Why choose An Educational Consultant?

 

Families seek the services of educational consultants for a number of reasons:

 

• Desire for personal attention and assistance.
• Confusion over the multitude of educational options.
• Concern about investing wisely in the high cost of education.
• Recognition that matching a student with the right institution is a significant life decision.
• Appreciation for a dispassionate forum for family discussion of educational objectives and choices.
• Assistance with a student who has unique learning issues.
• Assistance with a child or adolescent who is not performing at his or her ability level.
• Assistance with a student who requires a more advanced curriculum.

 

 

What Services do you offer?

 

My Practice Consists of helping families find a boarding school (both domestically and internationally) that will help the student to grow academically, physically, socially and spiritually. Ms. Spagnoletti will also aid your student if he or she is struggling emotionally or has shut down.

 

 

What are common misconceptions about boarding schools?

 

Boarding schools have changed greatly throughout the years both in the students that they serve and the economic backgrounds of their families.

The following are some misconceptions about boarding schools that are still prevalent today.

 

Boarding schools are for rich, white boys. WRONG! Boarding schools today are looking for diversity and they take great pride in accepting students from many states and countries. Schools today serve girls and boys from all economic backgrounds and they have financial aid money available for families and students who qualify.

 

Boarding schools are only for troubled students. WRONG! There are many types of boarding schools ranging from those which are extremely academic, offering a wide variety of Honors and AP offerings to those schools which cater to students with special needs, be it with their learning style or emotional issues.

Often times a student needs a more challenging curriculum in order to push himself to work to his potential.

Sometimes there is a learning style that needs to be recognized before significant learning can take place.

Many times an undiagnosed learning disability can result in classroom failure which in turn can lead the student to develop low self-esteem and a lack of motivation. This situation can result in an attempt by the student to self-medicate and so the cycle begins. In these cases, an emotional growth school or a therapeutic environment may be what is called for to get the student on a successful life path.

 

Parents will not be involved in their child’s education. WRONG! Boarding schools do not want to take the place of the parents in the life of the student.

They long to supplement this role and responsibility, keeping in mind what is best for the student. Parents are welcome on campus, encouraged to attend sporting events and fine arts presentations. Parents are kept in contact with through the child’s advisor, dorm parent or therapist. In the case of a therapeutic placement, there may be a period of separation to insure that the student is able to adjust successfully to the new program.

 

What is IECA?

 

IECA is the Independent Educational Consultants Association.

IECA Member Educational Consultants are professionals who assist students and families with educational decision-making.

 

Their educational backgrounds, specialized training, campus visitations, and professional experience equip them to help students choose schools and programs that meet their individual needs and goals.

 

What a family might expect?

 

Families working with an IECA consultant can expect a professional atmosphere where discussions focus on the student’s strength and weaknesses, interests and talents, and needs and educational objectives.

 

The consultant will recommend options and help families weigh alternatives of cost, location, curriculum, activities and institutional atmosphere.

 

The consultant will advise families about admissions processes and share information based upon personal campus visits and experience.

 

Why choose a consultant with the CEP credential?

 

A Certified Educational Planner has achieved the profession’s most rigorous educational standards and adheres to a strict code of ethics.

 

What distinguishes a CEP?

 

A CEP Consultant must:

 

• Pass a Board Certified Examination.
• Hold a Master’s Degree or equivalent.
• Visit and evaluate a prescribed number of educational institutions.
•  Be evaluated every 5 years on the basis of:

• Earned continuing education credits.

• Participation in consistent professional development.
• Ongoing in-depth visits to enhance knowledge of schools and educational programs.

 

For more information, go to www.AICEP.org