We worked with an educational consultant who helped us analyze and narrow down school selections. She went on interviews and was good at helping me ask the right questions. She has different levels of involvement that you can hire her for, so she can certainly help."
  ~ A recommendation from a happy client to a friend

Application fees to schools can cost up to $250 per school. If a child enrolls at the wrong school, add in a year's tuition between $8,000 and $23,000, plus the emotional and educational cost of such a mistake. For a reasonable fee, families will receive my full attention, the value of years of good relationships with Houston private schools, and classroom and administrative experience that no other consultant in Houston can provide.

I would be happy to visit by phone about your child and your visions for his or her educational future to see if my services would be of value to your family. I can usually make appointments within two weeks of your initial call. Appointments for hourly consults can be made at a mutually convenient setting near your home or place of work or in your home.

When working with more than one child in the same family, the Guidance and Placement Plan fee is reduced for siblings.

Guidance and Placement Plans as described below may include additional services needed by the family as agreed upon during consultation.

HOUSTON PRIVATE SCHOOLS GUIDANCE PLAN ~ $1100                                                     
This Plan provides the following services by the Educational Consultant: 
1.  An initial meeting with the family and the student to identify the student’s academic, social and emotional strengths, learning styles, unique abilities, and extracurricular interests.
2.  A thorough review of all available academic records, testing reports and relevant medical records.
3.  Assistance for parents with arrangements for additional testing if considered         necessary. 
4.  Interviews with school personnel and other professionals who work with the student. 
5.  A subsequent meeting with the family to discuss a list of recommended schools.

HOUSTON PRIVATE SCHOOLS PLACEMENT PLAN ~ $2000
This Plan provides the following comprehensive services by the Educational Consultant:
1.  An initial meeting with the family and the student to identify the student’s academic,
social and emotional strengths, learning styles, unique abilities, and extracurricular interests.
2.  A thorough review of all available academic records, testing reports, and relevant medical records.
3.  Assistance with arrangements for additional testing if considered necessary.
4.  Interviews with school personnel and other professionals who work with the student.
5.  Visit with the parents about a list of schools to consider for application.            
6.  Guidance with completing applications. 
7.  Complete calendar of events and due dates, requirements and contacts for each school on the student's list. Reminders via email of upcoming events and due dates.
8.  Strategies for parents in making the most of open houses, school tours, and                   parent interviews. 
9.  Guidance preparing the student for entrance tests, visiting days and student interviews. 
10. Assistance following up with admission offices to see that all necessary information for the student's file is complete by the due date.
11. Strategies for addressing the unexpected such as low test scores or poor visiting days.
12. Advocacy on behalf of the student and family with the admission director.
13. Guidance in weighing options among schools which offer acceptance, wait-listing, or enrollment conditions; continued conversations with admission directors as needed with schools under consideration.
14. Follow-up with the student’s progress during the first term of enrollment per agreement with parents.

Additional services for Placement Clients coming from out of the city include assistance with
*locating testing providers in their area or making appointments locally
*arranging school tours; accompanying families on tours if desired
*insights about Houston from the perspective of a native - neighborhoods, school culture
*the flow of school choices from primary to high school depending upon the choice of public or private school / secular or religious, and its impact upon buying a house

CONSULTANT HOURLY RATE ~ $250
The Consultant provides a specific service, generally of an advisory nature relative to Greater Houston private schools, public schools, or broader educational guidance. Sometimes parents have done extensive research and only need an hour with the Consultant to get an objective view before committing to a decision for their child's education. Parents of toddlers often benefit from an hourly consult to help make decisions about public vs. private schools, Montessori vs. traditional methods, religious-based vs. independent schools. It helps to have an objective, knowledgeable consultant to talk to about the important decisions for their child's education. Under most circumstances, Mrs. Means does not typically discuss the merits of specific schools or suggest schools for a child during a hourly consult with parents. These services are offered under the School Guidance Plan. 

PAYMENT
Fees are to be paid in full by personal check or cash at the beginning of service and are non-refundable. If the client chooses to increase consulting services, fees paid at a lower level of service will be applied to a higher level.

The SCHOOL SOLUTIONS Educational Consultant will make every effort to secure an appropriate Houston private school or desired public school placement for the student. However, fees are  payable whether or not school placement is accomplished.

SCHOOL SOLUTIONS has a large referral network and is happy to suggest a qualified professional to work with your child if you have any of these needs: