Entering Lower School—whether at the traditional Kindergarten entry point or later in Grades 1 through 5—is a significant milestone in your child’s academic journey. With a wide range of public and private options available, families often face a competitive and complex admissions landscape. The challenge lies not in the design of the system, but in the sheer volume of applicants and the limited number of spaces. At Smart City Kids, we help families thoughtfully explore all their options and identify the schools that best reflect their values and meet their child’s learning and developmental needs.

We begin with a one-on-one consultation with parents to help us deeply understand your families values, educational goals, and who the child is as a person and learner from the parents’ perspective. We then conduct an internal educational assessment with the student, which evaluates their academic aptitude, verbal and non-verbal reasoning abilities, adaptability, executive functioning skills, and general school readiness. Finally, when appropriate, we support families in understanding and planning for the standardized testing expectations some schools require, including the Primary ISEE and other tools including FLI or Stanford-Binet.

Using insights gained from our assessments and consultations, we work with you to develop a curated list of schools that align with your child’s profile and your family’s goals. We provide expert guidance on school tours, application timelines, interviews, and parent statements—helping you navigate every step of the process with confidence. For later entry points into Grades 1–5, we tailor our recommendations and strategies based on your child’s academic record and any specific programmatic needs, such as additional support services or enrichment opportunities. 

Whether you’re applying to a K–5, K–8, or K–12 program, Smart City Kids brings deep knowledge of both public and private school landscapes to help your child find a school where they can thrive. Our team remains by your side throughout the admissions journey, ensuring that your child is prepared and poised for success.