5 Questions Your Consultant Can Ask and You Can't

Published July 10, 2008
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. They are under no legal obligation to tell you anything. You need to know exactly what is lurking behind those gorgeous web photos and  enthusiastic classroom shots.
 
The following questions are ones 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. Plus she will think of dozens of other questions and raise many other issues about schools which will factor into your choice of schools
 
 
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. You will probably learn a lot about how the school enforces its code of conduct which you and your child could be signing if you decide to go there.

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. Your consultant will have made discreet inquiries and will have checked the school's Form 990 to learn more about the financial background. In these tough economic times with endowment funds decimated by financial turmoil, sound financial management is critical to the school's ability to survive and be sustainable.

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. This is particularly important at moderately competitive schools. The very competitive schools will have long waiting lists. The moderately competitive schools will have shorter waiting lists. Your chances of getting in improve the less competitive the school is.

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. It will not be easy to pull off, but it can be done.

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. After all you are investing significant sums of money in your child's high school education. Due diligence is a must. Leave it to the professional to ask the tough questions which you can't ask.

Read Related Choosing a School Articles:

Step by step guides and tips on finding the right school.

  • Choosing an Elementary School
    You would think it would be easier to get your child into an elementary or primary school than into a prep school. But in fact it is almost as complicated.
  • Evaluating and Choosing a Private School
    How should parents evaluate and choose a private school? Read about some helpful tips regarding this important decision.
  • Changing Schools and Moving to New Area
    Find out tips and services for changing schools and moving to new area.
  • Should You Send Your Child to Private Primary or High School?
    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.
  • 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.
  • 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.

Identifying Schools

Make lists of schools which seem to fit your requirements.

  • 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.
  • If We Did Rank Schools...
    Ranking private schools is almost impossible because it is so difficult to gather the data needed to compare statistics. If we did rank schools, this is how to do it.
  • Do Ranks Matter?
    How do I know how this school compares with the others I am considering? Has anybody ranked private schools?
  • When Should You Consider a Therapeutic School?
    It is a heart-stopping moment for any parent when you realize that your child needs much more help than you can give him at home and at his current school. Perhaps a therapeutic school is the answer.
  • 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.
  • 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. Special needs schools offer programs and highly trained faculty.
  • Which School Is The Best For Your Child?
    It depends on your requirements. But in the end only one thing matters most anyway.

Evaluating Schools

Doing your due diligence.

  • Checklist For Comparing Schools
    Use this checklist to help you compare schools on your short list.
  • Sports Programs
    Sports are important in private schools. But they are also balanced properly by the emphasis on solid academics.
  • Technology in Private Schools
    Private schools use technology to support and enhance their academic programs. Most of them have been doing this since the early 1990's.

All Categories:

Featured Partners:

Featured Partner