The Education Breakdown

In this episode of The Education Breakdown, Sarah sits down with Uzma Bogwani and Michelle Hageman DeCamp from Carolina Friends School to explore how one school is redefining assessment—and why it works. Together, they unpack Carolina Friends School’s departure from traditional grading systems and shine a light on the powerful impact of narrative feedback, authentic learning experiences, and a whole-child approach to academic growth. Listeners will learn how this Quaker-rooted school uses evidence-based assessment practices to foster confident, curious, self-directed learners who thrive in college and beyond. What We Discuss: Alternative assessment methods used at Carolina Friends School across grade levels Authentic learning experiences and real-world engagement as core components of the curriculum Formative assessment and ongoing feedback that help students understand their strengths and areas for growth How colleges view narrative assessments, and why Carolina Friends students stand out in the admissions process Personalized, pressure-free learning paths that allow students to pursue multiple interests The benefits of risk-taking, curiosity, and self-discovery in environments without traditional grades Common misconceptions about non-traditional assessment and how students transition successfully to higher education

In this episode, Sarah sits down with Stephanie Klupinski for a deep dive into the world of charter schools — how they work, what sets them apart, and how parents can make informed decisions. Together, they explore: What charter schools are and how they differ from traditional public schools How funding and accountability work within the charter system The admissions process, including lotteries and enrollment preferences Special education services in charter schools and the legal responsibilities they hold Key differences between states in how charter schools are authorized and supported Common myths and misconceptions about charter schools Stephanie also shares: Her perspective on the history and future of the charter movement The importance of collaboration between charter and traditional public schools How parents can evaluate charter schools based on their family’s values, school governance, and transparency Practical tips for parents, from visiting schools and attending board meetings to reviewing state report cards and teacher data Whether you’re curious about charter schools, considering one for your child, or just want to better understand their role in public education, this episode provides a strong foundation to understanding the ins and outs of charter schools. For more information about NC charter schools, visit https://triangleschoolconsulting.com/charter-schools-in-the-triangle/  For information on the mentioned episode about doing school tours, check out Episode 57 of The Education Breakdown Podcast  https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-ne4rd-1986e51

You’ve toured schools, flipped through glossy brochures, and listened to everyone tell you which school is “the best.” And yet… you still feel uncertain. If that sounds familiar, you are not alone. Choosing the right school for your child can feel overwhelming, especially when every option promises to be perfect. In this episode, I’m breaking down the myths that often keep parents stuck during the school selection process. Using real stories from families I’ve worked with, I’ll help you see past flashy marketing, buzzwords, and reputations so you can focus on what truly matters: finding a school that aligns with your child’s needs and your family’s values. You’ll learn: Why the “best” school on paper may not be the best fit for your child. How to look beyond educational labels like Montessori, IB, or project-based learning to understand what’s happening day-to-day in the classroom. The key things to notice during a school tour that reveal a school’s culture and philosophy in action. How to stay focused on what really matters to your family — so you don’t get lost in the overwhelm of countless options. If you’re in the middle of school tours or starting to explore different educational paths for next year, this episode is a must-listen. I’ll give you the tools and perspective to approach school selection with clarity and confidence — without feeling like you have to tour every school in your city. Ready to narrow down your list of schools and find the right fit for your child? Schedule a consultation with me and let’s make this season of school choice feel manageable, focused, and aligned with your family’s values. Visit triangleschoolconsulting.com to connect.

Meet the International Baccalaureate (IB)—what it is, how it works, and why it might be the right fit for your student. If you’ve heard of the IB Program (International Baccalaureate) but felt unsure how it differs from a traditional education, this episode is for you. I’m joined by two wonderful guests from Carolina Preparatory Academy—formerly the middle and upper school of The Montessori School of Raleigh, rebranded in 2025—who live and breathe IB every day: Michelle Miller, IB Coordinator, and Dave Ratledge, IB Math/Science Team Lead. In this episode, we cover: IB 101: When and why IB was developed, its mission, and core tenets. Depth over memorization: How IB cultivates critical thinking, inquiry, and real-world problem-solving—not just regurgitation. IB vs. traditional models: Key differences in teaching style, assessment, and classroom experience. IB vs. Honors/AP: What the workload actually looks like, how rigor compares, and who tends to thrive. Common misconceptions: Especially around difficulty level and “how much is too much.” Montessori alignment: How Carolina Preparatory Academy’s IB program naturally connects with Montessori principles and practices. Whether you’re IB-curious or actively exploring advanced pathways, you’ll walk away with a clear, parent-friendly understanding of what IB is—and how it can shape confident, capable learners for life. LInks: Carolina Preparatory Academy: https://www.carolinaprepnc.org/ The Montessori School of Raleigh: https://www.msr.org/ Triangle School Consulting: https://triangleschoolconsulting.com

 If you're a parent exploring private elementary, middle, or high schools for your child, chances are you've heard about the ISEE and SSAT tests. In this episode, we're joined by Sheba Brown, founder of a trusted test prep company and longtime educator, to break down everything you need to know about these entrance exams. We cover the key differences between the two tests—question types, testing formats, and scoring systems—plus how to decide which exam might be the better fit for your child. Sheba also shares practical tips on when to start preparing and how to use practice tests effectively. Most importantly, we zoom out to talk about the bigger picture: how these scores fit into the overall admissions process and why they’re just one piece of the puzzle. Whether you're just starting the private school journey or deep in the application season, this episode will help you feel more confident and informed. A+ Test Prep Resources Page:  https://aplushigherscores.com/resources/