• Isn't my child too young to be tutored?
• My child is already bright, why does he or she need to be prepped?
• If information from test websites says not to prep, would I be violating any rules?
• Is it fair to 'prep' for the standardized testing?
• My friend says that her child got a very high ERB without prepping. My kid should be able to do the same.
• Why can't I tutor my child myself?
• Why can't I hire a tutor myself?
• Why should I choose Bright Kids NYC over another agency?
• Who will be tutoring my child?
• What training do your tutors receive?
• How many sessions are recommended and why?
• Do I have to bring my child to a tutoring center?

Isn't my child too young to be tutored?

Not at all. The bottom line is that your child is required to take tests for applying to private schools and to public gifted programs where test scores make or break your child's admission. Many private schools won't even look at your child's application if your child's ERB is not in the top 3%. Your child has to score 99% on the OLSAT to even have a shot at getting into a citywide public gifted school. We live in New York City where the competition to get in to top public and private schools is fierce. Young kids need even more help than older ones since their attention span is short and their listening skills not quite developed. Some are shy or become shy among other adults. Some are very bright, but can't sit still for 10 minutes. They are young kids but with a little coaching and guidance can achieve impressive results. At Bright Kids NYC, we specialize in teaching young kids test taking skills which will also provide a good foundation for test taking but also for future learning.

My child is already bright, why does he or she need to be prepped?

Just because a child is bright, does not mean that they can excel in standardized tests without preparation. Test taking is an acquired skill that can be taught and is particularly important for younger kids to master.

If information from test websites says not to prep, would I be violating any rules?

No, as long as you do not administer the actual content of the test. Our tutors do not teach or administer the test. Instead, we create a fun learning environment so that your child can excel when he or she goes into test-taking environments. If you are serious about getting into a top public or private school in NYC, you cannot afford not to prep your child. It is not a secret that most parents prepare their kids for standardized tests to gain admissions to New York City's top schools, but few will admit to it.

Is it fair to 'prep' for the standardized testing?

Of course it is. It's fair and rational to study for any test on which one can improve. The standardized tests all require certain skills (e.g. correctly holding a pencil; working comfortably with unfamiliar adults, sitting still for 45 minutes, listening) for students to perform well. Bright Kids NYC prepares children to succeed in the testing environment.

My friend says that her child got a very high ERB without prepping. My kid should be able to do the same.

Even if that was true, no two kids are the same. While probable, it is highly unlikely that the family, who is willing to spend in excess of 700K for a child's education, did nothing to help the child score high on the test that is such a critical piece of the admissions process. We have several school aged children and learned over the years that parents do not always operate under full disclosure. I urge all parents to focus on their goals and objectives for their child and getting their own child ready for these tests.

Why can't I tutor my child myself?

We do not recommend this at all. It is often difficult for parents who have an emotional bond with their children to conduct the tutoring. More often than not, fun turns into frustration for everyone. Tutoring is a special skill and if you as a parent are serious about getting your child into a top NYC school, preparation must be done systematically by professionals.

Bright Kids NYC offers a holistic approach drawing upon input of directors, educational professionals, and teachers from Talented and Gifted programs to provide a cohesive overall strategy and content utilizing the most up-to-date research available on the ERB, Stanford-Binet and OLSAT exams. In addition, students will benefit from learning to work comfortably and effectively with unfamiliar adults which are more reflective of the testing environment.

Why can't I hire a tutor myself?

Yes you can, but it may be hard for you as parents to evaluate a teacher's qualifications and credentials and their knowledge of these tests. We have interviewed hundreds of applicants and found a big discrepancy among the quality of tutors, particularly those who cater to very young children. We are dedicated to seeking trained and skilled instructors who rank among some of the most outstanding teachers in New York City. Our screening process ensures all tutors are qualified and have a record of success and excel at working with young kids. Also, our tutors are required to attend our group training prior to teaching. Ongoing, informal and formal assessments, constructive criticism and team discussions ensure that tutors continue to develop their craft and exercise the mission and philosophy of Bright Kids NYC in their practice.

Why should I choose Bright Kids NYC over another agency?

Bright Kids NYC is the only comprehensive test preparation service in New York City dedicated to preparing your child for the ERB, Stanford-Binet and the OLSAT from Pre-Kindergarten through Second grade. First, we use a comprehensive diagnostic process to evaluate and assess your child's academic needs and objectives and then create a program specifically designed to meet those objectives. Second, we understand young kids and how they learn. Our tutors specialize in teaching young kids whereas many other agencies focus their tutoring services primarily for other tests for older students such as SATs, LSATs, and NY State Regent Exams. Finally, we get results, which is the most important aspect of our program and what matters come test day.

Who will be tutoring my child?

Bright Kids NYC will assign a tutor to work with your child based on his or her need and the tutor's area of expertise. Sometimes, two tutors may be assigned in order to get the child to work with different adults, to better reflect the testing environment.

What training do your tutors receive?

Bright Kids NYC tutors are qualified teachers cherry-picked from New York City's top schools licensed to serve as educators in New York City. Our tutors have years of skill and knowledge, specifically geared towards helping very young students achieve impressive results. The Bright Kids NYC philosophy is incorporated into our tutor training as well as all relevant academic material, resources and approaches that we have developed to help our students succeed. Bright Kids NYC works closely with tutors during the evaluation process as well as throughout each child's tutoring program to ensure both the tutor and family receive the best support available.

How many sessions are recommended and why?

Bright Kids NYC will recommend a program for each student based on several factors such as results from the initial evaluation, number of tests each child is taking, timeline of test the student is preparing for, and the child's progress. In general, Bright Kids NYC will not recommend fewer than ten sessions per student to ensure that students are given an appropriate amount of time with our tutors. Young students need more time and a slower progression as they need to learn under a more relaxed time table. We will work with you until your child is ready!

Do I have to bring my child to a tutoring center?

No, tutoring sessions typically take place in the student's home. Other options may be available depending on the tutor. In addition, space can be reserved in Bright Kids NYC's office for tutoring sessions.