About the Firm

What does Journeys Educational Advising do?

Journeys Educational Advising is a strategic consulting firm that supports families, schools, and organizations across K-12 and higher education. We provide admissions advising for families, enrollment and strategy consulting for schools, and guidance for organizations seeking insight into the education landscape.

Who does Journeys Edu work with?

We partner with four primary groups:

1. Families navigating TK-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 a consultant 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 3) 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:

• TK–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.

School Consulting FAQs

How does Journeys Edu support independent and parochial schools?

We partner with schools on:

• Enrollment strategy and market positioning

• Admissions systems, operations, and workflow

• Family experience and communication

• Institutional self-assessment

• Financial aid strategy

• Data-informed decision-making

• Messaging and narrative development

• Interim or fractional admissions leadership support

Do you work directly with Heads of School and Boards?

Yes. We advise Heads, Boards, Enrollment Directors, and senior leadership teams on market dynamics, strategic enrollment issues, and community expectations.

Do you offer project-based or ongoing consulting?

Both. Schools may contract Journeys Edu for a focused engagement (e.g., messaging refresh, funnel review, admissions audit) or ongoing support, particularly during transitional periods or leadership changes.

Do you consult with small schools or schools experiencing enrollment decline?

Yes. This is one of our core strengths. We specialize in helping small and mid-sized schools with limited resources identify their strategic differentiators, streamline operations, and rebuild enrollment momentum.

Are your services confidential?

Always. All school consulting engagements are private and handled with discretion.

Organizational & EdTech Partner FAQs

Do you work with EdTech companies or educational organizations?

Yes. We advise organizations building tools for admissions, family experience, school communications, and educational services. We offer insight on user behavior, market needs, and product development.

Can you help organizations understand independent school trends?

Yes. We provide strategic insight into enrollment patterns, decision-making behavior, financial aid considerations, and family preferences in the independent school market.

Do you consult on product design or UX for admissions tools?

Yes. We have partnered with product teams to refine family-facing platforms, improve onboarding flows, and shape user-centered design rooted in real admissions behavior.

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.