School and College Advising Program

Guides for the Journey

From School Moves to College Admissions

No other school offers what we do: a dedicated department to help families navigate both school transitions and college admissions. Whether you're moving to a new country or preparing for university, our School and College Advising Program provides expert guidance, thoughtful tools, and deep care for what matters most—helping your child thrive wherever they are, and wherever they’re going.

Choosing the Right-Fit School: Local or Global

Not all “top” schools are right for your child—and you don’t have to make this decision alone. We help parents explore the full picture: curriculum models, teaching philosophies, assessment styles, and cultural alignment. From campuses across continents, we work with you to determine the right environment where your child can grow—academically, socially, and emotionally.
For younger children, parents lead this process. For older students, we guide them to take greater ownership as they mature.

Start With Self-Discovery

Before applications begin, we start with reflection:
Who is your child? What brings them joy, challenge, and purpose? What kind of school environment helps them feel seen and supported?
We help families (and students, when appropriate) map out meaningful goals and create a personalized plan that gives direction—and confidence—to the journey ahead.

Support for School Transitions

For globally mobile families, changing schools can feel disorienting. We help restore clarity and continuity by:
  • Reviewing prior learning to support curriculum alignment
  • Advising on grade placement across systems (IB, IPC, American, British, et al)
  • Preparing your child for what to expect before walking into a new classroom
We act as your mentor—helping you navigate each transition with insight and calm, so your child doesn’t just adjust…they thrive.

Preparing for College Admissions

As students mature, they take the lead—and we walk beside them with expert support grounded in Riverdale Country School’s renowned college placement experience.
We help students:
  • Identify universities that match academic and personal goals
  • Plan courses and tests strategically
  • Draft and refine essays that reflect their authentic voice
  • Prepare for interviews and articulate their story with clarity
  • Stay organized with timelines, checklists, and feedback loops
We guide the process, but your child owns the story—each application reflects their values, voice, and vision.

Family-Centered Advising

Whether you're choosing a new school or planning for college, we believe this is a family journey.
We:
  • Facilitate open conversations between parents and students
  • Align aspirations with realities and options
  • Provide honest counsel when trade-offs must be weighed
  • Help you make confident decisions when the time comes

Global Expertise You Can Count On

Our team brings hands-on knowledge of international education systems and evolving admissions landscapes across the world. We stay current on:
  • Curriculum frameworks like IB, IPC, U.S., and U.K. models
  • Grade placement nuances across regions
  • Admissions trends in the U.S., U.K., Canada, Australia, and beyond

✨ Ready to Begin?

Whether you're planning an international move or your child is preparing for college, we’re here to help you take the next step with clarity and confidence.
We will chart a path that fits your child—and your family.