Tag Archives: GoMamaGuide

New Kinder 101 Date Just Added! Webinar Replays Now Available!

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We are in full-on Fall Admissions season, with the LAUSD Choices lotteries accepting applications now through November 18, for the 2023-24 school year. Many of you have been asking about my webinars, or missed my previous series, so I am adding a new LIVE date for my most requested webinar, just in time before the deadline. This will have the latest information, including the new and expanding age eligibility for Transitional Kindergarten and what that may mean going forward.

Announcing, Kindergarten 101: Know Your Public Options
Wednesday, November 2, 2022 at 12p.
This is a content-dense LIVE webinar, where you can ask me your questions in person, and/or also watch the replay afterwards at your own convenience.

Kindergarten 101: Know Your Public Options
Weds, Nov 2, 2022 
12p – *LIVE*
$35
TICKETS

After you purchase your ticket, you will be sent to Zoom to register for your unique login. (Don’t skip this step or you’ll miss out!)

GoMamaGuide Fall Webinar Series – Replays Now Available!

If you missed the other webinars in my series, replays are now available. Just click on the webinar you want, purchase a ticket, and I will email you a special passcode to access the replay. Be patient. I am a human, not a robot.

Each webinar comes with a 10-day replay so you can watch at your own convenience.

Navigating the School System: 
The Overview
Replay Now Available!
$35
TICKETS

Middle School Madness
Replay Now Available!
$35
TICKETS

Mastering Magnets: 
(Those Points!)
Replay Now Available!
$35
TICKETS

After you purchase your ticket, I will email you a special passcode to access the replay. Be patient. I am a human, not a robot.

All webinar tickets now come with a 10-day replay. 
View the whole GoMamaGuide webinar series in more detail. 

If all of this stresses you out and you just need one-on-one assistance, let’s set up a Zoom Consultation. Please note that Fall Admissions season is my busiest time of year.

The Latest

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Hope you’re all doing well. Just thought I’d post a couple of updates here.

Late Apps [for LAUSD Choices categories] are in full swing right now if you missed the on-time November deadline, or want to add additional selections to your spread. Each selection will be submitted individually, time-stamped, and added to the end of the on-time waitlist. You will not receive any waitlist points on a Late App Magnet, however you just might win a seat.

Many Independent Charters have deadlines coming up right around this time. Each are submitted individually at each school’s website. If you miss the deadline, you can ask to submit a late app and be added to the end of the on-time waitlist.

Permitting – both within (intra) and leaving the district (inter) – are ongoing right now.

Upcoming Dates of Note:
Mon, March 14, 2022 – initial results of the LAUSD Choices lotteries are posted

Fri, April 8, 2022 – LAUSD Choices Accept/Decline Deadline

Mon, April 11 – Fri, April 15, 2022 – LAUSD Spring Break; schools and offices closed

Mon, April 18, 2022 – Waitlists start to move! (This is just the beginning of a very long process)

Weds, April 27, 2022 – Open Enrollment opens – always a few gems on that list

…AND we still don’t have a START DATE for LAUSD’s 2022-2023 school year. The Board of Ed may vote on this in March, but no official word just yet.


Webinars – The Basics
For those of you who are just getting started, are fairly overwhelmed with how things work around here (who isn’t), want to learn all about “those points!,” or need to get some good foundational learning done before we work on your personalized admissions strategy, I have made my most popular webinars available to you as replays. Introducing The GoMamaGuide Basics Webinar Series – grab a ticket and learn on your own timeline. Get the lay-of-the-land before we meet.

Just Announced
And for those of you with kids in High School, don’t miss this upcoming live FREE webinar, What You Need To Know NOW About Paying Less For College
with Cyndi Menegaz of SMARTTRACK® College Funding
Tuesday, March 8, 2022 at 12p
*Highly Recommended for parents of 8th-11th graders. Read the scoop HERE.
Register HERE.

Need HELP?
I have been quietly working away in my cubicle helping as many families as I can with their public school queries during these trying times. I know it’s difficult with no on-site tours, and no fresh school data, still. If you need assistance, reach out to schedule a Zoom or Phone or Relocation Consultation with me, and let’s talk school.

Ok folks, hang in there!

What You Need To Know NOW About Paying Less For College Tues Mar 8, 2022

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Hello Friends,
I know some of you are just getting situated in your elementary schools, yet a large number of GoMamaGuide families are inching their way closer to high school, then college. You know I’ve been there, excited for my daughter, but dreading facing that college tuition bill, wondering how we’ll ever swing it.

For my parents of 8th through 11th graders, just in time for tax season, GoMamaGuide presents the return of Cyndi Menegaz, National Program Director at SMARTTRACK® College Funding, with her brilliant talk. Join us for:

What You Need to Know NOW about Paying Less for College
Tuesday, March 8, 2022 at 12p
FREE


You may be surprised to learn that with a little planning, you can significantly lower out-of-pocket costs, maximize grants and scholarships, reduce debt, and learn to cover tuition in a more tax-advantaged, cost-efficient way. Even if you don’t think you’ll qualify for Financial Aid, preparing for how best to pay for college can make a tremendous difference and it starts earlier* than you might think.

*Recommended for parents of 8-11th graders. Parents of 9th and 10th graders – the financial decisions you make now will impact how much you pay later. 11th grade families don’t have a minute to lose!

Folks, I’ve personally taken this seminar twice while my daughter was just starting high school, and found it extremely helpful as I prepared financially for my daughter’s college tuition bill. Luckily our high school was on it and brought Cyndi in to assist parents with this info, but the truth is, most high schools are ill-equipped to advise parents beyond completing the basic financial aid forms. The reality is that families must begin organizing their finances a couple of years in advance in order to get all the financial aid they may be eligible for. 

I learned so much about the process, and it helped me plan my finances early on so we didn’t have to limit her college options, or pay retail tuition prices. I am convinced that SMARTTRACK saved me a huge percentage of tuition by looking over my assets, and suggesting adjustments I could make while my daughter was still a sophomore in high school. I also learned which types of schools were going to be more generous than others, and that surprised me. If you are savvy about planning ahead, and I hope you are, please jump on this opportunity to learn more. Like everything else, the earlier you start planning, the better off you’ll be. And as public school families, we need all the options we can get.

As a special bonus, GoMamaGuide is partnering with SMARTTRACK where you’ll have an opportunity to schedule a free call with them, just like I did, to review your financial picture and see if there are any strategic things you can do well before filling out those financial aid forms senior year. (The dreaded FAFSA and CSS. Yay, more acronyms to learn!) If you do decide to work with them, you’ll get the GoMamaGuide discount.

More about Cyndi Menegaz, National Program Director 
SMARTTRACK® College Funding is a national leader in helping families better pay for college. Cyndi is a popular speaker and conducts workshops across the country, educating and empowering parents and professional colleagues on the critically important financial piece of college planning. Prior to joining SMARTTRACK®, she had a successful career in the video business and received a degree in Communication Studies from Northwestern University. Cyndi is also the proud mom of twins who recently graduated from college debt free!

SmartTrack College Funding Webinar This Sat Sept 18 

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What You Need To Know NOW About Paying Less For College

(You NEED This Info Folks!)

with Cyndi Menegaz, National Program Director at SMARTTRACK® College Funding

September 18, 2021
9a
FREE
*Recommended for parents of 8-12th graders.

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I’ve personally taken this seminar twice, and found it extremely helpful as I prepared financially for my daughter’s dreaded college tuition bill. I learned so much about the process, and it helped me plan way in advance so we didn’t have to limit her college options, or pay retail tuition prices. I am convinced that SMARTTRACK saved me a huge percentage of tuition by looking over my assets, and suggesting adjustments I could make while my daughter was a sophomore in high school. If you are savvy about planning ahead, and I hope you are, please jump on this opportunity to learn more. Like everything else, the earlier you start planning, the better off you’ll be. And as public school families, we need all the options we can get.

As a special bonus, GoMamaGuide is partnering with SMARTTRACK where you’ll have an opportunity to schedule a free call with them just like I did to review your financial picture and see if there are any strategic things you can do well before filling out those financial aid forms senior year. (The dreaded FAFSA and CSS. Yay, more acronyms to learn!) If you do decide to work with them, you’ll get the GoMamaGuide discount.

At a minimum, do take advantage of your free call.

Middle School Webinar This Thurs 12p

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Thought Choosing a Kinder was hard? Yikes, Middle School!
Seats still available for this Thursday’s Middle School Madness webinar.

In this 60 minute live webinar we’ll break it all down. When to begin the process, Magnets and “That Point Strategy” demystified, Charters and other specialized programs, and we’ll talk about ‘tween fit. Live Q&A. *Strongly Recommended for 2nd-5th grade parents! 

Grab your seat HERE.

Can’t make the live event? Need to go over it again? No worries.
A pre-paid ticket* gets you the replay for a full 7 days afterward. 

SMARTTRACK College Funding Webinar Weds Mar 10

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Introducing SMARTTRACK College Funding Webinar

What You Need To Know NOW About Paying Less For College
(You NEED This Info Folks)

with Cyndi Menegaz, National Program Director at SMARTTRACK® College Funding

March 10, 2021
7p
FREE
*Recommended for parents of 8-12th graders.


You guys, I’ve personally taken this seminar twice, and found it extremely helpful as we planned financially for my daughter’s dreaded college tuition bill. I learned so much and it helped me plan way in advance so we didn’t have to limit our college options or pay retail tuition prices. I am convinced that SMARTTRACK saved me a huge percentage of tuition by looking at my assets and suggesting adjustments I could make when my daughter was a sophomore in high school. If you are savvy about planning ahead, and I hope you are, please jump on this opportunity to learn more. Like everything else, the earlier you start planning, the better off you’ll be. And as public school families, we need all the option$ we can get.

Also, as a special bonus, GoMamaGuide is partnering with SMARTTRACK where you’ll have an opportunity to schedule a free call with them just like I did to review your financial picture and see if there are any strategic things you can do well before filling out those financial aid forms senior year. (The dreaded FAFSA and CSS. Yay, more acronyms to learn!) If you do decide to work with them, you’ll get the GoMamaGuide discount.

At a minimum, do take advantage of your free call.

Just released! GoMamaGuide to LAUSD: Biggest Guide Yet!

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It’s HERE!

New for the 2020-2021 School Year!

Just in time for the lotteries!

Packed with information yet delivered in easily understood bite-sized pieces. Get the Big Guide to LAUSD. Covers every region within LAUSD: North, South, East and West!

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The Latest Elementary School Edition
GoMamaGuide to LAUSD 
LA Public Schools Demystified

by Tanya Anton

* Offers a thorough understanding of ALL your LAUSD public school options
* Outlines how (and when) to tackle each type of application process
* The latest changes to the eChoices lotteries for 2020-2021!
* Magnets and “The Point System” demystified
* The difference between Affiliated and Independent Charter schools
* Dual Language Immersions, Gifted, SAS, Open Enrollment, and other options
* Permitting in and out of District
* How to tour: what to look for in a school and more
* Learn how to expertly navigate schools in LAUSD!

Includes:
* Complete List of All LAUSD Public Elementary Schools (sorted by category and local district) 
* Handy month-by-month Application Timeline
* Evaluating Your Priorities Exercise
* Bonus Materials, Charts, and Resources
* Nearly 75 pages!
* All this for only $30 – less than what you’d spend at a Happy Hour!
* No need to leave home — Guidebook shipped to your door!

Note: Individual schools are not ranked or profiled. For individual assistance, and to find the best fit schools for your child, please consider booking a consultation with me.

View Table of Contents

GoMamaGuides have already helped thousands of LA parents.
About the GoMamaGuidebooks:
“Best $$ I’ve spent in a long time!”

“I purchased your guide last year. It was the single most helpful resource I found
to assist with our search.”

To order, click Buy Now! 
Only $30 plus $3.99 s&h via Paypal.

Please verify your shipping address with Paypal before finalizing purchase.
All sales are final.

Get Savvy on College Funding with SmartTrack!

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Are you freaking out about college tuition? 

Wondering how to pay for college without losing your home or your retirement?

For many of us just thinking about it brings up feelings of dread and inadequacy. Perhaps downright denial as the cost of college tuition keeps spiraling upward at an ever increasing rate.

Folks, rather than bury your head in the sand, it’s time to get pro-active and take a look at where you stand and how to optimize your financial situation – whatever it is – to get the most out of the college financial application process.

And while I’m an expert on navigating K-12 public school options, I’m still learning when it comes to financial planning towards college. That’s why I went to SmartTrack College Funding to work with the experts, who reviewed my financial picture and set me straight.

For instance, here’s a little shocker I learned.

Did you know that the generous savings account your grandparents set up for your kids and fund every year will actually be factored into your Expected Family Contribution (EFC – the amount you will be asked to pay for tuition based on your entire financial picture) at 20%, but if it was held in YOUR name it will only be factored at 5%?*

(Oops, sorry kids. Your account is MINE now!)

That’s just one of the many things I learned after working with my SmartTrack College Funding Coach, who helped me know which assets to move around and where, in order to minimize the sting of what colleges will expect me to hand over to them for tuition.

*Caveat: Before you start moving money around, you really need to check in with your SmartTrack College Funding Coach for the best strategies that work for your particular financial situation. To get started with your FREE assessment, use this special link.

I can hear you now, “But it’s WAAAAYYYYY too early to be thinking about that stuff, I mean, I just got my kid into middle school. We don’t even know where he’s going to high school, let alone college!!”

Folks, the prep time comes earlier than you think. (Are you listening my middle school families?)

So I sat down with Cyndi Menegaz of SmartTrack and had a little chat about all of this college financial planning intel. She’s got a lot of great info and a special deal for my GoMamaGuide families. Take a look:



Video Link: https://youtu.be/6-iK2GAmetM


Don’t despair, get prepared. Get SmartTrack.


They’ll help you figure out:


• How to pay for college

• How to pay LESS for college (yes!)

• How to maximize merit and financial aid


Don’t pay “retail” tuition. Learn how to mitigate red flags in your financial profile and lower your Expected Family Contribution (EFC) tuition calculation. Get help with your FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). Utilize SmartTrack’s online suite of college funding tools and handy resources, and work with a personalized SmartTrack College Funding Coach who will walk you through the financial process to save you money.


Schedule your FREE 15 min call! 818-552-0800 and mention GoMamaGuide.


To get started, sign in to your FREE SmartTrack account at:


https://collegefundingkit.com/gomama


**Specifically targeted for my 8th-10th grade families, but it’s never too early to prepare. Call for your FREE assessment today. 


Guys, your kids will be doing SAT/ACT test prep, they’ll be doing college essay prep, and parents if you’re smart, you’ll be going to SmartTrack to do financial prep.


Or, you could skip this step and just hand over all your hard-earned $$$$ to tuition! 




 



					

		
		
	


				
					
	

		

						
New Webinars Just Added!

			
						

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The GoMamaGuide “Lunch & Learn” Webinar Series has officially launched and I want to thank everyone who has participated so far! I am loving the no-driving part, seriously. Brilliant.


Since it’s eChoices season and several of you weren’t able to jump on those first few webinars, I’ve added two more that will directly help you with your eChoices application.


An additional Mastering Magnets webinar is scheduled for this Thursday, October 11…




And since SAS joins Gifted Magnets as part of the eChoices app this year, you might want to also check out Understanding Gifted Options next Tuesday, October 16 where we cover all your GIFTED worries, and break down the goods on SAS, GATE, and that string of acronyms: GHA, HG, HGA, IHP.


All Webinars start at 12p and run 60 mins. But if you can’t make it live, don’t sweat it, as long as you sign up BEFORE the start of the webcast, you’ll get the replay for another 7 days afterward. To sign up, just CLICK ON THE PICTURE (above) of the event you’d like to attend. If you have related questions you’d like me to cover, you can email them to me in advance, or use the live interactive Q&A feature during the webinar. Learning has never been so easy, informative, and focused on just what you need to hear. It’s like we’re together, but without all the LA hassle.


So grab a snack and your burning school questions, and join me for a Lunch & Learn Webinar. Book your spot today!

					

		
		
	


				
					
	

		

						
GoMamaGuide Launches New “LUNCH & LEARN” WEBINAR Series!

			
						

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Just in time for LAUSD’s new 2019 eChoices application period (which opens Monday, October 1st – due Friday, November 9th), I’m launching my new GoMamaGuide “Lunch & Learn” Webinar Series featuring live interactive online classes to help you get schooled in the essentials of public school choice. These are the classes I’ve been teaching to stressed out parents all over Los Angeles for over a decade!


Many of you have been asking for more seminars and rather than try to hit every neighborhood in LA, with these online webinars no one has to deal with traffic, or find parking, or book a sitter, or even agree on a date. I will be running them at noon so we can still schedule in-home visits in the evenings. So join us from the comfort of your computer, get savvy while you lunch, and if you can’t make it, or want to review it, you can catch the replay for another 7 days afterward.


Here are the first three webinars in the lineup. More will be announced soon.






 






 






 


 


 


 


Tanya Anton is the creator of GoMamaGuide and author of a series of guidebooks helping parents navigate the daunting array of K-12 public school choices throughout greater Los Angeles. A frequent guest speaker and public education consultant, Tanya has appeared on NPR’s “Which Way LA” seven times, presented on motherhood and social activism in NYC, lobbied against school budget cuts up in Sacramento, and also appeared before the LAUSD School Board on several issues. Having spoken to literally thousands of stressed-out parents about to enter the LA school system, Tanya has inspired many to not only reconsider their public school options but also become a vital yet interconnected agent of change within them. Visit GoMamaGuide.com.