In this episode of Be Evolved, Mary Miele sits down with special education attorney Tracey Spencer Walsh, Esq., to unpack the reality that most private school families never hear: you do have rights, but they look very different from what public school families are told.

Together, they break down the myths surrounding IDEA and private schools, explain what Child Find actually means for your child, and clarify what families gain — and give up — when choosing a private education path. The conversation moves into the critical details: how to think about evaluations (clinical vs. legal), why documentation matters more than you think, and how a lack of paper trail can quietly limit future options.

This episode is both a reality check and a roadmap — for families who assume they're outside the system, and for those who sense something isn't working but don't yet know what to do next.

In this episode:

• The difference between IEPs, IESPs, and FAPE
• Why private school families still have important legal rights
• When to pursue a neuropsychological evaluation
• How to seek public funding for specialized schools
• The essential 10-day notice requirement

If you have a child in a NYC private school and are navigating learning differences, this conversation will change how you think about your options — and your leverage.

Resources:

• It's Special Podcast Team: itsspecialpodcast@gmail.com
• Tracey Spencer Walsh: tracey@spencerwalshlaw.com
• Website: https://www.spencerwalshlaw.com/
• It's Special: https://open.spotify.com/show/2YWHIk3kSYxpveVLkkjcDg?si=16576aecf1344797

If the admissions process feels uncertain or stressful, please reach out: admin@evolveded.com.

For the full transcript of today's episode along with our terms, conditions, and disclaimers and privacy policies, visit the Evolved Education website at: https://evolvededucationcompany.com/resources/podcast/

© 2021 - 2026 Mary Miele

Applying to private school? Your list matters more than you think.

In this episode, Becky Reback guides listeners through one of the most overlooked yet critical parts of the school admissions process: building the right school list. Rather than relying on reputation, rankings, or outside opinions, she emphasizes the importance of creating a thoughtful, strategic list rooted in a child's unique needs, learning style, and family values.

Drawing on expert insights, Becky walks through what truly goes into a strong school list — from understanding educational philosophy and practical constraints to assessing a child's developmental readiness and alignment with each school's expectations. She highlights how most families unknowingly build lists based on "noise," and how shifting to a more intentional approach can transform the entire admissions experience.

This episode matters because it replaces overwhelm with clarity. When families have the right list, everything else — from applications to interviews — becomes more focused and effective.

In this episode:

• Why most school lists are built on reputation—not fit
• What schools are actually looking for right now
• How to assess your child's true readiness and needs
• The difference between a "good" list and a strategic one
• How clarity can reduce stress and improve outcomes

If you're navigating nursery through boarding school admissions, this is a must-listen.

If the admissions process feels uncertain or stressful, please reach out: admin@evolveded.com.

Please click the button to subscribe so you don't miss any episodes and leave a review if your favorite podcast app has that ability.

For the full transcript of today's episode along with our terms, conditions, and disclaimers and privacy policies, visit the Evolved Education website at: https://evolvededucationcompany.com/resources/podcast/

© 2021 - 2026 Mary Miele

In this episode of Be Evolved, School Placement Advisor Sophie Roberts shares a powerful and practical guide to navigating private school spring tours, from nursery through high school, with clarity and intention.

Too often, families walk away from tours feeling like every school looks the same. Sophie unpacks why that happens, and more importantly, how to shift your approach so each visit becomes a meaningful step toward finding the right fit for your child.

Drawing from real client experiences, she introduces three key strategies to transform how you show up before, during, and after a tour. This episode goes beyond surface-level observations and invites families to evaluate schools through a deeper lens: not "Is this a good school?" but "Is this the right school for my child?"

You'll learn how to:

• Prepare with purpose so tours feel focused, not overwhelming
• Read between the lines of school culture, language, and environment
• Engage meaningfully during visits (because it's a two-way experience)
• Capture and reflect on your impressions before they blur together
• Trust both data and intuition when assessing fit

At Evolved, school placement is about more than academics - it's about the whole child. This episode will help you move from chasing options to discovering where your child truly belongs.

Families who want thoughtful guidance and a supportive plan are encouraged to reach out and start the conversation: admin@evolveded.com.

Please click the button to subscribe so you don't miss any episodes and leave a review if your favorite podcast app has that ability.

For the full transcript of today's episode along with our terms, conditions, and disclaimers and privacy policies, visit the Evolved Education website at: https://evolvededucationcompany.com/resources/podcast/

© 2021 - 2026 Mary Miele