​Parent-teacher conferences are an important opportunity to build a partnership between home and school. For elementary and middle school students, these meetings set the stage for academic growth, personal development, and a supportive learning environment. Here are some tips and an attached worksheet to help parents get the most out of their time with teachers.

1. Come Prepared:

• Review progress beforehand: Look over recent report cards, test scores, homework, and teacher feedback. Note any subjects where your child seems to struggle or excel.
• Ask your child: Before the conference, ask your child how they feel about school—what they like, where they feel confident, and what challenges them.

2. Bring Questions. Having a list of questions ensures you won’t forget key concerns during your meeting. Consider asking:

• What are my child’s strengths in class?
• Where does my child need improvement?
• How does my child interact with peers and teachers?
• What can we do at home to support learning?

3. Focus on Both Academics and Social-Emotional Growth. Success in school isn’t just about grades. Teachers can provide insight into your child’s classroom behavior, friendships, participation, and resilience. These factors greatly impact learning and confidence, especially in middle school when social dynamics play a larger role.

4. Be Open and Collaborative. Conferences are most effective when approached as a team effort. Share relevant details about your child’s habits, routines, or challenges at home that may affect school performance. Work with the teacher to set realistic goals and strategies.

5. Follow-Up. After the conference, talk with your child about what you learned. Celebrate strengths and discuss how you’ll work together to improve in certain areas. If you and the teacher set goals, check in regularly to track progress.

Final Thoughts & Bring Along Worksheet for Northshore Parents. Parent-teacher conferences are more than a quick check-in—they are an opportunity to strengthen the bridge between home and school. By preparing questions, listening openly, and committing to follow-up, parents can help their children thrive academically and socially.
At iLearn Academy, we encourage families to stay actively engaged in their child’s education. Remember, you are your child’s first teacher, and working alongside classroom teachers is the best way to support lifelong learning.

Attached is a Checklist for Parents to bring to the conference.

Preparing for high school placement and standardized testing starts earlier than many parents expect. The Pre-ACT 8/9 is often a student’s first real introduction to college-readiness testing.

Why the Pre-ACT 8/9 Matters:

• Helps predict future ACT performance
• Identifies strengths and weaknesses early
• Assists parents and tutors in creating an academic roadmap

Preparing for the ACT/SAT can feel overwhelming, especially for busy high school students balancing school, sports, and extracurriculars. The good news is that with the right plan, Northbrook students can make significant improvements in as little as 8 weeks. At iLearn Academy, we’ve seen students raise their an average 6 points on the ACT and an average of 225 points on the SAT with focused preparation.

Step 1: Start With a Diagnostic Test, The first step to improvement is knowing where you stand. A full-length ACT mock exam helps identify strengths and weaknesses. This allows tutors and students to focus on the areas that will have the biggest impact. Mention this blog and we will waive the diagnostic test fee ($75 value).
👉 At iLearn Academy in Northbrook, we offer proctored mock exams every Saturday morning.

Step 2: Create a Personalized Study Plan. Every student is different. Some need more help with math, while others struggle with reading speed or grammar rules. A personalized plan:

• Targets weak areas (e.g., punctuation in English, word problems in math)
• Reviews core content
• Builds test-taking strategies

Step 3: Practice Under Timed Conditions. The ACT is not just about knowledge—it’s also about pacing. Practicing with timed sections teaches students how to move efficiently through the test and avoid running out of time.

Step 4: Learn Proven Test-Taking Strategies. High scorers don’t just rely on knowledge—they use strategies:

• Eliminate wrong answer choices quickly
• Plug numbers into equations
• Skim passages strategically
• Prioritize easy questions first

Our experienced tutors teach these strategies so students feel confident on test day.

Step 5: Build Confidence With Expert Guidance. Consistent support from an experienced tutor makes all the difference. At iLearn Academy, our North Shore ACT tutors provide clear feedback, encouragement, and strategies that keep students motivated.

Results in Just 8 Weeks. With commitment and the right guidance, students can see meaningful results in a short time:

• Stronger pacing
• Fewer careless mistakes
• Higher confidence
• Score increases that open doors to competitive colleges

Ready to Get Started? If your child is preparing for the ACT, don’t wait. An 8-week plan is enough time to make real progress.
📍 Contact iLearn Academy in Northbrook today to schedule a free consultation or sign up for a mock exam.