We found Theodra Washington to be very useful in helping us (along with testing) figure out why teachers were recommending we go private with our oldest child. We've been happy with this route...we also chose it for our other child too. this was for young grades and was more to understand our child's needs and the pros/cons to either public or private. Since then, we have been able to manage this decision on our own and to choose among the public and private options at each transition.

Interview multiple and see who is a good fit for you. We interviewed with 4 and the person we picked felt right and we clicked right away in both plan and personality. Got into multiple top schools, applied to a few that were not on radar but consultant thought would be a good fit for child which they nailed. The schools in this area are so different and offer a wide range of opportunities. Get a consultant that worked in these schools and knows the ins and outs and the behind the door pros/cons for them. Once they get to know your child and your family they will be able to guide you appropriately and realistically.

Another vote for Peter! He produces an excellent, in-depth report (individualized for your child) when doing a school search at the start of the process.

Also recommend Peter Braverman ! I know him well, and he’s a nice/ethical well-informed consultant

Echo the recommendation for Peter Braverman. Encouraged us to consider schools that we might not have and provided good insight on the process.

This guy is excellent and no charge for first conversation.

https://peterbraverman.com/

We did it without one. Ended up at a top school.

Also, don't listen to people who say you don't need one. If you want to hire one, do it. We did and found ours to be incredibly valuable as we navigated the private school application process.

I would get recommendations from colleagues who have worked with ECs. Don’t trust people on this board because many are trolls or have an axe to grind.

As you get to know the area, you will realize that there are a finite number of options once you limit location, culture, and academic rigor. If you are looking for elementary, I would save the money because your child can always transfer in MS and HS.

Anonymous wrote:If you go that route, please be absolutely sure to know how they bill. It's such a vulnerable position to be in as a parent. We had one a few years ago who billed at least an hour *per email,* per what I could figure out. There were no details in any invoice. It was $7500+ for *one semester* and honestly the guy was smart, seemed ethical otherwise, and good, but this was public school and we made it clear we couldn't even afford a private.

Why did you get a consultant for public high school? You just go to the one you’re zoned for.

Anonymous wrote:I never thought I'd be in this situation, but we find ourselves staying in the District to raise our family and the number of educational options is honestly overwhelming. We could use some help navigating the private school market and guidance finding the right fit for our son. How do I go about finding an educational consultant?

It’s really not overwhelming, OP, if you employ a little common sense.

If you go that route, please be absolutely sure to know how they bill. It's such a vulnerable position to be in as a parent. We had one a few years ago who billed at least an hour *per email,* per what I could figure out. There were no details in any invoice. It was $7500+ for *one semester* and honestly the guy was smart, seemed ethical otherwise, and good, but this was public school and we made it clear we couldn't even afford a private.

Unless there are special needs, you don't need a consultant. Narrow down by geography and religious preference, then go visit.

If you search the forum, the usual suspects will pop up. If you provide more details here: entry grade, gender, single-sex/co-ed preference, religious preference (if any), and general location/commute-tolerance, you'll get a lot of responses to at least start considering, even without a consultant.

I never thought I'd be in this situation, but we find ourselves staying in the District to raise our family and the number of educational options is honestly overwhelming. We could use some help navigating the private school market and guidance finding the right fit for our son. How do I go about finding an educational consultant?