Students can take the test multiple times, but what do admissions directors advise?

By Valerie Lev
For the first time since the Independent School Entrance Exam (ISEE) was administered, in 1989, the ISEE Board is now allowing students to take the test more than once. For students planning to take the test this fall, the following two times will be offered:

One time in either August, September, October, or November and one time in either December, January, February, or March. The February and March options are mute points because most schools require that an applicant’s file be completed by mid to late January. More information, including specific test dates and locations will be posted on the official ISEE website:http://www.iseetest.org in early August. (more…)

In an ideal world this would be pragmatic, however we’re dealing with reality, emotions and emotions are energy in motion. If we can remember this one notion, “emotions are energy in motion,” then you’re setting yourself up for success. Divorce/Separations are messy and hurtful, throw in the mix kids, and you’ve got fireworks. This is when some parents start to use their own children as leverage instead of doing what’s in the best interest of their child.

One of the things you’ve got to remember is when you’re dealing with your ex spouse who’s angry, has pent up hostility and bitter, this is actually a good thing! Yes, you read that correctly, this emotion has a root, that root is love. Hear me out, when a person is angry to a point of hatred the nucleus is love. They feel betrayed, the promise, vow, it’s broken and now they’re hurting, they channel their emotion through anger. (more…)

By Sophia Parsa
1. Plan educational field trips
You live in Los Angeles – a hotspot of amazing and often free museums, parks, and monuments that have so much educational value. What are you doing to take advantage of it? For example, did you know that in addition to their exhibitions, LACMA provides art classes for children and teens throughout the summer including watercolor, printmaking, and street photography? If your child isn’t a huge art critic but the star of the science fair, be sure to check out the La Brea Tar Pits or the Natural History Museum where they learn fascinating things about science and nature. Although these are great resources, it’s up to you to decide where the educational value will come from. There’s a difference between a fun trip to the museum and an opportunity to engage your child and challenge them to think critically about the world around them in a fun way! (more…)

By Yasmin Mossanen, Psy.D.
Let’s face it; we all are guilty of using psychological language to label our children’s’ behaviors. It is not meant to be harmful or malicious, however, the sudden increase in mental health diagnosis in children is forcing us to take a hard look at what options we take as parents. Research has shown that ADHD is diagnosed in 1/10 children, Autism Spectrum Disorder is diagnosed in 1 out of 54 school-aged-boys, and mood disorders have increased by 40% in the last decade. Why the sudden surge?

Educators, administrators, and parents have become casual about incorporating mental health language in everyday life. Over-diagnosis in our school systems has paved the way to medicate and abnormalize children’s normal behavior. It is common for parents to categorize their child’s behavior in order to control it. Consequently, it is easy to forget that a mental diagnosis will follow children into adulthood. The label and the experience that comes with the disorder are irreversible. Mental health diagnoses are important and can be very helpful, and you want your child to be diagnosed with a mental health disorder if he/she really has one. (more…)

By Nathalie Kunin
Spring break is a time to unwind and enjoy a relaxing week or two off school. It can also be an opportunity to sharpen academic skills and learn new skills to bring back to the classroom with you. The 5 activities listed below will make Spring Break fly by whether you are away on vacation or having a “stay-cation”. (more…)

By Janis Adams

What does it take to secure a place in a top Los Angeles private school?

Let’s talk to some people in the know.

After months of researching, preparing, testing, and interviewing, there is nothing left to do but wait. We want to give families some behind-the-scenes insight about what is going on as final decisions are being made. Despite this being crunch time for the independent schools admissions directors, several top ADs and experts took the time to talk with us about the admissions process.

Laurel Baker Tew, Director of Admissions at Viewpoint School, reminds us that “the student isn’t the only part of the admissions decision. The family as well has to fit into the school community.” (more…)

By Chris Carra
Camps can be one of the greatest experiences for a child. Fun, stimulating and inspirational. They are usually the highlight of the summer for most youngsters and leave them with a lifetime of cherished memories.

But these days, sending them off to any old camp can actually hinder their creativity. Put it this way – would your music-loving daughter be happier learning to climb, or developing her skills on the piano? These questions are what every parent needs to ask when choosing the right camp for their child. (more…)

By Allya Orlov
Resolutions. So empowering to make them…but oh so disappointing when you fail. Let’s be honest, most, if not all of our resolutions don’t last. Instead of shooting for the stars, let’s be practical. Let’s commit to being just a tad better than last year. Here are 3 areas to focus on to make 2016 your best year ever:

Stress Less – Stress is the leading cause of all sickness. Yup, you heard that right. Finding ways to de-stress will make you happier, healthier and just a nicer person overall. (more…)

By Roxana Maddahi
As parents, we want our children to be better and more successful than we were. We dream of an easier, happier, and more financially fruitful life than we ever had, and in order to do so, we work hard to obtain the best possible education for our kids.

But even in the best schools, parents need to do their homework if they want to teach their kids to be business minded and entrepreneurial. Schools teach academics such as history, math and writing skills, but being good at these subjects is a piece of a larger puzzle if you want your kids to start their own businesses or achieve financial success in a business that they are passionate about. (more…)

By Elizabeth Fraley
According to the National Institute for Early Education Research, there is a growing body of research that Executive Functioning (EF) skills are critical to implement in the home and classroom environments. Times have changed and increased academic demands on students have created the need to rely on strategies to help children plan, initiate, and organize academic and social responsibilities. Parents, teachers, and specialists can help support EF skills to optimize students’ full learning potential. (more…)