Frequently Asked Questions

Answer: Many parents choose a boarding school because it offers a much broader education for most students. Parents often look for a more challenging curriculum in a traditional boarding school for students who are gifted or exceptional. But there are many types of single-gender and coed boarding schools. Boarding schools are not just for the elite. They offer diversity. Students come from all over the world and are often seeking a more rigorous curriculum and a different experience. Many students who attend boarding schools find that the experience broadens their education.

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. _____________________________________________________________________________________________

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

Answer: Most good boarding schools range from $35,000-$45,000. There are cheaper schools, but they are not ones we usually recommend. Smaller schools with the same tuition can actually end up costing less, depending on how much financial aid is available. Most consultants cannot quote prices to parents over the telephone. Selecting a boarding school takes time. Work with a consultant and do not make a selection in haste.

Tuition generally goes up each year and many parents finance their child's education. 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 are available at most boarding schools for students who perform well on standardized tests. Some scholarships are occasionally offered 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. They sometimes will work with a consultant and parent. Tuition is usually separate from books and housing and meals. _____________________________________________________________________________________________

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

Answer: No! This is not ethical and does not follow the Principles of Good Practice . _____________________________________________________________________________________________

What type of student goes to a boarding school?

Answer: Many different types of students attend boarding school. There are international students, students who come from single-parent families, and traditional families. Many other students come from United States territories such as Puerto Rico, the US Virgin Islands, or Guam. Other students come from Caribbean islands. The Philippines, and as far as Africa, Korea, China, the Ukraine, the Middle East, and many other countries.

In our experience, most students are very mature and have a global learning knowledge that enables them to have a much broader perspective. Students also come from parents who are deployed in the military and are separated by distance. Parents who live nearby allow their children to attend boarding school as day students. _____________________________________________________________________________________________

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. Therapeutic boarding schools require students to meet their specific admission requirements. The SSAT is administered a many different locations around the country. Some consultants administer the test in their offices.
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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. _____________________________________________________________________________________________

What does an educational consultant do ?

Answer: An Independent Educational Consultant. Is a trained professional that helps parents and students with educational planning, by providing services to allow the parent (s) or student to make informed decision about a program. The job title does not appear in The Occupational Outlook Handbook. 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. Many consultants have a background in psychology, education and social work and have taken additional tours and placements to become consultants. A consultant who has not toured many not have first hand knowlege of a school or program. so its important to ask.  Many consultants have affiliation with varied organizations which supports their particular specialty areas. In our case we address the associations which are most familar in our student placements.

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

Answer: Many students have already been tested in school at different grades, but some students, testing on a different level are required.  Many consultants will request educational testing to help the parents and he consultant to understand the needs of the student. Many therapeutic programs require a full battery of psychological testing and educational testing before entering a program. The purpose of this testing might be to address the psychological and educational needs of the student.
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Are there a registration fees for boarding school?

Answer : Most boarding schools have registration or application fees. Don't be confused. These are separate from tuition. These fees are to secure the student place at the school and pay for the application. Completing the admission process includes paying the application fee, registration fee, and the tuition. Most schools require both parents and the student to sign the agreement for payment.

Acceptance in a school or program generally starts with a letter of acceptance to the student. All registration fees are payable by the parent in advance of the school year. Traditional boarding schools do have registration fees. Most therapeutic boarding schools have a registration and tuition fee. Most consultants will advise the parents of both fees. Payment options or arrangements for registration and tuition are generally discussed with the consultant and the parent. 

Most consultants feel more comfortable addressing the tuition fees with parents, before the placement is completed. These fees sometimes increase annually. Early application is an advantageous to not only secure a spot at the traditional boarding school but also to anticipate the tuition increase the following year. Most consultants will work with a parent in the therapeutic school placement and discuss registration process with the school administrator. _____________________________________________________________________________________________

What are the fees for therapeutic boarding school ?

Answer: Therapeutic boarding schools can cost as much as $140,000 a year or higher. Therapeutic boarding schools have 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, and, in some settings, required clothing. 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. _____________________________________________________________________________________________

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

Answer: A student might go to a wilderness program when they are not yet able to be in a school setting. Some students have significant behavioral issues that impact their learning. 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 that a wilderness program is the best choice but, from our experience with students, this works a lot better, especially when the behavior is not manageable at home, Most of our placements in a boarding school start at 45 days. We can usually make a smooth transition when the student is emotionally stable and has worked on behaviors before the placement. _____________________________________________________________________________________________

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 common. Shopping is arranged by staff with supervised staff members. Students are seldom alone and have rules and expectations at the school regarding unacceptable behavior. All boarding schools have zero tolerance for drugs and alcohol. Violations generally result in expulsion. Smoking is also not permitted. There is always a dress code and campus rules. We visit as least 50 schools annually and many schools know that we often must explain the difference to parents. There are military boarding schools and single-gender and coeducational boarding schools. Most boarding school has high expectations for students.

Therapeutic Boarding schools 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. Most parents find that a consultant has a background in a specific placement area. 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.

If a student resists complying with regular school, the consultant might choose another school or therapeutic placement rather than a regular school. Most therapeutic boarding schools have smaller class sizes and individual therapy (or even family therapy sessions). Academic needs are addressed in both settings. The rules and expectations are significantly different in therapeutic boarding school. Most students in a therapeutic school have significant travel restrictions and must earn privileges through some reward system. There are also residential treatment programs which are more supervised. _____________________________________________________________________________________________

What schools would you recommend?

Answer: Most educational consultants meet with parents before any schools are discussed. Remember, we do not work for a particular school - we are independent. There can be no successful placement by a consultant without knowing the family. The question a parent asks most often is “Can you tell me a school?” We do not recommend any school without visiting the school. We also cannot provide a list of schools or suggest any program without meeting the parents. We work to help parents by offering the “best options” in a placement. This approach allows us to meet parents and the student. This makes hiring a consultant so important. _____________________________________________________________________________________________

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

Answer: It depends. Most students who need to be in this setting have a good reason for that placement. The typical reason is that they are not successful in a regular school setting. They 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. However, selecting the right therapeutic boarding school takes time. Most parents of students with challenges find that an educational consultant helps them find the best school or program. _____________________________________________________________________________________________

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

Answer: There is no specific “best” college or school for a student. Most parents have a pre-determined idea that a specific school, like Harvard, will be the gateway to their child's career. Not all schools will fit a student. When you meet with us, we help you make the best choice. Remember, choosing a school or program is an individual choice. Even if a parent has attended a college, it may not be the right school for the child. Most parents who choose a school for their child 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. _____________________________________________________________________________________________

Do you help with financial aid?

Answer: No. We do know about financial-aid resources. We do not offer scholarship consulting but we can help parents identify resources available. While we do offer information about financial aid at a school, we cannot negotiate tuition. We also cannot offer any certainty about whether a family will receive a scholarship or reduction in tuition if they attend a specific school or program. _____________________________________________________________________________________________

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 meet with a consultant to determine both the admission and closing dates of the school. _____________________________________________________________________________________________

What are your fees?

Answer: Our fees are discussed after we meet. We find if we provide you information about our fees and services without meeting, it simply defeats the placement. It is better to meet you in person rather than sending information to a parent without a clear discussion of your placement needs. A placement based solely on a discussion of fees is not advisable. All of our fees are one-time fees. There are no add-on fees for services. We charge a basic fee for a placement. We have a different fee for international student simply because it requires more time and has significantly more challenges. 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 a contract. 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 educationalplanning@hotmail.com . _____________________________________________________________________________________________

Do you help with college placement?

Answer: Yes, we work on college placements. Our expertise is working with special needs students but we also work with gifted students, parents with children in K-12 grades, LD students, or students with special needs. 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. _____________________________________________________________________________________________

What services do you provide? How can you help my child?

Answer: We help parents and recommend that we meet to work through various placement options and discuss our services. 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, arrange tours, or discuss financial aid options. We can help by defining the needs of the student before they consider a school. This requires time but can prevent an unsuccessful placement. _____________________________________________________________________________________________

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. Most consultants will not do a placement without a visit. Hiring a consultant saves time for most parents. _____________________________________________________________________________________________

Do you have any information you can send me?

Answer: Yes, we do! We have found that most parents ask this question if they want to know more about our services. We will be happy to meet with you. Our initial free consultation provides basic information about our services. We find it simpler to meet you in person because a phone call does not typically cover all of the areas we need to discuss. Of course, after the initial meeting, we cannot continue to discuss all of your options without an agreement in place to provide services for you.

Unfortunately it is very costly to discuss a placement without meeting parents and the student. Parents usually come to some decision about our services after shopping around. We must limit our initial meeting to 30 minutes because of the time required to work on a placement. _____________________________________________________________________________________________

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 them, and of course, if they decide not to discuss the placement it is simply a personal choice. It is not a reflection of our business.   We maintain the highest level of personal integrity for our business and our clients. We have never had any unsuccessful placements. Our willingness to work with parents to maintain our commitment is very important. We have never had a complaint from a parent about our services or a placement.

I know that there are always the exceptions to any business where a client is not satisfied. But we are in this business t o help parents. With that comes the need to provide them with information to support our practice as a professional. _____________________________________________________________________________________________

I am an international student. Can you help me ?

Answer: Yes. We regularly work with international students. Of course, we do not guarantee an international student acceptance in a school or program. International students follow the same process when applying to a boarding school or college. They 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. If 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 the student in retaining us, we will discontinue our services. If we discover that the student has committed a felony or other criminal act that results in felony charges, we will discontinue our services. We always give international students and parent the option of being honest. 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.

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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.

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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 that in searching for a school, most private schools cost much more than public schools. We simply cannot afford to send a student to a junior boarding school or traditional boarding school or program that is less than the average public school.

The average tax paying parent pays $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. Special needs students are given $28,000 per year for special education services at public school level. 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. 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

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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.

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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.

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

Answer: No we cannot provide you a list of schools, because you are moving. 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 and students before any decision is made.

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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.

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Where can I find your contract? Is there an agreement for release of information included? How long is this agreement?

Answer: Right here. Just (click here) and you will find the contract agreement by Educational Planning & Counseling Services Yes, there is a release agreement which we update along with our contract agreement. The agreement is for as long as the student is placed in a school or program.

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Can I request a refund if I am not satisfied with your services? What payment method can we make?

Answer: Yes. You must do this in writing no longer than (10 days) after the admission letter has been received by the student from the school. Breach of the contract agreement is not refundable and is explained in our Parent Manual. This means if a parent “pulls a student out of a school, particularly a therapeutic school, without the consent of the school or discussion with the consultant there is no refund. If the student leaves the program involuntarily without the permission of the school, there is not a refund. Payment can be made by check or we can send you a link where you can make an online payment. Please go to getting started for more information on fees. We have never had an unsatisfied client. Who expressed dissatisfaction with our services?

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What type of assessment is used in a therapeutic boarding school?

Answer : Most consultants are familiar with a battery of assessments used in therapeutic school placement . We are familiar with the MMPI Adolescent. The Beck- Depression Scale, the Wood-Cock Johnson. Among many others, are used in both education and psychology. As we mentioned we do have a comprehensive assessment done either at the time of admission or during the placement. This fee is separate and not part of the fee for hiring a consultant.

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 depending on the needs of the student and the family . Generally, most schools complete a full battery assessment at the time when the student enters the program.

Thank you for reviewing our FAQ. Please e-mail any questions you have to Educational Planning and Counseling Services Please submit at educaionalplanning@hotmail.com or info@educationalplaningservices.com . Or call us for any further information at 602 244-9588