Comprehensive educational guidance and placement services
Navigating Educational Pathways for
Your Child's Future
FAQ
What consultation fees are involved?
Fees are based on the type of services rendered. They are calculated in one of three ways:
- Assessment/evaluation (meeting with the parents and student, review of documentation, consult with the referral source)
- Flat, all inclusive fee for school search and placement of the child, (College, local day or boarding school, special needs facilities (wilderness, emotional growth/therapeutic, residential treatment), or Summer programs.
Ms. Kahn can provide an abundance of programs from which to choose in order to satisfy the interests of thosestudents who wish to pursue this year of personal exploration.
College
When do I start the process?
Typically, students begin the process during their junior year, but some students like to come earlier to get tips on what activities to involve themselves in or which courses to take in 9th and 10th grade.
Do you help prep for the SAT?
Referrals are made to professionals who help prepare students for the SAT or who may need help with specific subjects.
Can results be guaranteed?
Every effort is made to enhance a student’s strengths and position them for admission to an appropriate institution; however, it is the student’s credentials which will ultimately determine their admissibility.
Where have you sent students?
Our college clients have gone all over the country and to many different types of colleges and universities, from the “Ivie’s” to big state schools, to smaller liberal arts colleges. There is a college for every student.
Special Needs
Are therapeutic programs worth the cost?
Special purpose schools and programs are very expensive. Ms. Kahn, as an experienced and competent professional, can increase the odds that the first choice of a school or program will be the “right” choice, helping to avoid additional failures for the child. Being able to reduce the possibility of losing time and money, as a result of an inappropriate placement, is crucial.
Why can’t I just use the Internet?
Although you will find a large amount of information on the Internet, it can be overwhelming and confusing. It is important for a child to be placed in a school or program that meets their specific needs. To make a good match between a student and a school, one must see them in operation. Ms. Kahn makes a comprehensive study of each school through personal visits so she can recommend them to parents.
Are scholarships or financial aid available for therapeutic programs?
Most programs do not have scholarship help available; therefore, costs are usually an out of pocket expense for the parent. However, educational loans and other methods of creative financing can be used to fund the cost of these schools.
What if I wait to send my child away?
Trends in adolescent substance abuse show teenagers do not “outgrow” chemical addiction problems and without treatment, addiction increases. Additionally, once a student falls behind, it is often difficult to catch up and be successful. Compromised self-esteem may lead to even more serious behavioral issues, which may limit options, especially as the child moves toward the legal age of adulthood.
Are results long-lasting?
Ms. Kahn’s experience with her clients has shown that families become reunited after their child has spent the requisite time in a therapeutic or emotional growth program. More open and honest communication occurs and as a result, her clients achieve success both in school and in their personal lives. They are able to transition to either a public or private school once they return home or choose to go on to college.
Boarding Schools
Is there an advantage to sending my child to boarding school rather than a local school?
Many families choose boarding schools for their children because of the excellent college preparation that the schools provide. With small class sizes, diverse curricula, and individual attention from faculty and advisors, the boarding school experience gives students many distinct advantages. Boarding schools also have the resources (like daily study halls and extra help, one-on-one tutoring, writing centers and learning resource centers) to help academically struggling or under-motivated students realize their abilities and excel.
Are most boarding schools similar?
No, boarding schools are highly varied and it is important to understand the differences to determine what is most appropriate for your child. Among other thing, schools differ on size, distance from urban areas, ratio of day to boarding students, diversity of students, whether they are co-ed or single sex, whether the educational philosophy is traditional, developmental, or progressive, and whether there are programs for students with special learning needs.
Are all boarding schools filled with academically competitive students?
No, there is a boarding school out there for every type of student and with every type of atmosphere. There are schools that focus heavily on providing a solid and rigorous pre-college curriculum, but there are also other types, such arts schools that allow students to pursue advanced study in subjects such as dance, writing, theater, music, and/or visual art. Boarding schools will generally fit into one of the following categories:
- All Boarding: All students board and there are no day students
- Boarding/Day: Most students board but some commute from local areas
- Military: Schools that follow a military structure and often require uniforms and drill practices
- Co-educational: Schools that accept both boys and girls
- Single Sex: Schools that accept only boys or only girls
- Religious: Schools that are affiliated with a specific religion or denomination
- Pre-professional Art: Schools that specialize in training musical, performing, and visual arts
- College Preparatory: Schools that seek to prepare students for the rigors of college life
- Therapeutic: Schools that are directed at students experiencing difficulty in traditional settings and may be facing behavioral or emotional challenges
- LD Schools: Schools that specialize in programs and support for verbal and non-verbal learning disabilities
What are the different educational philosophies?
The traditional is structured and teacher-centered, with clear expectations and rules. The three Rs are emphasized. The developmental is based on the premise that children learn and grow in different stages. Selfdiscovery and social skills are given greater weight. The progressive is student-driven, with less emphasis on such conventions as letter grades.
How much will it cost?
Tuition can be expensive, but most boarding schools offer financial assistance to make sure that the students they’ve admitted have a realistic chance to enroll, no matter what their families’ financial status. The Average median tuition for all grades at boarding school is $40,000. Approximately one-third of all students at boarding schools receive some need-based financial aid.
Are SSAT results an important admissions factor?
Some independent schools assign great value to test results. However, it is just as true that many schools regard testing as only one part of the application process. Many place equal value on the applicant’s campus interview, the student’s record of achievement, teacher recommendations, and student/parent written statements.
When do we start the application process?
Most boarding schools admissions and financial aid timelines are similar to a college timeline. Applicants start the process almost a year before they plan to attend. Not all schools have the same application deadline, and some schools have rolling deadlines. Generally however, application deadlines fall around mid-January, with notifications of admission decisions occuring in mid-March.
How many schools should we apply to?
Apply only to schools you would actually send your child to, but make sure you apply to more than one. You will need at least one or two fallbacks — or, for very competitive schools, perhaps even more. Our process involves helping a family to choose schools that represent safety, target, and reach choices.
Post-Secondary
Can a student gain college credit while at a post-secondary program?
If a student is prepared for college-level coursework, it is often possible for them to enroll in one or more classes while in a program. An added benefit is that many programs offer extensive individual tutoring.
Will a student be able to gain work or volunteer experience?
Once a student settles in, most programs will encourage them to live up to their full potential by participating in outside activities such as working, volunteering, or learning a vocational skill.
What are the living arrangements?
Various living arrangements are available through different programs. Because the goal of many programs is to foster independent living skills, often students will live in an apartment setting. However, for students not yet ready for this stype of setting, many programs offer more structured living arrangements.
Is financial aid available?
Depending on the type of program a student is enrolled in, financial aid may be available to cover program costs. Each program should have a staff member designated to handle these concerns.