school didn’t work for my child.” Having experienced the challenges of Zoom kindergarten for my own daughter, I can relate. But having tutored multiple students online, I can also…