Star blue.png

THE PROCESs

Selection and Counseling

School selection and counseling is a comprehensive service that begins in late summer or early fall. Families meet to discuss and answer questions about their children, their views of school, what has and has not been effective so far, and the different types of schools available in the Washington area (and, for boarding school applicants, around the country). Selection and counseling includes the services listed below, as appropriate. (Not all families engage all services.)

  • Interviews and conversations with parents (and with applicants to grade 4 and above)

  • Review and discussion of grades and school reports

  • Review and discussion of standardized testing and professional evaluations

  • Discussions of schools identified by parents

  • Discussion of advantages and disadvantages of boarding schools

  • Recommendations for schools to consider

  • Recommendations for additional testing and resources (if indicated)

  • Recommendations for test preparation services

  • Discussion of teacher recommendations

  • Discussion of application calendar

  • Evaluation of the likelihood of admission at particular schools

  • Discussion and coaching on student school visits and interviews

  • Discussion and coaching on parent interviews

  • Complete review of applications

  • Advising on unusual conflicts between schools

  • Discussion of admission options after offers are received

  • Strategic counsel on wait-list decisions

  • Preparation for matriculation

  • All other questions and concerns as they arise throughout the year

Hourly Consultation

Sometimes families have specific questions that require less discussion and planning than a full application process involves. For example, sometimes parents would like opportunities for their children to practice interview techniques, would like to receive advice on their application responses, or begin the process after initial deadlines and notifications have passed. In these cases, a full-service process doesn’t make sense, and I am happy to discuss hourly billing.

A note on Fees

I try to be sensitive to differences in family resources, and I often adjust fees based on family circumstances. If you are committed to applying to independent schools but are concerned about fees, please get in touch so we can discuss your situation.

CAN I HELP WITH A WAITLIST?

Counsel on strategy for navigating waitlist situations is a standard aspect of my work each year with a handful of families. Most (but not all) of those situations have resolved favorably.

I generally do not accept new clients solely to provide counsel on waitlist situations in the spring. I begin work with families at the beginning of a school year, and of course some of those students are placed on waitlists as well. I try to avoid situations in which new clients looking for just a little advice might put longer-term clients at a disadvantage.

Will i help your child find a “perfect fit”?

Probably not. It is a rare family that never encounters a conflict with their school, especially over the long term. Instead of adopting the “one-ism” approach that’s common in school searches, I help families discover the advantages and disadvantages of various schools, and evaluate those attributes so they can make good, confident decisions. Almost all children can find success at a range of different schools. If you’re not expecting to find one magic, perfect fit, you’re more likely to find options where your child can adapt and thrive.