5 Questions Your Consultant Can Ask And You Can't

Parents are in a difficult position when it comes to finding out information about schools. Because they are private schools, they are not subject to the usual 'sunshine' or freedom of information laws. These are questions you might want to ask but might feel uncomfortable asking. That's why it's a good thing to hire an educational consultant. She can ask such questions with relative impunity.

1. Why did those five seniors get expelled just before graduation?
Perhaps there was an article in the local press. It doesn't matter. The Internet makes unwelcome publicity widely available in minutes. Naturally you want to know what happened just in case the situation is symptomatic of something more serious.

2. Is it true that the school is having financial difficulties?
There are plenty of signals that a school is in trouble. Declining enrolments and staff turnover are just two of the more obvious signs. No sense in sending your child to a school which is having problems.

3. How many places are still available?
A consultant can find out the answer to that question in a heartbeat. The admissions office relies on its network of consultants as one means of filling places. Last minute vacancies do occur.

4. My child was expelled from Shady Grove Country Day School. Does she stand a chance of getting in?
Before you spend a lot of time, effort and money applying to the school, you need to know whether you are wasting your time or not. Since the consultant knows your child and has reviewed the circumstances of her unfortunate dismissal from SGCDS, he can make the discreet inquiries necessary and test the waters for you.

5. One of your teachers was arrested in an FBI child pornography sting. How do I know that the other teachers are suitable?
One teacher's transgressions can certainly cloud a school's reputation. But the truth is that the school has probably bent over backwards to make sure that nothing like this ever happens again. Your consultant can confirm that for you and reassure you that all is well in the faculty lounge.

Hiring an educational consultant is always a good move. These professionals know their schools and have excellent networks through which they can find out just about anything you need to know.


  Read Related Choosing a School Articles:
Step by step guides and tips on finding the right school.
•  Choosing A Prep School
Here's a recap of the steps you need to follow to find the right school for your child. Work through the process in sequence from beginning to end.
•  Boarding or Day School?
Many parents agonize over sending their child to boarding school or keeping them at home and sending them to day school. A look at the pros and cons here.
•  Checklist For Comparing Schools
Use this checklist to help you compare schools on your short list.
•  Evaluating and Choosing a Private School
How should parents evaluate and choose a private school? Read about some helpful tips regarding this important decision.
•  If You Had To Choose
If you had to choose when to send your child to private school, would you send her to private school for the primary grades or high school?
•  Open Houses
You must visit schools on your short list. Open houses are an efficient way to do this. More on organizing this task here.
•  Ranking Schools
How do I know how this school compares with the others I am considering? Has anybody ranked private schools?
•  Single Sex or Coeducation?
Sooner or later you ought to consider a single sex school as opposed to a traditional coeducational school. Why? For several reasons.
•  Small Is Good
Private schools offer individualized attention to their students because their class sizes are generally small.
•  The Value of a Private School Education
Why pay $30,000, $40,000 or more for something which public education gives you for free? Here are five reasons why you would do so.
•  When Should You Consider A Special Needs School?
Dealing with the reality that your child has a learning difference can be a defining moment for many parents. So much is at stake.
•  Which School Is The Best For Your Child?
It depends on your requirements. But in the end only one thing matters most anyway.
•  Why Private School?
Is private school right for your child? Learn about the things you should consider and the unique benefits of a private school education.
All Categories:
•  Admissions
•  Choosing a School
•  Employment
•  Facts
•  FAQ's
•  News
•  Paying For It
•  Running a School
•  School Life
•  Schools
•  Teaching