Frequently Asked Questions

About the Firm

What does Journeys Educational Advising do?

Journeys Edu provides strategic educational guidance for families navigating complex school decisions.

We work with parents who want to make thoughtful, well-informed choices by understanding how their child learns, clarifying family priorities, and evaluating educational options with honesty and perspective.

Our work often includes independent schools, but it is not limited to them. We also help families consider public and charter options, boarding schools, alternative models, and, at times, the decision to pause or stay on a current path.

Rather than starting with applications or rankings, we focus first on educational fit, long-term alignment, and decision-making clarity. When families move forward with a particular direction, we can provide targeted support through next steps, including admissions planning when appropriate.

At its core, Journeys Edu helps families slow down, ask better questions, and make educational decisions they can stand behind over time.

Because Journeys Edu works directly with families, our perspective reflects both institutional realities and the preferences that shape family decision-making.

Who does Journeys Edu work with?

We partner with four primary groups:

  1. Families navigating Pre-K-12, boarding school, and college admissions

  2. Students needing a school transition or better-fitting environment

  3. Independent and parochial schools seeking enrollment, admissions, or messaging support

  4. Organizations and EdTech partners looking for expertise in family behavior, admissions trends, and market insights

What makes Journeys Edu different from other admissions consultants?

Journeys Edu is led by an educator with nearly two decades of admissions and enrollment leadership across top K-12 schools and selective universities. Unlike traditional consultants, we combine whole-child advising with institutional strategy, school culture expertise, and long-range planning. We focus on judgment, clarity, and strategic alignment, not just application tasks. We work with families preparing for transitional kindergarten (age 4) through high school, providing guidance for school searches, admissions applications, and the college process.

Family Advising FAQs

What types of families do you work with?

We support families across the educational journey, including:

  • Pre-K–8 families exploring next steps

  • East Bay families navigating competitive 9–12 admissions

  • Boarding school applicants

  • Students who need a different environment or temporary placement

  • Families unfamiliar with independent school systems

  • Families planning early for college readiness

Do you help with essays and interview prep?

Yes, but our primary value is strategic advising. We help you understand what schools look for, how to position your child, and how to present your story authentically. Essay and interview support is offered within this critical strategic context.

Do you help families outside the Bay Area?

Yes. While our expertise is particularly strong in the Bay Area market, we work with families nationally and internationally, especially for boarding schools and long-range planning.

How early should we begin working with Journeys Edu?

Families benefit most when we begin 1–2 years before a major admissions cycle. However, we also support families seeking last-minute guidance during high-pressure situations or unexpected school changes.

Do you offer support for families confronting school misalignment or crisis situations?

Yes. We regularly help families whose children have outgrown their current environment or need a more supportive setting, including temporary placement, special programs, or re-entry pathways.

How much involvement do you expect from students and parents?

Each plan is personalized. Some families want high-touch guidance and continuous support; others prefer strategic checkpoints. We adapt to your family's style and needs.

Engagement & Logistics FAQs

What is your pricing structure?

Pricing varies by engagement type. Families choose between strategic guidance packages and comprehensive partnerships. Schools and organizations receive customized proposals based on scope, duration, and complexity.

Do you offer remote or in-person services?

Both. Most advising is held via Zoom, allowing for flexible scheduling and national/international support. In-person engagements are available when appropriate.

How do we get started?

The first step is a consultation to understand your goals. After this, we recommend an engagement model that aligns with your needs and timeline.

How far in advance should we book?

High-demand months (September–January and March–April) fill quickly. We recommend reaching out early, especially for 8th grade families or schools entering strategic planning cycles.