Empowering Parents Strengthening Families Inspiring Growth
What is Parenting School?
Parenting School is an educational initiative created to empower, inform, educate, and equip parents with tools that support positive parenting and promote every child’s healthy development. At Developing Minds, we believe that raising children is a shared journey between school and family. Through Parenting School, we open a space dedicated exclusively to parents, one that nurtures community, learning, and reflection.
What to Expect
Every two months, we will host a Parent Education Night (or Morning): a special session just for parents featuring an expert talk on key topics in education, child development, parenting, or family well-being.
Sessions are in-person, interactive, and carefully designed to provide meaningful strategies you can apply right away.
This is a parent-only event, children may not attend.
Objectives of Parenting School
Empower parents to make informed, confident decisions.
Inform families with the latest research and evidence-based practices.
Educate parents on the most important aspects of child development.
Equip you with practical tools to support emotional, social, and cognitive growth.
Our ultimate goal is to build stronger, more connected families, in alignment with our school's values of holistic, play-based, and 21st-century learning.
Meet Our Founder & Lead Educator
Mariana Carazo – Founder, Head of School, Pedagogy & Curriculum
Mariana Carazo is not just the founder and Head of School at Developing Minds—she is the heart and visionary force behind a bold educational revolution. With a Master’s degree in Curriculum & Teaching from Columbia University and over two decades of experience leading curriculum innovation and pedagogical transformation, Mariana has devoted her life to redefining what learning can be. An expert in play-based, inquiry-driven education, she has built her own learning lab from the ground up—transforming a humble garage into a thriving micro-school and proving that true learning flourishes when children are given freedom, purpose, and joy. Her mission goes far beyond opening a school—Mariana is pioneering a movement to restore childhood, replace outdated practices with brain-aligned teaching, and create learning environments where each child is empowered to think, lead, and love learning. Her story is one of courage, creativity, and commitment to a future where education meets the needs of this century—not the last.
Session Selection
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First Session: FREE
We are excited to invite you to our first-ever Parenting School session, completely free of charge! This event is a perfect opportunity to experience the style, depth, and community of Parenting School before we begin regular, paid sessions.
🧠 The Gut–Brain Connection & Why Food Matters
Date: November 24, 2025 | Time: 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Cost: $45 per person
Limited availability
Did you know your child’s gut health can impact their mood, focus, and learning? In this insightful session, we’ll explore how the gut and brain are deeply connected, and why nutrition plays a powerful role in behavior, emotional regulation, and overall development.
Parents will learn how everyday food choices can support brain function, reduce anxiety, and promote emotional balance in children. You’ll leave with practical tips on creating brain-healthy meals and supporting your child’s development from the inside out.
This session is designed to empower parents with science-backed knowledge in a simple, approachable way.
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📱 The Effect of Screens on Development
Date: February 21, 2026 | Time: 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Cost: $45 per person
Limited availability
Screens aren’t the enemy, but understanding their effects is essential. In this eye-opening session, we’ll explore what happens in the developing brain when children are exposed to screens and how screen time can influence attention, language, behavior, sleep, and emotional regulation.
More importantly, we’ll focus on how to replace screen time with meaningful play, and how to introduce screens in a conscious, developmentally appropriate way. You'll learn why play is the most powerful substitute for screens in early childhood, and how to teach your child to use technology mindfully, not mindlessly.
This session is not about shame or fear, it’s about equipping parents with tools and knowledge to make confident decisions and foster healthier screen habits at home.
This session is a must for every parent navigating the digital age.
