Our Obsession With College Is Hurting Our Kids
High schools and middle schools at large are not only creating undue and unnecessary stress, overpacking student schedules, and contributing to a mental health crisis for kids around the country, but the payoff that was promised – the one that makes all of this “worth it” – is no longer happening.
How to Resolve Social Conflicts in Kindergarten
Navigating social conflicts is a vital part of growth for our four- and five-year-olds. At this stage, learning to resolve disagreements in a healthy way helps children develop empathy, self-regulation, and effective communication—essential skills for building strong, positive relationships.
How to Talk To Your Child About School
As a parent, you may find yourself in this boat: How was school today? Fine. What did you do? Played on the playground. What are you learning about? I don’t know.
Senior Spotlight: Alexandra
Learn more about Alexandra, a 2024 graduate who decided to study architecture at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.
Senior Spotlight: Leslie
Learn more about Leslie, a 2024 graduate who decided to study sports management at the University of Michigan.
Senior Spotlight: Abigail
Learn more about Abigail, a 2024 graduate who decided to study journalism and political studies at Northwestern with a minor in legal studies.
How to Be a Present and Prepared Parent
As the seasons change, you’ll naturally find yourself thinking about what’s ahead. As parents, we feel the pressures around summer plans, camps, and schedules for our children immediately after the winter holidays. While it can be exciting to embrace the growth that has been had and look forward to the future, it’s important to focus…
The Problem With “Prep Schools”
Many schools consider themselves places where students “get ready for the ‘real world.’” It is so embedded in what they do that they literally refer to themselves as “Prep Schools.” This thinking dominates so much of adolescence, not only in schooling but in day-to-day life. Consider the question, “What do you want to be when…
Effective Feedback is Essential to Build Student Confidence
Effective feedback for middle and high school students should be specific, constructive, and actionable. It should focus on both strengths and areas for improvement, helping students understand what they are doing well and how to enhance their skills further. Feedback should be timely and given promptly after the task or assignment so students can reflect…
