The 2025 Smart Gift List is packed with hands-on ideas that spark curiosity, creativity, and learning for all ages. From building, experimenting, and crafting to exploring and problem-solving, these gifts encourage kids to dive in, get their hands busy, and make learning an adventure while building lasting memories with family and friends. If you don’t find the perfect pick here, explore past lists for more ideas. Happy holidays from LVEC! Story of Music Board Books will st

Recently, the Independent Educational Consultant's Association (IECA) asked me to write up my top suggestions for school visits. Nothing gives you a better feel for a K-12 school than being on campus. A visit allows you to observe the environment, meet the people, and get a sense of whether the school’s values align with your family’s. Here are 10 tips for making the most of your school tours and open house visits. 1. Research each school before you visit. Read through any p

Why I, an Educational Consultant, Hired a Consultant As an Educational Consultant (EC), I’m well-versed in guiding other families through...

For 2024, I am really trying to live by the mantra of less is more . I wouldn’t say it’s going well, but I am trying. For the holidays,...

Take a step beyond the website and plan to attend some school open houses this fall. Though there are other opportunities to explore a...

Summer is a time to relax and move a little bit slower than we do during the busy school year. We plan and look forward to camps, days at...

My annual Educational Gift List for kids of all ages is back with more gift suggestions than ever before. As a mom, I am always on the...

Summer is halfway over. How is your student doing on their summer reading requirements? If they haven’t started, don’t worry! It’s not...

If your child plans to apply to private schools this fall, it is the perfect time to create a plan of attack for the standardized tests...

You may have been able to stop thinking about those school applications for the last month (although I hope that you have!). The time has...

Back by popular demand (and earlier than in years past): my third annual Educational Gift List for kids of all ages. As a mom, I am...

Most children have some sort of summer reading requirements during the months off school. While some schools require certain books,...

As a family who loves to travel, I have found it comes in handy to have a game or two stashed in a carryon. Be prepared so you can...

Though fall may seem like a lifetime away, it will be here before we know it. And though, you shouldn’t stress, there are a few basic...

Your application and essays have been submitted and your interviews are finished. Now what should you do? The first thing is to take a...

Applying to schools for your child is a full-time job. Beyond the tours, interviews, planning and scheduling, parents need to tackle the Parent Statement portion of the applications. Consider the questions asked in the Parent Statement early in the process so that you can think about these things as you tour schools. You SHOULD put real thought and effort into why your family and the school are a match. You SHOULD NOT fret. With some advance planning and careful editing, yo

It’s Back: my second annual Educational Gift List for kids of all ages (a bit earlier this time around due to supply chain issues...

Summer is an important time for kids to relax and experience things only available during these summer months. However, continuing to...

In the Boston area, we are lucky to have many wonderful programs and institutions in close proximity. However, it can be overwhelming to...

Over the last couple of weeks, I have received multiple phone calls from parents in the public school system who have finally decided to...