School Smarts NYC
Carolyn DeFir
Publishing Details
About This Podcast
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.
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Recent Episodes
S1E51 Executive Function Is NOT Just Being Organized
This episode explores executive functioning challenges in middle and high school students, especially those with ADHD. It covers what executive function is, common struggles, and practical strategies…
S1E50 Two Months of School Left: Grades, Burnout, and Keeping Your Kid (and Yourself) Intact
This episode explores the challenges and strategies for supporting students through the final months of the school year, emphasizing balance, mental health, and practical advocacy tips for parents.…
S1E49 Waitlist Limbo: Why Nothing Is Moving (Yet) & What To Do About It
This episode addresses the complexities of NYC high school waitlist processes, explaining why waitlist movement is slower than expected and offering strategies for families navigating this uncertain…
S1E48 You Can Do This Yourself: How to Choose Between High School Offers (and Trust Your Gut)
In this episode, Carolyn shares practical advice for NYC high school applicants and parents navigating multiple offers, waitlists, and decision-making. Learn how to revisit your 'why', research…
S1E47 What You’ll Actually See on MySchools When The Offers Are Released (and What It Really Means)
This episode guides NYC families through the high school offer process, including how to interpret offer letters, waitlist strategies, and important deadlines. Hosted by Carolyn DeFir, it offers…
S1E46 Advice for Curious 7th (& 6th) Grade Families
In this episode of the School Smarts NYC podcast, host Carolyn DeFir discusses the complexities of navigating the New York City high school application process. She emphasizes the importance of…
S1E45 So Close… Yet, So Far Away: What to Know One Month Before Offers
In this episode of the School Smarts NYC podcast, host Carolyn discusses the high school admissions process in New York City, focusing on the stress and challenges faced by families. She provides…
S1E44 Sensory Diets 101: Not Just for Neurodivergent Kids
In this episode, Carolyn DeFir explores the concept of sensory diets, emphasizing their importance for individuals of all ages, particularly teens. She explains how sensory diets are personalized…
S1E43 The Deposit Dilemma: Catholic & Private School Offers Without the Panic
In this episode of the School Smarts NYC podcast, host Carolyn DeFir discusses the complexities of high school admissions in New York City, focusing on the emotional rollercoaster of callbacks from…
S1E42 Do Regents Still Matter? A No-Panic Explanation
In this episode of the School Smarts NYC podcast, host Carolyn DeFir dives deep into the complexities of the New York State Regents exams. She discusses the purpose of these exams, which serve as a…
S1E41 Academic Supports in High School: Where to Find Help, Why It Exists, and How to Use It
In this episode of School Smarts NYC, host Carolyn DeFir discusses the various academic supports available to high school students in New York City. She emphasizes the importance of understanding…
S1E40 Afterschool Activities, Clubs & Sports: Why They Matter
In this episode of the School Smarts NYC podcast, Carolyn DeFir, discusses the significance of extracurricular activities for high school students. She emphasizes the importance of finding a balance…
S1E39 (Bonus Episode) Intention Setting vs. Resolutions: A Gentler Way to Review Your Year (For Busy Parents of Teens)
In this episode of School Smarts NYC, Carolyn reflects on the past year and discusses the importance of setting intentions rather than resolutions as the new year approaches. She emphasizes the value…
S1E38 IEPs & 504s in High School: Planning the Transition from Middle School
In this episode of School Smarts NYC, host Carolyn DeFir discusses the transition from middle school to high school, focusing on the importance of understanding IEPs and 504 plans. She shares…
S1E37 So You Got a Callback… (or You Didn’t): What It Means, What It Doesn’t, and What To Do Next
n this episode of the School Smarts NYC podcast, host Carolyn DeFir focuses on the significance of callbacks. She emphasizes the importance of understanding what callbacks mean, how to navigate the…
S1E36 Congratulations, You Hit Submit…Now What?
In this episode of the School Smarts NYC podcast, host Carolyn DeFir congratulates parents and students on completing the high school admissions process. She emphasizes the importance of taking a…
S1E35 Before You Hit Submit: Your Final NYC High School Application Q&A
In this episode of School Smarts NYC, host Carolyn DeFir shares personal experiences, answers frequently asked questions, and provides practical advice for parents and students navigating the final…
S1E34 Two Weeks to Go: Your Last-Minute, No-Panic Game Plan
In this episode of the School Smarts NYC podcast, host Carolyn DeFir guides listeners through the final countdown to the NYC high school admissions deadline. She shares practical advice for parents…
S1E33 (Bonus Episode) Tour Report #12: Eleanor Roosevelt High School
In this episode of the School Smarts NYC podcast, Carolyn provides an in-depth tour report of Eleanor Roosevelt High School, highlighting its academic rigor, supportive community, and vibrant arts…
S1E32 (Bonus Episode) Tour Report #11: New Explorations in Science, Technology & Math (nest+m)
In this episode of the School Smarts NYC podcast, host Carolyn DeFir explores NEST+m, a high school within a K-12 school located on the Lower East Side of New York City. She discusses the school's…
Frequently Asked Questions
School Smarts NYC has published 51 episodes since July 2025, covering topics in Education, How To.
School Smarts NYC is currently highly active with new episodes every 2 weeks. Average episode length is 34m.
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