The Education Breakdown

EducationBreakdown
  • 5.0 (9)
  • EDUCATION
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Helping parents find the best school for their child by exploring different educational methods through interviews with teachers, administrators and parents.

  1. AUG 20

    56. Understanding the International Baccalaureate: Perspectives from Carolina Prep

    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

    52 min

  2. JUL 22

    55. Breaking Down the ISEE & SSAT: A Parent’s Guide to Private School Entrance Exams

    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/

    43 min

  3. JUN 24

    54. How to Prevent Summer Learning Loss Without Killing the Fun

    Summer should be full of popsicles, late bedtimes, and muddy adventures—but what about all that learning your child worked so hard for during the school year? In this episode, Sarah breaks down the facts around summer learning loss (aka “the summer slide”) and why it matters—especially for young children. But don’t worry—this isn’t a lecture or a list of pricey programs. You’ll walk away with simple, affordable, and low-pressure ways to keep your child’s brain engaged this summer, without sacrificing fun or freedom. From board games to bedtime reading, and even letting kids be bored, Sarah shares practical tips and a big dose of reassurance. Because yes—your child can keep learning all summer long…and still be a kid. Resources Mentioned Episode 1- Is Public School Right for My Child? Episode 4- Public School Parent Interview re: Year-Round Schooling Episode 38- Game On! All About Game-Based Learning Best Summer Games and Books

    16 min

  4. JUN 4

    53. Relocating with Kids? What to Know About School Searches

    Moving to a new area with school-aged kids? You’re not alone—and you’re definitely not the only one feeling overwhelmed. In this episode, we’re digging into one of the most stressful parts of relocating: choosing a school. We discuss why relying on online ratings and rankings like GreatSchools might be leading you in the wrong direction—and what you should be focusing on instead. You’ll hear the biggest pitfalls families run into when using school ratings to choose where to live, and walk away with practical steps for structuring your search around fit, not just test scores. Whether you're moving across town or across the country, this episode will help you feel more grounded, more informed, and more confident in your next steps. 💛 Need extra support with your school search during a move? Learn more about Sarah’s relocation consulting services at TriangleSchoolConsulting.com. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why school ratings can be misleading—and what they actually measure How to ask the right questions when touring schools (even virtually!) What to prioritize when building your school list How to get honest, on-the-ground insight from local families How a school consultant can make your transition easier 📩 Know a friend who’s moving? Send this episode their way—they’ll thank you later.

    15 min

  5. MAY 6

    52. Please Yell at My Kids: Rebuilding the Parenting Village in America

    What if the key to raising confident, independent kids isn’t doing more—but letting go a little? In this episode, we sit down with Marina Lopes, author of Please Yell at My Kids, to explore how community shapes childhood. Drawing from years of travel and conversations with parents around the globe, Marina shares insights into how different cultures support both children and caregivers. We talk about the loneliness of American parenting, the pressure to perform, and why the breakdown of extended families and community ties impacts our kids more than we realize. From spontaneous neighborhood playdates to rethinking our approach to parental control, this conversation invites us to imagine a more connected, less anxious way of raising children—one where we trust others, embrace imperfection, and build a village around our kids.   The Education Breakdown Facebook | Instagram

    53 min

  6. APR 22

    51. Kindergarten Readiness: What Teachers Wish Every Parent Knew

    Worried about getting your child ready for kindergarten? You’re not alone—and the good news is, it doesn’t need to be overwhelming. In this episode, we’ve gathered wisdom straight from seasoned kindergarten teachers to give you the real essentials of kindergarten readiness. No expensive supplies. No Pinterest-perfect crafts. Just everyday routines, bite-sized strategies, and developmentally supportive tips you can start today. You’ll learn the 6 most important areas to focus on this summer—including social skills, independence, and early literacy—all shared with encouragement and realism. Whether you're feeling excited, anxious, or a little sad about this big transition, this episode is here to support you and your child. In This Episode, You’ll Learn: ✅ What kindergarten teachers really want kids to be able to do ✅ How to teach ABCs and counting without workbooks ✅ Why independence matters more than early academics ✅ The value of social-emotional readiness—and how to support it ✅ How to make the transition smooth without creating pressure   Join us today! The Education Breakdown Instagram | Facebook

    31 min

  7. APR 8

    50. Is a Dual Language Immersion Program Right for Your Child?

    If you’ve ever wondered whether enrolling your child in a dual language immersion (DLI) program is the right move, you’re not alone. As an education consultant, I hear this question all the time—and in this episode, we’re breaking it down together. We’ll dive into what DLI programs actually are, why they’re growing in popularity across the U.S., and what makes them so appealing to families hoping to raise bilingual kids. You’ll learn: The difference between 50/50 and 90/10 language models The real benefits of bilingualism, from better memory to higher adaptability Common concerns, like whether your child will fall behind in English The type of child (and family) that tends to thrive in these programs And key questions to ask before committing to a DLI school Whether you’re excited about the idea of raising a bilingual child or feeling overwhelmed by what it would mean for your family, this episode is your starting point. As always, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer—but by the end, you’ll feel more confident knowing what to consider and what to ask.   Listen in, take what resonates, and remember—you know your child best.   The Education Breakdown Instagram | Facebook

    34 min

  8. MAR 25

    49. Personalized Learning for Every Student: Welcome to Fusion Academy

    In this episode of The Education Breakdown, Sarah sits down with Jenna Cheney and Brett Garrison from Fusion Academy, a unique one-to-one learning model with 84 locations across the U.S. They discuss how Fusion provides a personalized education experience for 6th–12th grade students, particularly those who need individualized support due to social, emotional, or learning differences. Jenna and Brett share inspiring success stories of students who have thrived in Fusion’s flexible environment, which includes customized scheduling, virtual class options, and daily communication with parents. They also highlight the importance of socialization through clubs and activities, ensuring that students not only receive tailored academic instruction but also build essential social and teamwork skills. Whether your child is struggling in a traditional school setting, needs executive functioning support, or is academically advanced and looking for a customized learning experience, this episode provides valuable insights into how a one-to-one education model can help students reach their full potential. Tune in to learn more about how Fusion Academy is redefining personalized learning! Fusion Academy dot com   -The Education Breakdown Facebook | Instagram

    48 min
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About

Helping parents find the best school for their child by exploring different educational methods through interviews with teachers, administrators and parents.

Information

  • Creator
    EducationBreakdown
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2025
  • Episodes
    57
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2024 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    The Education Breakdown

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