Lean into School Transitions With Confidence!

Watching your child transition between school divisions can be both exciting and nerve-wracking. As parents, you hold a powerful role in helping to make these transitions smooth and empowering experiences. So, whether your child is stepping into a classroom for the very first time or preparing to conquer high school, here's our comprehensive guide to supporting their journey.

Early Childhood: Laying the Foundation

Congratulations on this exciting milestone! Your little one is ready to take on the world of education, and you're here to guide them every step of the way. Here's how to get them off to a confident start:

Encourage Self-Reliance: Teach your child practical skills like dressing themselves, zipping up their backpack, or using the bathroom independently. These everyday tasks will boost their self-confidence and lay the groundwork for a smooth transition to classroom routines.

Master Routines: Adopt consistent sleep and mealtime schedules at home. This will give your child a sense of security essential for adapting to new environments.

Shared Reading Adventures: As the first day of school approaches, dive into engaging books to illuminate the classroom experience. Titles such as On the First Day of Kindergarten, and Kindergarten, Here I Come! will create excitement and prepare your child for what lies ahead: 

Kindergarten to Elementary School: Igniting Curiosity and Growth

Now it's time to transition from Kindergarten to Elementary School, where your child's thirst for knowledge truly blossoms:

Unveil the Magic of Storytelling: Introduce captivating stories that delve into the realm of elementary school and make the transition fun and engaging. Titles we love include Benny the Brave in the First Day Jitters, Ricky, The Rock That Couldn't Roll, and When I Meet My New Teacher 

Learn Through Play: Set up a mini classroom at home, allowing your child to embrace both the teacher and student roles. This playful activity fosters familiarity with the learning environment and foundational concepts.

Structured Mornings: Create a routine mirroring their elementary school experience. Prepping outfits, setting the table, and gathering essentials the night before ease your child into the structured rhythm of the school year.

Nurture Connections: Organize playdates and outdoor adventures for your child and their new peers. These interactions lay the groundwork for friendships, collaboration, and a sense of belonging.

Initiate Open Dialogue: Create a safe space for your child to express worries. Regularly engage in open conversations, encouraging them to share their thoughts and feelings as they naturally arise.

Embrace Shared Experiences: By recounting your own positive memories from school, you establish a relatable connection. These anecdotes reassure your child that challenges are surmountable and contribute to a sense of belonging.

Elementary to Middle School: Preparing for Preadolescence

Middle school marks a significant shift, and your support is more important than ever:

Champion Responsibility: By assigning chores and encouraging ownership of tasks, you help your child develop self-discipline and solid time management skills – the cornerstones of middle school success.

Stay Engaged: Middle school doesn't mean you should step back completely, so show your child that you value their education. To do this, maintain regular communication with teachers, participate in classroom activities, cheer from the sidelines, and attend parent-teacher conferences. 

Emotional Anchors: As social dynamics evolve, be your child's emotional rock. Your support provides a sturdy foundation as they navigate the challenges of new social dynamics and peer pressure. Teachers also appreciate parents who provide a robust support system at home.

Middle to High School: Entering a Grown-up World

High school is a pivotal period that sets the stage for future endeavors. Here's how you can help with this transformative transition and build resilience at home:

Encourage Independence & Advocacy: High school requires students to take more responsibility for their education. Equip your child with self-advocacy skills, encouraging them to seek help and make informed decisions about classes and activities.

Mastering Time Management: High school brings an increased workload. Help your child develop effective time management strategies to balance academics, extracurricular activities, and personal time. Encourage them to use calendars and planners to stay organized.

Unearth Passions: Encourage your child to explore different subjects and extracurriculars. High school is the perfect time to discover their passions and pave the way for future endeavors.

In Conclusion

As your child progresses through various school stages, your support remains essential. From fostering self-reliance to encouraging independence, the parental role evolves. Remember to collaborate with teachers, maintain an open flow of communication with your child, and actively engage in their education. Together, you can navigate these transitions smoothly for an optimal educational journey.

At Keating Quigley, we understand the importance of these transitions and are here to support you. Our experienced team can partner with you at any stage of your child's development, helping you make informed decisions and find the best-fit schools to ensure your child's growth and success. Cheers to a future filled with growth and endless possibilities!

Written By Verona Keating & Jacquie Quigley | Founding Partners | Keating Quigley Educational Consultants

From Flip Flops to Pencils: How to Navigate Back-to-School Blues!

As the sun sets on the lazy, hazy days of summer, it's time to embrace the dawn of the new academic year. To help your child approach the year ahead with a confident and optimistic mindset, we’ve compiled a comprehensive list of back-to-school steps you can implement at home.

So, while summer memories still linger, let's explore ways to navigate the joys and challenges of returning to school. Here’s to smooth transitions - and a school year packed with transformative opportunities. Enjoy the closing days of summer!

Tips for a Stress-Free Re-entry

1. Harness Positivity: Your child takes cues from you, so engage your child in positive conversations about the new school year. If you exhibit excitement and positivity, they are likelier to do the same.

2. Encourage Expression: Encourage your child to share their feelings and experiences about school openly. Discuss their interests, expectations, and any concerns they might have. 

3. Visit Campus: For younger children or students transitioning to a new school, visiting the campus a few days before the academic year starts can alleviate anxiety.

4. Organize and Label Supplies Together: Make a fun activity out of organizing and labeling school supplies and uniforms/clothing. Let your child express creativity by personalizing their items with stickers or markers.

5. Read Books: Reading books that explore the adventures of starting school can help children relate to the experience. Here are a few favorites to check out:

   • Homeroom Diaries by James Patterson (Age 12+)

   • New Kid by Jerry Craft (Age 9-12)

   • First Day Jitters by Julie Danneberg (Age 5-8)

   • Time For School, Little Blue Truck by Alice Schertle (Age 2-4)

6. Connect with Classmates: Reach out to the parents of your child's classmates and arrange a playdate before school starts. Familiar faces on the first day can make all the difference.

7. Adjust the Routine Gradually: Start changing bedtimes and morning routines a week before school starts. Gradually shifting back to the school schedule will make the first week of class far less overwhelming.

Looking ahead…

1. Set Realistic Goals: Help your child set achievable goals for the new school year. Whether improving grades, joining a club, or making new friends, having clear objectives can boost motivation. This is particularly important for High Schoolers.

2. Accentuate the Positive: Encourage your child to focus on the positive aspects of school, like reuniting with friends or participating in exciting extracurricular activities. For High Schooler students, discuss the importance of maintaining a positive attitude and staying persistent in their efforts. 

3. Stay Organized: Use planners or apps to keep track of assignments, projects, and important dates. An organized approach reduces stress and helps children manage their time effectively.

4. Celebrate Achievements: Acknowledge and celebrate your child's accomplishments, no matter how small. Positive reinforcement boosts confidence and encourages further success.

5. Encourage Risk Taking: Stress the importance of embracing challenges and new experiences as opportunities to learn and grow. Mistakes are a natural part of the learning process.

6. Balance Academics and Extracurriculars: Strike a balance between work and play. Remind your Middle and High Schoolers, that while it's important to do their best academically, it’s also essential to make time for extracurricular activities they're passionate about.

7. Practice Self-Care: High school can be stressful, so it’s important that your student takes care of themself physically and emotionally. Make sure they are getting enough sleep, eating healthily, and finding time for activities that bring them joy and relaxation.

Embrace Growth, Learning, and Friendship

So, as the new academic year approaches, let's usher in all the potential it offers with open arms and hearts; it’s teeming with opportunities for endless growth, enriched academic experiences, and lasting friendships. 

And remember, if you're planning to embark on a day or boarding school search this fall, KQ is here to guide you. We provide all the expert support and assistance you need for a smooth and successful admissions process. Email or call for help, and together, we'll pave the way for a bright future for your child. Happy learning!

Written By Verona Keating & Jacquie Quigley | Founding Partners | Keating Quigley Educational Consultants

Conquer Those End of Year To Do Lists!

There's no disputing it: time flies! And now that May is closing in, the last day of school will be here in the blink of an eye. With all the art shows, dance recitals, graduations, award ceremonies, field trips, team banquets, and recognition dinners, the final weeks of the school year can be a whirlwind. To help you stay an top of the craziness of it all, we’ve put together our top tips. Check it out…There’s something for everyone whether big or small!

What you can do At school…

1. Avoid ‘springitis’: Make sure your child puts in maximum effort right up to the last minute to ensure a strong end to the academic year. Consistency and accountability are crucial, so make sure they maintain their routine and stay on top of year-end projects, assignments, and finals.

2. Consider teacher options: If you think your child would react more favorably to a specific teacher’s personality and teaching style next year, now is the time to submit a request to the Division Head or Head of School. These discussions take place in early summer, so get to it!

3. Discuss class placement: Similarly, if you believe your child's classroom experience is being negatively impacted by a classmate or your child is too socially reliant on a friend, talk to their teacher and ask them to be placed in separate homerooms next year. Every child deserves the chance to grow into their own space at their own pace.

4. Crunch standardized test scores: And lastly, if you need guidance to decipher your child's recent standardized test scores and how they impact class placement, eligibility to advanced classes, or basic skills programs, contact your child's counselor, advisor, or teacher. They will help you make sense of the complicated percentile, stanine, and composite score data on the report.

What you can do At home…

1. Help your high schooler find a summer job:  Encourage your teen (assuming they’re old enough) to research summer employment or volunteering opportunities. Work experience is an excellent way to stay active over the long summer months and also teaches high schoolers the power of earning pocket money and helping others. And on another note: although the college application process might be a few years into your child's future, be aware that colleges prefer to see seasonal jobs listed in the Student Activity Log section of the Common App!

2. Sign your rising senior up for essay support: Summer is the ideal time for your child to work on the Common App essay before the demanding workload of senior year begins. Check out our recent blog, It's College Essay Season: Let's Get It Done!, for more info.

3. Show gratitude: There are most likely some staff members who made a positive impact on your child this year. Whoever they may be (a homeroom teacher, someone in the Main Office, the Head of School, or a member of the custodial staff), take time to thank them for their hard work and dedication personally. It may be a small gesture, but trust us, it goes a long way. 

4. Return & pick up ‘stuff’: Remember to trawl through closets and bedrooms at home and drop off IT equipment, library books, school supplies, or general classroom items on loan during the school year. Similarly, don't forget to pick up your child's yearbook, awards, art projects, etc., from the classroom before the last day of school.

5. Donate gently worn items: As the year winds down, this is the perfect opportunity to give your child's closet a once-over to determine what gently used uniforms and clothes to keep, donate, or toss. We promise you'll feel satisfied - not to mention lighter!

KQ: The Voice of Gentle Guidance & Reason

If you are looking for an educational consultant to advise you on any aspect of your child’s educational journey, email or call us. We’re always here to help...

Happy (almost) summer!

Written By Keating Quigley | Educational Consultants

Rolling Admissions: There’s still time

Each year, right about now we receive calls from concerned parents. The most common refrain is, 'My child started the school year on a positive note, BUT….' 

Lurking behind the BUT lies explanations of how their child is not feeling challenged at school, they have lost their love of learning, their grades have dropped precipitously, they feel invisible, they have fallen between the cracks, or they are experiencing social-emotional challenges.

Other times, we hear from parents who recently learned they are relocating and as a result, are scrambling to figure out their child's educational options for the coming school year.

No matter the circumstances, parents ask if a move to a private day or boarding school is even feasible at this late stage in the academic calendar. Our answer to this question is invariably a resounding maybe. To move this maybe to the yes column, we encourage parents to ask themselves these probing questions:

• What factors are in play?

• What is their child's learning style?

• Is this the right move for their child right now? And in the longer term? 

• Are the schools on their list in sync with their personal philosophy of education?

• Should they wait until next year in order to have more options?

So, if you are considering submitting a late application to an independent day or boarding school, read on for an overview of the rolling admissions landscape to get you on your way. 

First off, what are rolling admissions?

Rolling admissions is a process certain independent day and boarding schools use to enroll students after the initial round of acceptances is complete, allowing them to fill any remaining spots quickly and efficiently.

Schools typically review rolling admissions applications on a first-come, first-served basis and expedite applications accordingly. This practice can be beneficial to families who fall into the categories above. 

Each school may approach rolling admissions differently, so we impress on parents the importance of researching the specific policies of each school under consideration. Furthermore, we point out that while the rolling admissions timeline can be shorter, candidates are still required to complete the same components as first-round applicants (i.e., inquiry, application, interview, student visit day, testing, student essays) before a file can be reviewed. To this end, the Admissions Committee still needs to convene to assess each candidate before making a decision. 

The pros & cons

Like any admissions process, there are benefits and pitfalls involved in rolling admissions. Below are some of the most common:

Pros:

• Flexibility: Rolling admissions allows families to apply to schools even after the first-round deadline has lapsed.

• Shorter decision lead times: Rolling admissions can result in quicker admissions decisions.

• Reduced stress: Families often enjoy a more personal, streamlined admissions experience.

Cons:

• Available spots: Some schools may have already met enrollment goals for the coming year, making it less predictable that spots will be available in their child's grade.

• Competition: Students compete for limited spots, which can be challenging if the school is particularly selective.

• Limited possibilities: Not all schools offer rolling admissions, which can ultimately limit enrollment options and impact the educational 'fit.' 

What about financial aid?

Private schools with rolling admissions may offer financial aid to eligible families. Here are some factors to bear in mind:

• Available FA funds: Financial aid budgets may already have been allocated during the first round of acceptances. We, therefore, encourage parents to be transparent about their need for support from the get-go. 

• Apply early: We recommend applying for financial aid as early as possible to give the school more time to review the application and determine aid eligibility.

• Understand the process: Each school may have a specific process for awarding financial aid, so we urge parents to read the school's instructions carefully and follow them closely to ensure the application is complete.

• Be realistic: Not all families will qualify for financial aid, and the amount of aid awarded may vary depending on income, assets, and family size. 

So how do i move forward?

While it is definitely not too late to consider an independent day or boarding school application for this fall, we encourage parents to consider the following before committing to the rolling admissions process:

• Be able to articulate the reasons behind the decision to apply. 

• Understand the child's needs.

• Does the school offer the right fit for the child and family?

• Check with each school to understand specific policies and availability. 

• Is it best to apply now for the fall or wait until next year?

• Does the school still have financial aid dollars available?

If you answer all of these questions and still want to move forward with the process, please email or call Keating Quigley. With years of expertise behind us, we are always happy to listen, advise and guide you!

Written By Keating Quigley | Educational Consultants

It's Decision Time. Are You Ready?

Over the past several months, we have worked with students of all ages from the United States, as well as far flung places such as Mumbai, who now have applications pending at over 40 different independent day and boarding schools. It is impressive that families broadened their school search and have considered so many diverse school options.

As we head into mid-February, many of our students are anxiously waiting to hear from the schools on their list over the coming weeks. Starting this week, Fairchester and some New York day schools will release admissions notifications, while boarding school decisions will be sent on March 10th. 

As we sail into the final phase of the school selection process, here are some thoughts to consider in anticipation of your child’s notification. Now is a good time to:

• Talk about their preferences

• Discuss what the transition to their new school community will look like

• Prepare them for a possible waitlist or deny situation

• Advise them to be discreet when discussing decisions with friends.

When it comes to your child’s admissions decision, let’s take a look at the three possible outcomes: accept, wait list, or deny.

Acceptance

• Acceptance at your first choice school - The student is accepted at their school of choice, they accept the place, and send regrets (ASAP) to the other schools that accepted them. This is particularly important if your child sent a 1st choice declaration letter to the school.

• Multiple Acceptances - The student is accepted at several schools and is unsure of where to go. COVID permitting, many schools offer a chance to revisit and attend classes for a day. Students should only revisit those schools that they are seriously thinking of attending. And remember to stay focused on ‘best fit’ in all discussions with your child!

Wait List

• If your child is offered a spot on a school's wait list, it means that they are qualified to be accepted by the school, but there were more qualified applicants than spaces available. You may opt to wait for a space to open up, or you can decline the wait list status if you have other preferred options. Let the school know either way as soon as possible. If you choose to wait, be aware that you will have to wait a month or more to see if spaces open up. 

Deny

• There are a limited number of spaces at all schools and admissions denials almost always inevitable. Remind your child of the multiple variables involved in when a school makes an admissions decision. And be sure to emphasize the competitive nature of the school admissions process.   

And Finally…

It has been a pleasure getting to know the KQ Class of 2022. Good luck to all of our students - and to anyone applying to independent schools! As always, we are here to guide you through the decision-making process should you need help. 

Written By Keating Quigley | Educational Consultants

Choosing the right early childhood program: why is it so important?

By Malina Marshall, experienced early childhood educator at Whitby School, Greenwich, CT. Malina has dedicated her professional career to keeping up with best practices in Montessori and early childhood education.

To all you young parents out there who proudly sent children off to school for the first time in September, I wonder how many of you envision the long road ahead?

Do you just think about the milestones of moving on to the next stage and ultimately graduation? Or do you also consider the many steps in the lead-up to that glorious event?

Similarly, I ask: do you place emphasis on your child’s early, formative years, or do you just assume that someday your children will be successful graduates?

To answer the latter question, I believe that many parents are unaware of the importance of finding the right early childhood program or understanding the impact that a good preschool program can have on their child’s future success.

Let’s put it this way… As difficult as it may be to imagine what life will be like in 15 or 20 years, consider how your decisions today will impact your toddler’s success and happiness in the future. Many parents are proud alumni of colleges. In social circles, we hear adults credit those four years with their professional success. Rarely though do they credit the nursery school that they attended. But in light of research conducted by neuroscientists in the field of early childhood development, it is clear that we should no longer take these early years for granted.

Neuroscience Findings

According to the Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University, the brain is most active in its early years. In fact, during the first three years of life, it establishes 700 new connections every second.

Reinforcing these findings, scientists have discovered that the impact of the first three years of life have have a profound effect on developing minds and bodies. In fact, the brain is the only organ that is not complete at the time of birth – 25% of its final volume. But by age three, it is already at 85%. As a result, it is widely accepted that your child will not learn as much later in life as they are learning now, so time is of the essence for this age group to ensure proper brain formation.

These findings speak loudly. Most parents know and understand the value and benefit of quality sleep and proper nutrition for their children. What many do not know is how every experience contributes to their child’s brain development. Every moment in the day shapes who they become later in life.

Windows of opportunity

There are windows of opportunity in child development. World renowned Italian physician and educator, Maria Montessori, called them “sensitive periods,” or the time in a child’s life when the most optimal neurological wiring occurs.

As an adult, you may have experienced difficulty learning a new language. This is because brain plasticity and the ability to change behavior decrease over time. By the time we reach adulthood, our brains have already made billions of neurological connections, which can make it more challenging to rewire itself in the acquisition of a whole new language. This is not the case for a curious three-year-old, however, whose brain is absorbing new information and learning at the speed of light.

So, bearing in mind that children’s curiosity dissipates as they grow, I strongly encourage parents to pay close attention to the early childhood experience they expose their child to. In order to maximize this window of optimal brain development, it is of paramount importance to get it right early.

Sadly, a common school of thought in today’s society is that children need to be quiet, sit patiently, and listen carefully. In stark contrast to this viewpoint, American anthropologist, Margaret Mead, upheld the opinion that children must be “taught how to think, not what to think”.

So, how do parents place their children in the best environment to learn, grow, and prepare for life? The answer is in a quality preschool program where young children are given opportunities to:

• learn through meaningful activities

• move and learn

• explore using their natural curiosity

• practice social skills and emotional control

Otherwise said, in order to ensure that a child’s passion for learning continues through life, it is essential to find an environment where they can learn how to think.

But what Does a Quality Preschool Look Like?

When researching preschool programs for your child, here are some things to look out for…

Ideally, the number of chairs in the classroom will be minimal, giving young bodies the space and empowerment to dress up, play, run, pretend, jump, and bounce. We live in a society that often values education where children do not move, rote memorization is encouraged, and critical thinking skills are stifled. Instead, children should be allowed to be and do as their bodies inherently want them to: move, explore, investigate, and try new things.

Parents therefore need to consider the method of learning that is encouraged and how they can be included in that learning. As your child enrolls in an educational program, be mindful that you are also beginning your own educational journey.

Your engagement in the school community will directly impact the quality of the education that your child receives. We know that there is a high correlation between parental involvement and student motivation, so you will want to choose a place that supports your journey too.

Finding a home away from home

Children must feel like their preschool is a home away from home. If they feel comfortable in their educational environment, they will take advantage of experiences and as a result, learn better. The right preschool program will also share many of the values you teach at home, and will encourage and reinforce the same messaging to your child.

In summary, optimal learning occurs in an environment that brings out the best in children. A good fit for a child’s early childhood education is the preschool program that offers a quality learning journey and also provides opportunities for parent engagement. The right program also fosters curiosity and engages children to create a passion for learning that stays with them throughout life.

Written by Malina Marshall | Early Childhood Educator, Whitby School, Greenwich, CT