Choosing a school is one of the most significant decisions a family makes, and it is rarely simple. Whether you are searching for a day school that offers a richer academic environment, a boarding school that fosters independence and community, or a specialized setting that truly understands your child, Moses and Farrell bring nearly three decades of experience to help you make the right call.
We know these schools. We have visited campuses, spoken with admissions teams, and followed the outcomes of the students we have placed. We bring that firsthand knowledge directly to your family.
Is This the Right Time to Consider a Different School?
Families come to us for many different reasons. Some are proactive, simply wanting a better fit for a talented or curious student. Others are responding to a clear signal that the current setting is not working. Common situations we see include:
A student who is academically capable but disengaged or unchallenged in their current school
A student whose learning, social, or emotional needs are not being adequately supported
A family is considering boarding school for the first time and is unsure where to begin
A student transitioning back to a traditional school setting after a therapeutic program
A family relocating and in need of expert guidance on local or regional options
A student in middle school whose secondary school decision is approaching
Day Schools vs. Boarding Schools: What We Help You Evaluate
The decision between a day school and a boarding school is deeply personal and depends on your child, your family, and your goals. We help you think through the full picture, including:
Academic Program: What does the school offer in terms of curriculum depth, college preparation, arts, athletics, and experiential learning? Does the program match how your child learns best?
Learning Support: What are the school's resources for students with learning differences, ADHD, or other needs? Is support integrated into the culture or treated as an add-on?
Community and Culture: What is the social environment like? What values does the school emphasize, and will your child feel genuinely welcome there?
Size and Structure: Some students thrive in small, close-knit communities. Others need the range of opportunities a larger school provides. We help you identify the fit.
Geographic Considerations: For boarding schools, proximity to home and the nature of weekend and holiday access matter enormously to both students and parents.
Cost and Financial Aid: We are transparent about the financial realities of independent school placement and can help you understand the availability of aid and the application strategy.
Our Process
Step 1: Getting to Know Your Child
We start with a thorough intake conversation. We listen to you and your child, review academic records and any existing evaluations, and work to understand your child as a whole person, not just a transcript.
Step 2: Building the Right List
Using our knowledge of schools across the country, we build a curated, realistic list of schools that match your child's profile, your family's priorities, and practical considerations like geography and budget. We do not hand you a generic spreadsheet. We give you a thoughtful, personalized set of options with our honest assessments of each.
Step 3: Navigating the Application Process
Independent school admissions can be surprisingly competitive and complex. We guide you through every stage, from completing applications and preparing your child for interviews to communicating effectively with admissions offices.
Step 4: Campus Visits and Decision Support
We help you prepare for campus visits, so you know exactly what to look for and ask. When it is time to make your final decision, we are here to help you weigh your options clearly and confidently.
Step 5: Enrollment and Transition Support
After enrollment, we remain available. If your child needs support adjusting to a new environment, or if circumstances change and a different placement becomes necessary, we are here.
A Note on Boarding Schools for Students with Complex Needs
Many families do not realize that the spectrum of boarding school options is far broader than the traditional prep school model. There are excellent boarding schools with robust learning support programs, schools that specialize in students with ADHD and executive functioning challenges, schools designed for students recovering from mental health difficulties, and schools that integrate therapeutic and academic programming. If your child has needs beyond what a traditional setting can offer, there is very likely a boarding school that is built for exactly that student. We know those schools well.
Not sure where to start? That is exactly what we are here for.
Book a free call and let us map out the options together.