High School Success, Inside and Out

Fall is here and with it comes high school open houses, open enrollment, and a multitude of choices and big decisions all aimed at providing your child with their greatest opportunity for success and growth. It can be an overwhelming and exciting time for both parents and students.

How do you make the “right” choice? How do you create a positive and meaningful experience that leads to a healthy and happy future? Regardless of what school is chosen, starting high school is a tremendous change, both academically and socially for most students. Is yours ready? Do they have the confidence to navigate the unique challenges and opportunities of this time of life?

In this presentation, Marina Bernstein and Mary Strynar, both Educational Consultants at Boulder School Choice, will share tips to help you steer through the high school selection process to find the best fit for your child, discussing what to look for at open houses and what matters most when considering next steps. Both women have been in education for a collective 30 years and will help you understand who your child is as a learner and individual and as a result, help you make informed decisions to not simply survive the high school years, but thrive in the midst of them.

Monday, Oct. 28th 

5:30 – 7:00pm

6717 South  Boulder Road / Boulder, CO

Marina Bernstein

Marina’s passion for education began over 18 years ago when she decided to leave the corporate world and pursue a career in education. Having worked both in the classroom and as director of admissions and financial aid at a K-12 IB school in Manhattan, she understands firsthand how school fit and proactive parenting can have a major impact on a student’s growth.  Marina leverages her expertise in education, being a mom of two children with different learning profiles and personalities, and experience of relocating her family to Boulder from New York City to provide guidance and compassion to parents as they make decisions that set their child up for success. She has empowered many families to truly understand who their child is as a learner and individual and as a result, make informed decisions that nurture their child’s full potential. Marina has seen with her own children that being a proactive parent at school and home, understanding learning styles, and fostering passions while supporting challenges shapes self-confidence and success. She understands how stressful it is to move your family and provides practical and professional knowledge and a sense of warmth and calm to every client.  

Mary Strynar

Mary’s enthusiasm for education and advocacy for children originated over a decade ago on a very personal level – the birth of her first child. As an engaged parent and daughter-in-law of distinguished educators, she developed an avid interest in researching educational philosophies, child development, and the importance of educating the whole child. Initially volunteering in the classroom in both public and independent schools, Mary aptly applied her 12 year professional experience as an MBA in finance and marketing to take on leadership roles in school boards & PTAs, school improvement teams, fundraising & event planning, and managing volunteer programs. Navigating the pathways for her two teenage boys with contrasting learning styles who have attended both independent and public schools in three different states, she understands the challenges of school selection, relocation, and supporting child’s needs both in school and at home. In partnering with clients, Mary is attentive and recognizes the value in analyzing information in order to meet the family’s needs…all with a calming presence and helping hand.