Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What services do you offer? 

Answer: We offer help to parents looking at a private independent schools and programs. These programs include: traditional boarding, day or summer boarding schools, wilderness or residental treatment prograns, military boarding schools, acute care medical facilities for substance abuse, mental health facilities as well as GAP year programs.

While provide direction and support for families who are unable to make these critical decisions themselves in a timely manner.  We help find the "right fit" for he right student.  in our assessment, we review all areas of the placement.  The scope of our services is to help those families or parents needing our help.

Many times we need to explain the philosophy or knoweldge of a school or program before entering into a formal agreement with our parents.  This allows us to work on your behalf.  Whether for academic remediation or to learn english, or to address a behavioral issue we provide the direction for all of our families and support them in the entire process.  

In more challenging or difficult situations, our services include: helping those parents with special needs students.  After leaving the school or program we follow up with your family.  When parents are unable to make those critical decision, about sending their child to a program, we support them in making this happen.  

We actually coordinate with the school and the parents the details for admission to helping complete any educational or psychological testing from the beginning of the placement to the end. In the case of traditional boarding school placement, we explain to the admsission requirements, deadlines, types of schools day to help parent make this choice.

We establishing the steps necessary to get the process moving forward and we help eliminate having to doing the work on your own.  This saves time and money. While some parents may be intially hesistant,  we familar explore the results of our placement by sharing testimonals of parents and students which have produced results. While some placements are no guarantee we do offer to continue to work with the family, often at no additional cost.

______________________________________________________________________________

Q: How much do you charge?

Answer:  Our fees are discussed with parents and are listed on our Getting Started link on the web site.  A retainer fee is usually required to begin and this fee is deduced from the cost of the total placement.  Domestic parents living in the United States pay the domestic agreement and international students pay a different fee. A final payment is due within 10 days after the placement. We do not negotiate fees or provide a free list of schools or programs.  We do offer a 30 minute discussion and review of your concerns, after you have completed our assessment and typically before signing our agrement.

Some parents, may need additional discussion after this and this is when our agreement is reviewed before making any final decision. We do help you understnd the agreement and review all issues in the agreement. We do not increase our fees as part of our agreement, but we do work on your behalf after your agreement is signed and payment is made.

Today, many parents have struggling economic challenges to afford services, and we will work with you, however this agreement is a mutual agreement with a six and twelve month payment plan. This means  the payment are divided while we continue to work with your family into two seperate payment over a six and twelve month period.  To avoid making any mistakes, parents might work with us on the back and front end of the placement in a school, so we make it clear in our agreement.  You can certainly call or email us your questions, at no cost, just to get a feel of how we work. This allows us to help you decide too!

Many parents "shop around for consultants", asking mulitple questions to avoid paying any fees.  We are very aware of this process and want to let these parents, know, this delays the process of working on your behalf.

We make every effort of making it clear of the terms and conditions of the agreement. This includes: signing the agreement and reviewing any concerns you might have by our consultant, after the 30 minute intial discussion, and completing the signaure pages of our agreement.

_____________________________________________________________________________

 Discussion:

It is far better to work with an educational consultant to help in this entire process. This helps avoiding making critical mistakes parents often make in doing this work on their own.

Answer#2: A non decision may be due to a parents own fears of not knowing a school or program and we explain this very complex process.  Choosing a school or program really depends on the academic and therapeutic needs of the student, 

However, to determine whether there is a need for some testing or referrals for testing> our consultant helps you avoid the making mistakes or overlooking areas, sometimes, made by parents.

Sometimes, a program might require an interview before admission. Other [rpgra,s pr schools might accept a student based on the information submitted by the consultant. at the time of admission. Because of our knowledge of schools and programs we are able to help you make this decision early.

In a traditional boarding, testing is a part of the application proces, in other schools or programs enrollment might be a rolling admission rather than a yearly enrollment. This might affect the admission process or it might require additional testing and submission by the consultant before acceptance.

Each student has their own unique needs, help by our consultant and part of helping yiu and your child.  This process includes some neuro psychological testing which might be required for a student in a special needs placement , or a more formal medical evaluation for a student with a known psychological profile.

Student's best fitted for a therapeutic school placement might not be accepted at a traditional boarding school.  In fact, they seldom are accepted. The focus might be different.  They are designed to help the student who are challenged are not always accepted in a more rigigiours school to improve their academic or learning challenges and maturity.

While our clincial specality staff are also involved in working with us, we also help the families we serve by doing aftercare and followup. We do recognize the range of needs in this areas whcih we address as part of our services to families.

Helping parent's with their most challenging situations is what we do best.  We arrange tours to schools, explain the philosohy of each school and explore any critical decisions with parents before making any final decision. Working closely with these families explaining step by step the needs of your child is essential to our practice.

Some parents, who are in crisis, may find it difficult to handle "out of control adolsecents". Working with these families, we offer support in getting their child to a program and follow up after entering the program.  Many parents, faced with these challeges, allow us help them decide on the program.  When a consultant works with a family we offer guidance and support, you cannot get from making a choice on your own. 

We follow your child from the begining of the placement to the end, in the admission process, to the discharge.  Working with parents, we help you understand an IEP, and how this works to helping your child.  This includes understanding a 504 plan or Manifestation Plan, which is sometimes used for behavioral challenges.. Many times we work with local education department in addressing funding for a school or program, which is essential to working with familes of special needs students. 

 ______________________________________________________________________

Q: What is the average length of time a student would attend a boarding school? 

Answer: Most students would attend a boarding school at the same time regular student attend in public school. While the start of the term, acceptance might be in the fall or winter most schools have a regular semester and summer program.  Many boarding schools also have enrichment programs.

______________________________________________________________________________

Q: What is the usual time frame for a student to attend a therapeutic school placement .

Answer: This really depends on the type of program or school. Many therapeutic schools have a open or rolling enrollment policy.  Placement may last for several months or at least 10-13 months  to well over a year.  

While this might be extended or reduced, the stay depends on the student reaching goals of the program and having a after care plan.  Most therapeutic programs establish measurable goals at the beginning and the students enters the program understanding its purpose and the parents know what to expect before a student leaves a program.

Many students return to their previous "home school", either to complete many of the courses they need for graduation or leaving a therapeutic school placement with school having some need to complete a few additional courses.

Most schools are accrediated and have graduation dates or an established curriculum and discharge dates.   A student may contnue their education while in a program until graduation or even graduate and enroll in college courses.  Most therapeutic schools students must meet the objectives or requirement of the state and local education agencies, often referred to as "LEA's", which is a term used for local education agencies. 

This term is often used to represent The Department of Education for their particular state is often used in this term.In most cases all courses are transferable and can be use in the next grade level. too but an educational consultant could determine this for the student.

Q: What schools or programs have you worked with in the past?  Answer::  Many of our placements and tours have been to schools around the country. Some of those schools include: Discovery Academy, Buxton School., Brandon Hall. Ridge Creek School, New Directions, Rumsley Hall, Miss Halls, Second Nature, Ridge Creek, Moonridge Academy, Red Rock Canyon School, Simons Rock, Pacific Quest, Sea Change, among so many other boarding, therapeutic schools and wilderness programs.  

Remember! Our consultant is familar with his speciality area, and this is the focus of his business.  This allows our own uniquness for the families to make key decisions.  In our practice we view many progams, both boarding, day, residental, therapeutic, and day schools. We also provide a link to our blog, which has comments on some of our tours and programs, explaing to parents our role.

Q: Do you work with parents who have children who have sexual conduct issues or have problems in this area?

Answer: Yes. There are many programs for boys and some have moved toward girls.  We help in both areas to address these very specialize clinical areas of treatmoenand have a strong psychiatric background knowing both the diagnosis of these conditionand the children and families we help from young children to adolescents. We also work with the clinical team in these settings.

Q: Do you work with children who are considered young adults?

Answer: Yes We do work with young adult.  In most cases these young adults need direction. support, supervision and most often medicartion management or in many cases a recovery program when drug or substance abuse is addressed.

 It is not only important to be in the right setting in this case, but to receive the right services by the professionals familar with these type of students.  We do aftercare and follow up with these students in the entire placement process as well as in patient treatment.

Parents of these students are often in a crisis.  We might recommend to the parents steps needed in making those key decision for addressing management or stabilzation of the student.  While many consultants who are famialr with working with young adults, mental illness or chemcial dependency often tend to need a guardian or parent to be involved in this process but aware thier child is now an adult.  

Our discussion is on helping these families deal with the challenges of both education and daily living issues often seen with these individuals. as well as recognizing these challenges in a sucessful placement setting.   

Young adults with mental health issues tend to have life skills issues in general and the educational piece is usually followed afterwards. We ask all parents to work with us in both the educational and living skills part of our services. Treatment is usually quite lengthy and very different from boarding school placement. An intensive treatment settings stablilization programs usually come before entering a school and sometimes a residental program is a better match vs a school or educational setting. '\

We do not generally recommend state facilities or all residental treatment programs as a placement option..  Instances where insurance is an issue we help the parents or the young adult understand insurance based programs may not offer the same length of stay as private pay facilities. In fact. most cases insurance based programs offer shorter length of stay with less chances for long term sucess.

______________________________________________________________________________

Q: Do you work with young adults or teens who have experimented with drugs or have problems in this area?

Answer: Yes.  Many young adults and children these days have either experimented or used drugs. Some have not. These students may need help in a specific program to address these needs.  Many of our therapeutic programs address this area and also have 12 step programs incorporated into their regular schedule. Some programs have off campus support groups. some with adults other with only adolsecents.

Most therapeutic  programs for young adults  or teens start at  age 12 or younger and continue with a older group about age 18 and through age 24 or older.  Although in many instances experimental use by young children is common,  many programs have younger and even older ages 

While some program do extend far beyond this age, it might be a consideration for a student even in their late 20's to work with an educational consultant in a program.

Q: Do you accept insurance as a form or payment at the prgrams you recommend?

Answer:  Most private schools or therapeutic schools and programs do not accept insurance as a general rule. While some program may consider a submit of a claim for payment it does not always mean it will be paid. In fact, it is seldom paid by most major  insurance carriers, unless it is determined to be a necessary and essential service.  This means it simply beccomes not reimbusreable when a program does not have this factored in and losses suffered by the high claims not paid will also result in losses by the insurance carrier.   This results in a great loss in profit, and equally is not cost efffective in operating some programs.

We do make every effort to explore all these options working with the families and the student in finding support financially for the placement   This might include working with the financial officer at the schools or program.

______________________________________________________________________________________________________

Q: What happens when a student is placed in the wrong school or program?

Answer:  A student placed in the wrong school or learning enviroment, can suffer a lifetime.  This can affect a students lives permanently or temporarily. An educational consultant can help parents understand the developmental proces of their child, leading to sucess. 

Some students who attend the wrong school may simply not have the direction needed to them help from achieving sucess.  Some student become rebellious, oppositional and defiant. not following rules, argumentative,  not motivated, sometimes leading to drug or substance use or legal altercations. 

While other students may struggle in certain subjects or failing classes, simply giving up, and become withdrawn and socially isolative.  Some children unable to ask for help do not say a word, and go in silence until, their behavior is recognized by a parent or teacher or educational consultant.

____________________________________________________________________________

Q: Why do parents send their children to boarding school ?

Answer: Many parents choose a boarding school because it offers a much broader education for most students. Parents often consider boarding school to be more challenging in curriculum in a traditional boarding school, for example, offers students who are gifted or exceptional might be the template for sucess.  But there are many types of schools, and they might be single-gender and coed boarding schools.

Boarding schools are not just for the elite or rich kids, they provide a unique enviroment for learning, which is often more diverse, offering many languages, teaching methods, experiences and opportunities.   They offer ethnic diversity higher academic and higher academic expectations.   Students come from all over the world, often seek a more rigorous curriculum and a different experience which is unique to boarding school.  Many students who attend boarding schools find the experience broadens their education and go on to attend very competitive colleges and universities. Many attend Ivy Leauge colleges like Harvard, Darmouth, Yale, Welsely, Smith, Barnard, Manhattan School for Music, Julliard, just to name a few.

Definition: A boarding school is a usually fee-charging school where some or all pupils not only study, but also live with fellow students and sometimes teachers. The word 'boarding' in this sense means to provide food and lodging.

Q: How much does it cost to go to a boarding school ?

Answer: Depends.  Most good boarding schools range from $40,000-$48,000 or evem higher. There are cheaper schools, however they are not always the better ones for some parents. Some schools have tuition based on the size of the school or their tuition is established by the board of directors or trustees, who decide on the cost of the school. 

Smaller schools with the same tuition can actually end up costing less, depending on how much financial aid is available at this particular school and the endowment established by the school.

Most consultants cannot quote prices to parents over the telephone, simply becaue the purpose of hiring a consultant it to help you in this process.  Selecting a boarding school takes time. Working with a consultant allows parents to not make a selection in haste, avoiding the pitfalls of choosing a school on your own.

Tuition generally goes up each year at most boarding schools  and many day or private schools. Parents who finance their child's education based on their own savings, is the most effective way to pay for a student attending boarding school. It is very common for parents to have to cover upfront fees. We find most parents have a good idea of the cost, but for those who do not, we discuss your options.

Merit scholarships and endowment funds are available at most boarding schools for students who perform well on standardized tests or academically. Some scholarships are offered at traditional as well as therapeutic schools during the school year to help defray the cost of tuition.

Some schools offer prorated tuition rates if the student starts in mid-semester. Most schools encourage parents to pay in advance - preferably in the fall. In the case of therapeutic schools. there is usally a up front cost paid by the parents at the start of the school.

Most schools will work with a consultant and parent to address their final need. Tuition usually includes: books and housing and meals and other expenses, Most boarding school students are given a allowance on a weekly basis, which can be used by the student.

In the long run attending boarding school can often save more money for parents. Those expenses can be calculated in the cost and it may be cheaper to attend a boarding school in the long run.

Q: Do you work with international students who have intererst in attending a traditional boarding school? 

Answer: Yes  In most instances a boarding school is a request of internatinal students who are looking a college or to learn English.  International students do vary from each country.  They tend to have their own standards for testing and interest in hiring a educational consultant or agent might be to navigate the process of finding a school for acceptance.

We do work with international agents who also know this market very well. We do travel to international conferences such as ICEF or School Connections, both wwho are very familar with working with us in this maket.  International agents and educational consultants looking at schools and programs is very common in this market.

Q:What is the most common reason for international student to attend a boarding school?  Answer: In most cases to learn English as a second language, the other reason is to become proficient in reading and writing before seeking acceptance in a college or university.

Q: Do you get paid by a school for placing a student in a particular school or program ?

Answer:  No. Domestic consultants do not get paid by a school for placing a student in a school.  International agents do get a fee for placement and this is sometimes paid by the school. Both are very common practices in the industry.

Q: What type of student goes to a boarding school?

Answer: Many different types of students attend boarding school. There are international students, student's who come from single-parent families or homes, adopted students, traditional families, with both parents, as well as those are living in the states and abroad. 

Many students who do attending boarding school in the United States seem to come from the eastern seaboard. However, territories such as Puerto Rico, The US Virgin Islands, Trinadad or even Guam are also included in this mixture of students at most schools. Many students come from Bermuda, Bahamas, as well as other carribeain islands.  The Asian countries such as: Korea, China, and the Phillipines are very common. We have meet students previously living in Ukraine, Russia, The Middle East are becoming a growing population for agents to work with families.

In our experience , most students are very mature having a much more global learning knowledge. However some students need a more structured learning experience by attending a school either here in the United States or abroad. This enables them to have a much broader perspective and learning experience as in the case of Asian families.

However,  many students come from parents who are deployed in the military, separated by distance or expatriate families. There are consultants who specialize in this area allowing parents who are temporarily or permanently stationed top receive help. We do work with other consultants addresssing this specialized area of placement.

Q: Is testing required for acceptance to a traditional boarding school?

Answer: Yes. Most boarding schools require student to take the (SSAT) Secondary School Achievement Test.  The SSAT is administered a many different locations around the country. Some consultants administer the test in their officesMost traditional boarding schools have a boarding component. Therapeutic boarding schools require students to meet their specific admission requirements, which generally involve submitting an application and requrested academic records, or even medical records. .

____________________________________________________________________________

Q: Do you work with student with development disabilities:

Answer: Absolutely! We do!   Many students who have developmental disabilites have a range of conditions from being significantly lower in IQ's to sometimes physical abnormalities.  Some students who have lower than 70 in overal interllectual function do need specialized services and direction by an educational consultant..

Students with these disabilities face many challenges, sometimes which can be overcome with help in a clincial setting or others services beyond a requireed knoweledge of a consultant who might may need to other services. Students with Down Syndrome or Williams Syndrome are a perfect example why placement in a school or direction to other services by a consultant may be needed. 

While the condition of these students do vary, we help these families to identify the best programs and services to meet their needs. Many times these conditions require well over a year or more for placement and in some cases additional support with another agency.

______________________________________________________________________________________

Q: What is a day boarding school student ?

Answer: This is a student who attends a boarding school but lives at home. Day boarding students sometimes become boarding students. Often, students live at home and later decide to become a boarding student. _____________________________________________________________________________________________

Q:What does an educational consultant do ?

Answer: An Independent Educational Consultant provide a range of services for families.  It is common for a consultant trained in working with families to helps parents and students with educational planning or  services directly impacting the needs of student.  Many consultants provide additional services including: testing or assessment to allow the parent (s) or student to make informed choices about a program or school before working with a family.  The job title does not appear in The Occupational Outlook Handbook. However. the title is similar yet different, in scope from a school counselor. It is not a position held in a school or a school district.

Most educational consultants are typically self-employed (or are part of consulting firm) working together with other consultants in many instances. Many consultants have a background in psychology, education, social work and psychology which has specific focus to help familes in their practice. Many consultant have training in mental health and educational therapy or education administration or direct classroom experience which is a very helpful in their practice.

Many consultants taking additional tours to visit schools and programs which is essential to becoming a consultants also have certification or membershp to organizations  A consultant who has not toured many not have first hand knowlege of a school or program. so its important to ask them.  

Many consultants have affiliations with varied professional organizations which support their particular practice. In our case we address the associations which are most familar in our student placements or options and are continually keeping our memberhships and affiliations with these organizations up to date.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Q: What type of testing might be requested by an educational consultant?

Answer: Many students have already been tested in school at different grade levels, but some students still might need to re-tested after placement in a school or program. Many consultants will request educational testing, depending on the needs of the student. Many therapeutic programs require a full battery of psychological testing and educational testing before entering a program.  In a traditional boarding school this testing is not required but an admission test or essay may be required. The purpose testing might be to address the psychological and educational needs of the student.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Q: Are there a registration fees for boarding school?

Answer : Yes.  Most boarding schools have registration or application fees. Don't let this be confused with tuition. These are separate from tuition fee. These fees are to secure the student place at the school and pay for the application.

Completing the admission packet is just part of the process but their are sometimes additional fees includes paying for activities, health insurance and other fees not a part of the tuition. Most boarding schools require both parents or the principle parent paying for tuition to sign the agreement for payment with the school.

Acceptance in a boarding school or program generally starts with a letter of acceptance.  All registration fees are payable by the parent in advance of the school year. Traditional boarding schools do have registration fees at the time of school. Most therapeutic boarding schools have a registration and tuition fee when a student starts a program but this can be prorated to the start of the program. 

Most consultants will advise the parents of both fees regarding either aboarding school or therapeutic school. Payment options or arrangements for registration and tuition are generally discussed before entering a program. 

Most consultants feel more comfortable addressing the tuition fees with parents in the comfort of their homes or offices.  However, before the placement is completed this needs to be clarified. Those fees which are not part of the consultant fees can sometimes be confusing. but regarding schools, there is an increase annually.

Early application for students who attend college also is an advantageous to not only secure a spot at a school but also to anticipate the tuition increase the following year. Most consultants working on the admission side of the placement discuss the registration process with the school administrator. _____________________________________________________________________________________________

Q: What are the fees for therapeutic boarding school ?

Answer: Therapeutic boarding schools can cost as much as $190,000 a year. or less. Therapeutic boarding schools have specific fees or registration and application fees. These fees secure the student a place at the school. Most therapeutic boarding schools provide complete housing and food for students, including payment for activities and in some cases equipment for recreational programming or athetics.  In some settings, where equine therapy or art therapy or recreational therapy a program may require clothing, or additional fees which is factored into the tuition and fees for the school.

The cost for most boarding or therapeutic boarding schools rises annually. We discuss all fees and tuition when we meet to help parents understand both the cost and the many services available at therapeutic boarding schoo. or a traditional boarding school or residental treatment program. _____________________________________________________________________________________________

Q: Why do you often place a student in a wilderness program before a therapeutic boarding school placement?

Answer: This is not a simple answer. It may vary from consultant to consultant, however in general.  A student might go to a wilderness program when they are not yet able to be in a school setting. Most consultants will place a student in a wilderness program, to be assessed clinically by a therapist before attending a therapeutic school or program. Students faced with significant behavioral challenges might also benefit from this type of placement, particularly when behavior is the single matter in change.

We need to identify these behaviors in a wilderness program so that improvements will occur. Therapeutic boarding schools are usually a step up from a wilderness program. Wilderness programs have a shorter length of stay but a placement really involves transitioning the student from one program to another. Many parents may not be fully convinced a wilderness program is the right choice for their child. However, we hve found after student are in the program, change does happen.  The best choice, from our experience with students, is to move the student in the right program when the progress or behavior is not manageable at home, Most of our placements in a therapeutic boarding school start at 45 days may be at least 90 days.

We can usually make a smooth transition when the student is emotionally stable and has worked on behaviors before after entering the program and this might include: family workshops or family therapy  which is coordinate by the educational consultant and the clinical staff at the school.

Q: What is the difference between a boot camp and and wilderness program?

Answer:  A boot camp is a corrective program not a therapeutic intervention to address adolescents. While these programs may have gained popularity in the media, many are not licenced or accrediated.  In many situations, adolescents who attend these program are not provided with educational services or family therapy. Many children who attend these programs become more resistive and oppositional.  As a consultant. We do not recommend these programs  A wildrenss programs offer clinically trained staff,  with significant training usually at least 60 hour with a undergraduate or graduate degree, which  is a better match for our students.

This type of program helps parents to understand their child's behavior.  Many student enrolled in a wilderness progam, have at least a three months length of stay or longer, and are followed up by a therapeutic boarding school placement. A wildreness program offers a much broader support and re supervied by tranded individual who have a background in family therapy. This provides more support for helping a student with emotional growth issues and maturity challenges.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Q: Exactly how does boarding school or therapeutic boarding school work ?

Answer: Boarding schools – both single-gender and coeducational - provide a range of academic courses that are both challenging and sometimes referred to as elite preparation for college. Most schools provide a variety of options for parents. Boarding school has a broad range of courses, including foreign languages, mathematics, natural and physical sciences, advanced mathematics, geometry, calculus, and trigonometry. Many also offer extracurricular activities such as community service, clubs, and interscholastic and intramural athletics ranging from lacrosse and soccer to swimming, volleyball, and tennis, golf, skiing, and snowboarding. Most boarding schools have dramatic arts, creative arts, and music classes for students as well.

All boarding schools have house parents who supervise the students and plan weekend activities. Field trips are generally common on weekends., Shopping is always arranged by a supervising staff or faculty in a boarding school. Students are seldom left alone in a boarding school and have rules and expectations, which are explained to students during the orientation period. Most schools have a zero tolerance for drugs and alcohol abuse. Violations generally result in expulsion or a restictions and smoking is definately prohibited.

There is always a dress code and campus rules at most boarding schools and this is similar at a therapeutic school or program. We visit as least 50 schools annually and many schools know that we often must explain the difference to parents.  Military boarding schools and single-gender and coeducational boarding schools do have a code of honor.  Most boarding schools do have high expectations for students as well as parents.

Boarding schools do have parent committees and they to support the school and its students.  Therapeutic boarding schools offer parent workshops and work differently from traditional boarding schools.

They help students with academic and emotional challenges and learning differences. A recommendation for placement in a therapeutic school is based on the consultant's experience, assessment and needs of the student. Most parents will find that a consultant has a background in a specific placement area works well. The consultant will also know the various schools and programs.

Most consultants will not place a student in a therapeutic setting unless they have some knowledge of the student's psychological needs or educational needs. This includes academic history and current level of function. Often, a consultant will refer a family to a psychologist before placement to identify the psychological capabilities of the student. The consultant might need to determine if the student can meet the challenges of returning to school.

When a student resists complying with regular school, the consultant may recommend choosing another therapeutic placement rather than a regular school. Most therapeutic boarding schools have smaller class size and individual therapy (or even family therapy sessions) as part of their program. Academically many students needs are addressed in both of these settings, however the rules and expectations are significantly different in therapeutic boarding school, from traditional boarding school. 

Most students in a therapeutic school have travel restrictions and rules until they earn privileges through some reward system and have supervision in the program for visits and passes. Family may visit but generally after completing the goals of the program. 

 _____________________________________________________________________________________________

Q: What schools would you recommend to a family?

Answer: Most educational consultants meet with parents before any schools are recommended. Remember, we do not work for a particular independent school - we are independent from the schools and progams we serve. The families we our principle investors in working with school is critical to our business, since the needs of families come before making any final decision on a school.

There can be no successful placement by a consultant without knowing the family or parents and the school. The question most parents asks most often is “Can you tell me just any school?” We do not generally recommend any school without visiting the school  or touring.

While a list of schools or suggest of any school or program would not be wise to provide to any parent, by a consultant without meeting the parents. Working to help parents by offering the “best options” is what we do best. This approach allows us to meet parents and the student and assess their needs and discuss the schools we know best.  This makes hiring a consultant so important. _____________________________________________________________________________________________

Q: Would you say a therapeutic boarding school would be a good place for my son or daughter?

Answer: Well, it depends. Most students who need to be in this setting have a good reason. Typical a reason for this type of placement is that they are not successful in a regular school setting.

Many students in a therapeutic setting are either failing, not attending, or unable to get along with other students or teachers. Yes, a therapeutic boarding school can be the better choice. when some determinatin has been made by the consultant.

However, selecting the right therapeutic boarding school takes time. and this include: finding out the age, type of program it might be and the type of staffing or length of the program. Most students sent to a therapeutic school or program with challenges find that an educational consultant helps them find their way. _____________________________________________________________________________________________

Q: What do you think is the best college for my son or daughter?

Answer:  There is really no specific “best” college or school for all students. Most parents looking for the best schools are referring to colleges.typically familar and not schools they are not familar with.  Thus an individualized program for students with special needs might be different than a regular college student or a student needing t learn English different from a community college student.

We have found parents who have pre-determined idea that a specific school, like Harvard, Yale or Princeton. realize that many boarding schools will be the gateway to their child's career. Not all schools will fit the same student. A smaller school might work better for a student, others a larger school is fine.

When you meet with us, we help you make the best choice. Remember, choosing a school or program is an individual choice or option. Even if a parent has attended a college, it may not be the right school for their child.

Most parents who have gone this route choose a school for their child, may find that they have less success when the choice is based simply on a family tradition. In fact, most students who move in this direction drop out of school in the first year. _____________________________________________________________________________________________

Q: Do you help with financial aid?

Answer: Depends. We do advise families, but we do not provide grants or scholarships.  We do know about financial-aid resources. We can help parents identify resources available. While we do offer information about financial aid at a a particular school, we cannot negotiate tuition. 

Some schools will offfer a reduction in tuition simply by hiring an educational consultant. We also review with families their financial aid needed before we make help you make a decision.   We cannot offer any certainty about whether a family will receive a scholarship or reduction in tuition if they attend a specific school or program but we do help familes in this area.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Q: How long does it take to gain admission to a boarding school?

Answer: Boarding schools have admission closing dates just like any private school. It generally takes a few months to gain acceptance in a school. Parents need to apply early to some schools and meet with a consultant to determine both the admission and closing dates of the school. Therapeuic boarding school, generally have a open admission policy, and a student can be admittted throughout the year, depending on the number of students and the size of the program.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Q: What are your fees?

Answer: Our fees a part of our contract agreement mentioned on our web site on the assessment area.  Parents can dicusss our fees and contact by dowloading the information, reading it and calling us if you have any questions.  We find if we provide all information about our fees and services without meeting or explaining our services it simply defeats the placement.  We will also provide a breakdown of these fees at our agreement.

We do send you a contract  when a parent does not have access to a computer or needs the information which can be reviewed regarding our fees. It is better to meet you in person rather than sending information to a parent without a clear discussion of your placement needs.  We do however accept fees before we meet and after reviewing our contract and discussing our services which is our normal business practice. we can arrive with a payment agreement.

 A placement based solely on a discussion of fees is not advisable with our business and we simply will not discuss fees before we discuss our services. All of our fees are one-time fees. There are no add-on fees for services. We charge a basic fee for a placement and a retainer fee is requested.  We have a different fee for international student simply because it requires more time and has significantly more challenges. and takes a considerable amount of time.  These fees are still basic with a retainer fee.

When you read through the contract, you can decide if our services will meet your needs. We do not pressure parents into signing an agreement nor do we allow services without payment. We do want you to understand this is a business. We cannot provide information free of charge or discuss a placement without your help. Please review our contract or request a contract via e-mail to be sent to your address through our email at info@educatonal-planning-and-couseling.org or educationalplanning@hotmail.com. _____________________________________________________________________________________________

Q: Do you help with college placement?

Answer: Yes, we work on college placements both some domestic and some international placement. Our expertise is working with special needs students in this area. but we also work with gifted students, parents with children in K-12 grades, LD students, or students with special needs are typically our population.  We find that parents need our help in the early grades as well as the middle school level.

We find it much better to start college planning earlier. Helping students in middle school shows significantly more success. We offer help in testing for college and meeting these important deadlines. College testing varies with each school and the admission requirements vary for incoming freshman versus transfer students but knowing the placement process can help parents. _____________________________________________________________________________________________

Q: What services do you provide to help my child immediately? How can you help my child?

Answer: We help parents offer options that meet your immediate needs. Sometimes we have to work through various placement options available, before or have this in our discussion, but we are familar with all options, since some schools have limits to enrollment or only allow a certain number of students to be admitted.  

A single placement requires at least 40 hours of clock time to work with the student and parent (via telephone or meeting), review educational records, request records from schools, arrange psychological testing, arranging tours, or discuss financial aid options, and of course finally getting to the school or program. We can help by defining the needs of the student before they consider a school. This requires time but can prevent an unsuccessful placement. _____________________________________________________________________________________________

Q: Why should I hire an educational consultant?

Answer: An educational consultant is the most qualified professional to assist parents in a placement of their child. An educational consultant knows how to help parents in this process and save hours of time and money. Most consultants will not do a placement without a visit to a school or program.  Hiring a consultant much energy on the part of the family. _____________________________________________________________________________________________

Q: Do you have any information you can send me?

Answer: Yes, of course! We have found most parents requesting information are simply looking for more information or shopping around and that is fine.

We will be happy to meet with you. Our initial free 30 minute consultation provides basic information about our services. We find it simpler to meet with you after this, in person.  A conference call is also possible to talk to you when distance is a problem. Of course, after the initial meeting, we cannot continue to discuss all of your options without an agreement in place to explain our services.

Unfortunately it is very costly to discuss a placement without some committment. Parents usually come to some decision about our services after we meet. 

 _____________________________________________________________________________________________

Q: Can you provide us a list of reference?

Answer:   Yes. Many parents ask us for references. We would be happy to provide this information. We cannot disclose our clients to other clients without their consent.  When parents ask for us for references. They generally asking: "can we speak to someone you worked with?” We feel that parents need information about our services, but we cannot disclose information about other clients or students. 

The information we are able to share is always considered confidential. We need to talk to our clients. Before you contact our references we must ask their permission.  When a family decides not to discuss the placement it is simply a personal choice, not a reflection of our business.

It is not a reflection of our business. We must maintain the highest level of personal integrity and confidentialty for our business and our clients. We never say never! Our willingness to work with parents to maintain our commitment is very important.

We know that there are always the exceptions to any business where a client is not satisfied. However, our standing with the Better Business Bureau reflects, an A rating with no complaints filed by any of our clients in our business practices.  We are in this business to help parents and families we serve.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Q: I am an international student. Can you help me ?

Answer: Yes of course. 

We regularly work with international students. and it is common to hear from students in India, China, Korea, Africa, and Europe.  International students follow the same process when applying to a boarding school or college. We help them through the entire process.

International students must file an I-20 or student visa for acceptance in a program. This is generally handled by the school after acceptance. Without exception, international students must follow the laws of this country. A legal passport and visa is the only acceptable form of identification for international students.

When a student or family member misrepresents themselves in the admission process or if a misrepresentation is discovered by our consultant – such as a misleading or false report concerning citizenship status or visa status - we will discontinue services.  Similarly if a parent misrepresents themselves, we will discontinue our services.

We have discovered, when a student has committed a felony or other criminal act that results in felony or mistemenor charges, we will discontinue our services. When parents are familar with how internationa placement works, it is always better. Then we will work with you as long as you are honest.

Answer: Therapeutic boarding schools can cost as much as $140,000 or even more a year. Therapeutic boarding schools have registration and application fees, just like regular boarding schools. These fees secure the student a place at the school. Most therapeutic boarding schools provide complete housing and food for students, and, in some settings, if specific clothing is required this is provided as part of the fee. The cost for most boarding or therapeutic boarding schools rises annually. We discuss all fees and tuition when we meet to help parents understand both the cost and the many services available at therapeutic boarding schools and regular boarding schools.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Q: What is a transport service ?

Answer : A transport service is a fully bonded service we use to get students to a program. We have our own service we feel are they are most reliable and effective in the business. When we transport a girl to a program we use a female transport, when we transport a boy we use a male transport, and in most cases two transports. We do not use physical restraints or chemical restraints in transporting students to a program. This is why we need to meet to discuss these issues when a student has significant behavioral or management issues.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Q: I am interested in a private school for my son or daughter? I can only spend a certain amount for a school, can you help me?

Answer:    Yes Maybe-Maybe Not. Many parents who request a private school may not understand the difference between a private school and a private boarding school. We help parents to understand specific school or program, with limits to the cost of a school. Some parents will find that it might be difficult working with a consultant when the cost for the program is higher than they can afford. In these instances we try to help the parent no matter what the circumstance but we provide options which are realistic. Consultants cannot determine the needs of a student based on a specific dollar amount attached to a school by the parent(s).

Most consultants cannot afford to remain in this business when a parent has determined that they cannot afford specific school or program. This does not mean we will not work with a parent, if the school is within our range for services.

Many parents will find searching for a school most private school may

cost much more than public school. We simply cannot afford to send a student to a junior boarding or upper level school that is less than the average public school.

The average family paying regular taxes pays about $7, 3000 per year in regular public school. So asking a consultant to find a school that is less than a public school may not be realistic for the consultant.  Special needs students are given $28,000 per year for special education services at public school. However, unless supported by an IEP most districts have not paid for a private school placement. There have been exception in the case of Oregon, who was ruled by the Supreme Court decision in 2000.

Most private day schools alone range from $11.000 and higher. Although we would like to work with you, we certainly want to do our very best to find the best school for you, at a afforable priced. Some school districts have paid for special education services in a private school.

International parents will find that in most cases the cost for a private school is twice or three times the cost for many students living outside the country. We would be happy discuss with you the options you have, but we have to be realistic. We cannot find a school that is simply not affordable, when the parent has limited resources. Our goal is to find the resources for you and this takes time by the consultant.  We ultimately want to help you find the best option for you and your child.

Maintaining the highest level of personal confidentiality with parents is important to us in this business, so we do not discuss with other parents or consultants your credit worthiness, for a school or program. We have to work out all these details with you in addressing your child's needs. Therefore, it is essential for us to meet, to talk on the telephone and to let you know all the details. It is probably better for you to contact us via email or telephone.

We are available most of the time any day of the week, so please call us at your convenience. Our willingness to work with parents to maintain our commitment is very important. We have to discuss many area of placement when it comes to finances, with a parent and sometimes, the reality of having to pay less than public school for a private school is simply not available in this case we would be both open and honest with you.

We know. In many instances, there are simply limits to your budget, especially in these times. But knowing these constraints, there are always the exceptions, any business relationship with parents, must be based on trust don information which is accurate and clear. Whether parents can afford a school or program is up to the parent, not the consultant. But we will work with you in all areas to address your needs and want to maintain a relationship with you based on trust and confidence. This business is t o help parents. With that comes the need to provide them with information to support our practice as a professional

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Q: I am looking for a private school for my daughter or son? We are interested in art and music school would like to find a school. Can you help me?

Answer: Yes. Sure! Many parents call us and ask this question! It is a question that cannot be answered over the telephone. Simply because, it conjures other questions by parents, which we have found leads to a “ton” of other questions: like: How much does it cost? Can't you give me a price? Do you think you can get my son or daughter in a program or school “now”? Why not? Why is that school so expensive? “We could never afford that kind of school! Thanks anyway!” We recommend parents read our FAQ because in our discussion addressing many o f these issues can be discussed there. Simply reply to us via email. Many of the same topics or questions regarding, cost for private schools and boarding schools, can only be discussed after we meet.

When a parent is looking for a specific school or program, and that might be a performing arts or music school there are several options. One is to find out if the student is interested in attending the school. Second if the parents can afford the school, but we need to talk to parents, because they might have several options not just one. Generally, many parents have made up their mind about this school or that school “sticks in their mind”.

This might be difficult for the consultant to redirect the parent in a placement, especially when they are “dead set” on the expectations not taking into account the schools requirements for admission, dates for acceptance, and the number of other variables.

We suggest you go directly to our school listing and read more about the schools enrolled in the school not to mention the other details which the consultant will need to review with the parent. Parents call us to discuss more specific concerns; mostly about boarding school life rather than a program. We do have knowledge of schools that have cultural arts and performing arts programs, which is the purpose of retaining a consultant.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Q: My son or daughter is leaving a wilderness program can you find a school for them? We don't have much time!

Answer : Yes. Yes! This urgency by parents is very common after a student leaves a program. We would be happy to find a placement for your child. We need to discuss the school and when you would like to do the placement. We have found some parents who have students in a wilderness program are fern in a crisis and need our help immediately. We attempt to place the student in a school as quickly as possible to avoid any confusion about our services. We believe, when a parent ask us for information and takes the steps themselves without follow-up or polite call back this breaches our relationship with you and this is simply not a good way to do business. We will not work with parents who do this and it is simply not a good relationship to begin. When parents are not honest with us it is a breach of our contract agreement and we will probably not continue our relationship with you. So please be honest and fair in our business practice which reflects the need to support our business and our clients.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Q: We are planning on moving? Can you tell us a school in the area where we will be living?

Answer: Depends.  We can provide you a list of schools in your area, but thisis noe our purpose,  because you are moving. but we will meet you to address the concerns you have and this type of consultation might be for advise not direct placement.

 We can talk to you about finding a school based on your child's needs and our ability to discuss these options in a school placemement. Many parents hire a consultant when they are unfamiliar with an area and need to find a school. Many parents are forced to relocate these days due to or a job change or military duty or deployment. Which can be very stressful? We help each family in selecting a school when this happens. We of course always prefer to meet parents shortly after they have relocated.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Q: Do you provide follow up or home-visits?

Answer: Yes . We do follow-ups with ALL of our students. We make all attempts to arrange our tour dates around visiting students so we have regular contact with them. In many cases we will see a student at the same time we visit a school. Simply because it allows us to work with the student and to see the program changes. Case management is often done with other student when more regular visits are required. We do address this in our contract and we use a health care model, however the term dispute resolution is not one we use. We work with schools and parents in the follow-up and contact with parents, not to resolve conflict but to make sure follow-up is done.

Case management of a client does require some additional time. Particularly with students who are international placements and we need to visit them regularly to make sure they are adjusting. We call the school frequently and make sure reports are sent to parent, so they know the academic success of students. We make monthly calls to the schools, if not weekly calls to speak to a counselor and many times the Director of the Program, since they are familiar with us, after the placement is completed.

Parents can be reassured that this is part of our services.

Home-visits : Home-visits are rather common for most consultants. We find that parents really appreciate consultant visiting them in their home. They are more relaxed and in most cases, particular when a student is going to a boarding school we can talk to both the parents and the students. Part of why parents hire a consultant to address their child needs, results in some contact with the family. We find that most parents feel more comfortable in a home setting. We can also fly to your city our country or where we can work with you individually.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Q: Do you have a contract?

Answer: Yes!  Always! This agreement is sent to you in a pdf file which you can review this on line too!. There is also a release of information with this agreement  and a clear description of our services, which we update. The agreement is normaly for one year unless the student is placed in a school or program for a longer period of time.  This is renewable after one year. Most placements last well over a year, and this requires might require additional time by the consultant.   All fees are discussed in the contract agreement before a signature is required.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Can we request a refund for your services? What payment method can we make?

Q: Answer: Yes, of course.  You must do this in writing no longer than (10 days) after the admission letter or acceptance has been received by the student from the school or program. A  breach of the contract agreement is not refundable and is explained before entering this agreement.

This means if a student or parent “pulls out of a school or is expelled or asked to leave the school or the parent removes the student without the consent of the school or discussion with the consultant  there is no refund. When the student leaves the program involuntarily without the permission of the school or faculty and there no  discussion between the parent and the consultant this is non refundable.

Refund payment can be made by check or direct deposit in your account to make ths convenient and hassel free. Please go to getting started for more information on fees. We have never had an unsatisfied client in our entire practice which requested a refund or who expressed dissatisfaction with our services?

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Q: What happens when a parent defaults in paying the tuition to the school fees or tuition?

Answer: Sometimes a parent may not pay the tuition at a school or program in a timely manner. This is a serious issue and can result in the school either withdrawing the student or holding the transcripts. Parents who do not pay tuition cause great harm to their children and the relationship with the school. We will work with you to help resolve this issue but when a parent does not pay for the school tuition or fees this is a very serious issue!

Q: What type of assessment is used in a therapeutic boarding schools or barding schools?

Answer : Most consultants are familiar with a battery of assessments used in therapeutic school placement . We are familiar with the MMPI Adolescent, The WISC, Beck Depression Scale, The Wood-Cock Johnson III, SASI, just to name a few. These assessments are varied and used by both educational cosultants and psychologist or other clinicans. This fee may vary with each professional but generally a separate fee is given to a parent before the testing is administered by the school or the consultant.  We do address this in the contract or deferred to the school or program when needed.

This allows us to know your child and for us to know you better. Other educational testing or psychological testing may be requested by the consultant or school depending on the needs of the student and the family . Generally, most schools complete a full battery test at the time when the student enters or is placed in a school, depending on the type of school and the setting. Boarding schools have s separate testing for admission and some day schools have testing for admission.

_______________________________________________________________________________________

Q: Do you provide services for students with ADD, ADHD. or Asperger's Syndrome or  similar disorders?

Answer: Yes. Students with attention deficit hyperacivity or high functioning autism are often referred to as Asperger's are seem by our consultant. While the placement of these student might vary.  Most parents will find their concerns about the type of school or services of these students will be address in the placement process.  A consultant may vary working with these students. 

Many concerns by parents usually involves seeking recommendation by a teacher or a physican or addressing an IEP for these students in public school.  Parents are increasing ly more concern these days about medication and its need for their child.  Many times a consultant cna help a family by working with the school or agency to develop an individual education plan.  While some parent's frequenly call us regarding these issues, can help them understand these matters or concers serving as an advocate. 

We may help parents to address a legal concern for these students or we may find a better school setting.  We do this by attend IEP meetings, which are required for special education students. at the request of the family, often advising them. or referring them to legal cousel when needed.  Children with ADHD and Autism have a range of differences and on one child is the same.  This disorders is not due to parenting skills, but may be linked gentically and biologically based on the brains chemistry of the child or some believe childhood vaccines, but they have been disputed in the medical community.

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Q: How do we reach you ?  We always check our messages and when you are attempting to reach us, simply leave a message for a call back.  When we are on tour at a school or conference we will always send you an email or call directly as soon as we are available.  Most of our calls are answered the same day, unless we are on tour or at a conference or meeting with another client or family. Please know we will always get back wituh you.

Thank you for reviewing our FAQ. Please e-mail any questions you have to Educational Planning and Counseling Services Please submit at educationalplanning@hotmail.com or info@educational-planning-and-counseling.org or call us for any further information at 011 for international calls or locally 623 398-5669.