Frequently Asked Questions
What is an Independent Educational Consultant?
Independent Educational Consultants (IECs) provide a student and family with individual attention, firsthand knowledge of a vast array of educational opportunities, and the time to explore these options. With extensive knowledge of schools and colleges, consultants can broaden potential choices, and provide targeted help in weighing factors such as academic fit, support, and curriculum, as well as cost, location, and athletic opportunity. With an IEC, your student will explore a wider variety of options and discuss appropriate possibilities in a meaningful way.
In addition, we at Hall Educational Resources have toured numerous campuses and enjoy meaningful relationships with admissions directors so that we can help liaison and effectively guide the admissions process. This offers our students the competitive edge.
What types of students do you work with?
We are passionate about helping students become their best selves by encouraging a scholastic environment where academics, personal growth, and peer learning can happen in the most effective way for your student! Our educational consultants work with exceptionally bright learners, students with an array of learning differences, elite athletes, and students who may need academic or emotional support.
Our passion is helping families from around the world find independent school placements throughout New England where their students will thrive and be happy! We work comprehensively with students who may feel that their current school is not the right fit and are hoping for something more. Perhaps school seems too easy, the school district isn’t addressing the most important needs of the student, the culture of the school seems counterproductive, more competitive athletic opportunities are needed, or perhaps an IEP or 504 plan is not being met. Hall Educational believes that all students should have the opportunity to be in a school environment where they will grow academically, socially and emotionally. We work with all different types of learners who are searching for something more.
We also work with a limited number of children, teens and young adults who are struggling and at risk. Students and families come to us with a variety of backgrounds but with one thing in common: they need help that extends beyond their current setting.
How do you know so much about the different schools and programs you recommend?
We spend a considerable amount of time actively touring private New England boarding and day schools. We meet and communicate with directors, counselors and coaches, building relationships with these institutions.
We are also active members of IECA which is a network of educational consultants who support one another. We frequent conferences that focus on professional development, keynote speakers, and independent school education.
When is the best time to engage an educational consultant for school planning?
Ideally, parents would engage our services in late summer or early fall prior to the admissions cycle. Although Hall Educational Resources stops taking students in November that are pursuing a traditional deadline, we will continue to take clients who are looking into schools with rolling admissions.
There is also a great window of opportunity to hire an educational consultant in the spring once initial decisions have been made and wait lists have been allocated during what is generally referred to as “second round” admissions.
We are always willing to share more information on our services if you think that you have a student interested in pursuing a private school.
What tests are required for admission to a private school?
Our educational consultants work with a variety of different students and testing needs vary. All schools require some type of testing for entrance purposes. However, many schools have shifted to optional testing, although this is on a case-by-case basis.
The majority of more traditional private schools require the ISEE or the SSAT for younger students, and the SAT, PSAT or ACT for upper high school and PG candidates. Many schools also accept a Neuropsychology Report or some kind of academic testing done by a psychologist. For our younger clients, schools may not require standardized entrance testing but may administer their own assessments instead.
What documents or educational files are needed for working with Hall Educational?
Many of our students have report cards or progress reports and a strong desire to pursue a private school placement. Other students have a Neuropsychology Report, Speech and Language or OT Reports. We understand there are many different types of students and testing may vary. If we feel that more testing is necessary to gain more clarity for your child’s education, we may make recommendations regarding new testing.
How do your services and fees work?
We begin all our client work with a paid Parent Strategy Session, typically held virtually via Zoom. This is a standalone, obligation-free prerequisite meeting before we start working together. We will discuss your hopes and goals for your student’s educational placement, provide a strategic perspective, answer questions you may have, and explain our advising process should we determine a mutual fit.
If you do decide to continue working with us, you can do so in one of three ways, depending on the level of assistance and involvement selected. These options include:
Comprehensive Admissions Support: For families in need of hands-on guidance through the entire private school or post-graduate process
List Curation: For families who prefer to navigate the admissions process on their own but would like assistance determining a list of the best school options
Consultations: For families who could use some outside perspective as they develop their action plan and best next steps
Costs vary based on which type of service you choose. We will discuss pricing and details with you during your Parent Strategy Session.