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Welcome to the PLNY Blog. We are pleased to share knowledge and tips from parenting experts and esteemed educators. We hope you’ll check back often to make parenting in NYC a little easier!

The Art of Learning and Becoming

Early Childhood Elementary Age Parenting 9 mins reading

Mon, September 14, 2026

The Art of Learning and Becoming

Janet C. Rotter, Head of School, The Studio School

What if education is not only about what children learn, but how they learn and who they become in the process?

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How to Prepare for School Admissions This Fall

All Ages Independent Schools 6 mins reading

Tue, August 11, 2026

How to Prepare for School Admissions This Fall

Mary Ann Clerkin, Parents League School Advisor

As the school admissions season gets underway, it's natural to feel a mix of excitement and uncertainty. Taking a few key steps now can help you stay organized and reduce stress in the months ahead.

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All Ages Independent Schools 9 mins reading
Mon, September 14, 2026

How to Prepare for a School Fair: A Guide for Parents and Students
Parents League School Advisory Service,
Attending an independent, private, or boarding school fair can feel overwhelming, but it does not have to be. Learn how…
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Early Childhood Independent Schools 7 mins reading
Tue, August 11, 2026

Is Preschool the New Neighborhood?
Ann Levine, Parents League School Advisor
For many families, preschool becomes more than a place where a young child learns. It can become a community where…
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Middle & High School Age Parenting 9 mins reading
Mon, July 13, 2026

Pining for More This Summer
Kathleen Nicholson, Head of Wolfeboro Camp School, NH
Summer doesn’t need to be a break from growth; it can simply be a different kind of learning.
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All Ages Independent Schools 8 mins reading
Mon, July 13, 2026

How to Find the Best-Fit Private School for Your Child
Ann Levine, Parents League School Advisor
Whatever you see as signs of your children’s strengths, interests, and skills, pay close attention.
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Early Childhood Elementary Age Parenting 10 mins reading
Mon, July 13, 2026

Best Summer Reading Books for Kids
Ann Levine, Parents League School Advisor
Dip a big toe into the endless selection of shimmery, summery books, many of them hinting at care, use, and…
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All Ages Parenting 7 mins reading
Wed, June 10, 2026

How Do You Know if Your Child Is Ready for Overnight Camp?

Here are some things to consider when deciding if overnight camp is right for your child at this time.
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Independent Schools 3 mins reading
Mon, June 8, 2026

5 Tips for moving from public to private school

How should you start the application process for an independent middle school or high school in New York City? Our…
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All Ages Independent Schools 9 mins reading
Fri, June 5, 2026

School Notifications and Decisions 2026-27

When do private and public schools notify parents about decisions? When do parents need to make their decisions about public…
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Middle & High School Age Parenting 11 mins reading
Thu, June 4, 2026

Teen Self-Diagnosis and How to Respond When Your Child Thinks They Have a Mental Health Disorder Based on Social Media

In today’s digital world, it is not uncommon for teens to diagnose themselves with a mental health disorder, sometimes with…
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All Ages Independent Schools Parenting 11 mins reading
Wed, May 13, 2026

Young People, Act Your Age—and Enjoy It!
Paul Burke, Head of School, The Nightingale-Bamford School, NY
A true education goes beyond barriers of admissions, occupation, and positionality. It goes to the minds and hearts of the…
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All Ages Independent Schools 4 mins reading
Tue, May 12, 2026

Notification and Reply Dates 2026-27

Be sure to have these important deadlines and notification dates on your calendar during the school admissions process.
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Early Childhood Elementary Age Parenting 8 mins reading
Mon, May 11, 2026

Activities for learning about springtime

Here are ways to encourage children to notice the growth and change taking place all around them.
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Independent Schools Middle & High School Age 4 mins reading
Mon, May 11, 2026

10 Tips for Applying to Middle or High School in NYC
Evie Gurney, Parents League School Advisor
Applying for middle or high school at NYC independent and private schools seems complicated, especially if you didn't grow up…
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All Ages Parenting 9 mins reading
Tue, April 14, 2026

7 Ways to Celebrate National Poetry Month with Kids at Home
Ann Levine, PLNY School Advisor
Here are seven easy ways to celebrate National Poetry Month at home with children, from poetry walks to poet-teas.
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Independent Schools 3 mins reading
Mon, April 13, 2026

The Kindergarten Child Interview: Common Questions

Families often ask us how they can prepare for the interview process for kindergarten. You can take simple steps with…
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Early Childhood Parenting Preschools 7 mins reading
Mon, April 13, 2026

A Flexible Timeline for NYC Preschool Admissions
Ann Levine, PLNY School Advisor
When Should You Start Thinking About Preschool? There’s no single “right” moment, but there are helpful guideposts based on your…
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Independent Schools 4 mins reading
Wed, March 18, 2026

What Age Does Independent Kindergarten Start in NYC?

Applying to kindergarten is an important step, but it can be extra challenging if your child was born in the…
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Independent Schools Parenting 8 mins reading
Wed, March 18, 2026

The Invisible Struggle of Gifted Girls with ADHD

She sits quietly in the back of the classroom, her notebook filled with perfect doodles instead of notes.
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Elementary Age Middle & High School Age 7 mins reading
Wed, February 18, 2026

Books for Black History Month

Black History Month occurs in this country every February, but it is more than a one-month occasion.
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All Ages Child Development Parenting 7 mins reading
Tue, February 10, 2026

Raising Curious, Resilient Learners: 10 Practical Tips for Parents

I’ve learned that raising curious, resilient learners isn’t about perfection. It’s about connection, curiosity, and confidence in who our children…
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