Blog

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!

Elementary Age Independent Schools 4 mins reading

Mon, June 24, 2024

10 Tips for NYC Kindergarten Applications

Applying for kindergarten at NYC independent and private schools seems complicated, especially if you didn't grow up here. Or even if you did! Here are our top tips for navigating the process with a bit more ease and organization.

All Ages Independent Schools 4 mins reading

Mon, July 1, 2024

NYC School Notification Dates 2024-25

Elizabeth Ainslie, Director of Technology & Communications

Be sure to have these important application deadlines and notification dates on your calendar during the school admissions process. Many New York City private and independent schools follow these guidelines for notifying families of school acceptances and waitlists.

Early Childhood Development 10 mins reading
Fri, June 14, 2024

Literacy … From the Beginning

Research tells us that many adults believe that literacy begins at 2 years of age, often when the child is…
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Early Childhood Elementary Age Parenting 11 mins reading
Wed, June 12, 2024

How Kids Learn Flexibility and Self-Regulation

Chelsey Rosen, Child Psychologist One of the most common things parents seek help for is their concern that their child…
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Early Childhood Parenting Uncategorized 8 mins reading
Thu, June 6, 2024

Meaningful Service Learning from the Early Years On

Felicia Gordon Director, The Brownstone School Teaching our children about community service is as important as ever and one of…
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Early Childhood Independent Schools Preschools 3 mins reading
Thu, May 30, 2024

What Age to Start Preschool

The decision to begin preschool depends on what works for your family; you may need the childcare and like the…
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Middle & High School Age Parenting 15 mins reading
Tue, May 14, 2024

How to Use the “I Do, We Do, You Do” Model to Build Emotional Well-Being in Teens

Amanda Morin Former Vice President Learning and Knowledge, Jed Foundation (JED) We know that connection and a sense of belonging…
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Early Childhood Independent Schools Preschools 6 mins reading
Thu, May 9, 2024

8 Types of Preschool in NYC

Learning accumulates and accelerates in busy young minds. Understand the differences, and similarities, of preschool programs available in New York…
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Independent Schools Middle & High School Age 4 mins reading
Thu, May 2, 2024

10 Tips for Applying to Middle or High School in NYC

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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Early Childhood Early Childhood Development 10 mins reading
Wed, April 17, 2024

Zero to 3: Raising a Child in NYC

Should I be looking at schools? This is New York City, after all, and there are so many options to…
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Early Childhood Elementary Age Independent Schools Middle & High School Age 3 mins reading
Wed, April 10, 2024

Financial Aid for Private School: Common Questions Answered

What is Financial Aid? Will applying for financial aid affect my chances of getting into a private school? Our helpful…
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Early Childhood Independent Schools Preschools 9 mins reading
Tue, April 2, 2024

School for Babies?

What do babies and toddlers learn in preschool? Social-emotional skills, reading, writing–even math and science! There are so many different and…
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Independent Schools Middle & High School Age 3 mins reading
Tue, April 2, 2024

Boarding School: Answers to Parents’ Most Common Questions

We've all heard of boarding school, but what does it mean to consider sending your child to boarding school today?
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All Ages Independent Schools 3 mins reading
Mon, April 1, 2024

NYC Private School Admissions: Get Ready Now

Applying to NYC private and independent schools in New York City is no walk in the park, but with these…
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Elementary Age Middle & High School Age Parenting 4 mins reading
Mon, March 25, 2024

Two New State Bills in New York Can Make Kids Safer Online

There are two new bills in the New York state legislature that will protect kids online, and they're gaining momentum.
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All Ages Independent Schools 3 mins reading
Thu, March 7, 2024

Surviving the Waitlist for NYC Independent Schools

What does it mean to be on a waitlist? Do waitlisted students get accepted? We answer these important questions and…
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Independent Schools 87 mins reading
Wed, February 28, 2024

School Open House Calendar Spring 2024

Visit independent schools and learn about their programs. Find 2024 school open houses, info sessions, school tours, and more! Our member…
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Parenting 13 mins reading
Wed, February 14, 2024

Seven Tips for Raising Caring Kids

Raising a caring, respectful, ethical child is and always has been hard work. But it’s something all of us can…
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Early Childhood Elementary Age Independent Schools 2 mins reading
Tue, February 13, 2024

Tips for Parents During NYC Kindergarten Admissions Week

It is Kindergarten admissions time in NYC private schools. Finally, you know your options! What should you do next?
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Elementary Age Parenting 8 mins reading
Mon, February 12, 2024

Scaffold Parenting: Raising Resilient, Self-Reliant, and Secure Kids in an Age of Anxiety

Support, structure, and encouragement are the three pillars of scaffold parenting. At every stage, parents can model and teach positive…
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Independent Schools 21 mins reading
Thu, February 1, 2024

School Open House Calendar Winter 2023-2024

Visit independent schools and learn about their programs. Find 2023 and 2024 school open houses, info sessions, school tours, and…
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Parenting 8 mins reading
Mon, January 15, 2024

Disabilities versus Differences: The Language We Use Matters

When people say learning difference instead of learning disability, it is usually with good intention and/or to avoid any possible…
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