What is the difference between an ‘educational agent’ and an ‘educational consultant’?

Many families, once they have decided to pursue a boarding education or even just a short term educational experience abroad, turn to a local contact to help them find the right opportunity. Let’s face it, if you are in a foreign country or even a major city, and even if language isn’t an issue, finding a school that is appropriate to your child’s wants and needs is a daunting task. Often times, it is easier to have someone who deals with schools and education opportunities on a daily basis give you a hand. There are two options available to most families: consult an agent or hire an educational consultant. Like any decision to engage someone for advice, paid or otherwise, it is best to do a little homework before making your choice. Educational Consultants are generally professionals who charge a family a fee for service which usually includes interviews, learning…

Read moreWhat is the difference between an ‘educational agent’ and an ‘educational consultant’?

So you have been accepted to an independent school wait list, now what?

Waiting to learn of an admission decision or hearing from a school that you have been found acceptable but that they don't have a space for you can be frustrating, stressful and nerve wracking. Once you have been waitlisted for a school, what does it mean and what should, can you do? First, let's look at what being put on a wait list means. If you are in a "wait pool", it is the same thing. Some offices use "wait pool" instead of "wait list" as they do not want families to think that a "wait list" is prioritized. In my experience, whichever term is used, parents still want to know where their child 'is' on the wait list or where they 'are' in the wait pool. At Lakefield College School, we use the term "Accepted Pending Space" to also mean the same thing. All of these terms mean you…

Read moreSo you have been accepted to an independent school wait list, now what?

In Praise of Small Senior Elementary Schools

As a consultant and a Director of Enrollment I have encountered the problem of parents second guessing the value of a small school for their children as they approach the senior elementary years. It is usually a question of balancing a tween's social needs with their educational needs. Socially, senior elementary students are looking for more activities like dances and more athletic opportunities, things smaller schools can struggle with or are unable to provide. Yet Grade 7 and 8 students are not quite ready to be mainstreamed with Grade 11 and 12 students. Academically, smaller schools generally produce students well prepared for secondary school because they have had all important teacher time in an environment appropriate to their age level. They also have more opportunities to begin experiencing leadership roles as the 'senior' students in a small school. Parent anxiety about their child gaining entry to selective secondary schools can be…

Read moreIn Praise of Small Senior Elementary Schools