Are you looking for a private school for your preschooler? Are you curious about what private schools may offer your older child that your local public school may not? Researching options online, calling campuses and talking to your friends are all pretty standard....

Most Central Texas schools are now in session, and students are just settling in for the new school year. If your child’s elementary school experience is anything like my child’s was, one of the first and most consistent things your child will be asked to do for...

Kids in high school have a lot to think about. There are challenging classes, competitive extra-curricular activities and complex social situations. If that weren’t enough, there are expectations that 9th-12th graders start thinking about and planning for what they...

As a parent, you’ve probably heard a lot of terms and concepts you’re told will help you understand how to support your child’s development: qualities like resilience and stick-to-itiveness and skills associated with mindfulness, self-management and executive control....

There was a time when financial literacy for children was pretty simple. Counting and saving pennies in a piggy bank, which could be raided for an occasional treat, went a long way toward teaching kids what they needed to know about managing money. Today, finances are...

Summer vacation is almost here. Programs and activities fill quickly, and parents often feel the pressure to grab spots while they can. This is especially true for parents unable to be home with their children during the summer break, and those who fear kids will...

With the recent debate over measuring student growth versus proficiency making headlines, it seems like a good time to explore how these two concepts relate to the educational experiences of Austin public school students. First, some definitions: student growth refers...

With the holidays past, spring break on tap and summer still a few months away, March is a great time to take stock of how your child’s school year has gone and think about what lies ahead. It’s also a great time for kids to reflect on where their interests lie—...

Last month, I wrote of the impressive efforts being made to bring social and emotional learning into Austin schools, where mindfulness and other techniques are helping children manage their emotions more productively. This month, I take a look at something that stands...

Ati Wongsaroj, a teacher at Webb Middle School in Austin, began her class on a recent Tuesday as she does every day—with classical music, low lights and journaling, followed by a recorded meditation. This day, her 8th graders listened to a deep breathing and centering...

Selecting winter holiday gifts for children can be a challenge, especially when you strive to combine educational benefit, affordability and fun. Here is a look at five toys that may give you some food for thought, including reactions from a few local families...

On November 8, voters will cast their ballots to decide who will be our next president. It’s a big moment for the nation and a great opportunity to share a bit of history with your child, as we all witness our democracy in action. Even so, with the intensity that has...