Confused by all the school choices? Wake County school consultant provides support, advice

Libby Taylor has worked in education for much of her career — first as a public school teacher in Durham and Wake County and later with a nonprofit that provides professional development for teachers.

But she's also a Raleigh mom with three kids of her own. And, after navigating decisions about where her children will attend school, she realized she could help other parents too.

Three years ago, Taylor launched SchoolUp Wake, a school selection business where she provides advice and support for parents as they make their school decisions.

As Wake County's magnet school application process begins, I checked in with Taylor to learn more about how she's helping local parents.

Go Ask Mom: What was the aha moment for SchoolUp Wake? Why did you start it?

Libby Taylor: A few years ago, a friend sent me an article in the Atlantic about school consultants in large urban areas and it occurred to me that we have so many schools to choose from in Wake County which can be very confusing. The year we chose a school for my oldest child was intense, and I have an extensive background in education, so I can’t imagine how overwhelming it is for busy parents who don’t have that background. I also realized there wasn’t an unbiased resource available to parents that examined all their choices from calendar options to magnets to public charters and private schools. That is what sparked my interest in building SchoolUp Wake.

GAM: What all do you offer?

LT: A school selection consultant is kind of like a Realtor, but for schools. I offer group discussions to organizations like preschools and parent groups as well as private family consultations. My group meetings cover the big picture, or the soup to nuts of all your choices. In family consultations, I sit down with parents, go over their needs, identify the schools that best fit those needs, and together we come up with an organized game plan, taking into account both the schools they like most and the schools they are most likely to get into.

I work with students of all ages to help families find the right school. I work with families who are relocating and families who are at transition grades, such as rising kindergarten, 5th and 8th grades. As you can imagine, the bulk of my work and my discussions are with parents of preschoolers who are just learning about the many school choice options and how the different enrollment processes work. To help this group, I’m very excited to offer a public virtual information session specifically for parents with rising kindergarteners this year. I’ll review everything they need to know about registering, applying to change from their base school, and questions that can be confusing to parents new to this process, like “what is the difference between a magnet and a charter school?”

GAM: School tours are a big part of the school decision process. But many of those are likely out of the question this year. What are some alternative ways to get to know a school when tours aren't possible?

LT: Most schools are hosting virtual information sessions, offering videos of virtual tours, or both. I highly recommend joining and participating in these sessions when possible. School choice means schools are competing for your kids, which can be a great thing, so I always encourage parents to ask questions.

Many of these schools also have social media accounts or their PTA has an account. Following a school on Instagram, Facebook or Twitter can be a great way to see what the school’s culture is like since you can’t tour in person. Of course, word of mouth can be helpful, so talk to anyone you know who goes there. Parents with current students will be your best resource.

GAM: To parents who are on the brink of this decision, really nervous about making the right decision, what's your pep talk? How do you ease their concerns?

LT: School choice makes many parents feel like they have to get into the “best” school or the “it” school, but the truth is there is no best school. Just because a school is highly ranked or your neighbor goes there, doesn’t mean it’s the right school fit for you. Parents know best what is right for their kids, and you have to trust your instincts. What is messy and chaotic to one family is eclectic and creative to another. I have clients that transfer out of schools that are considered really popular and have waitlists who worry that people will think they are crazy. It can be stressful for so many parents, but it will work out, it really will. We are fortunate that in Wake County there are lots of great schools to choose from.

GAM: What's your hope for SchoolUp Wake in the future?

LT: I’d love to be “the person” people call for school advice in Wake County. I am growing this business and our reputation to be known across the county as the resource for anything school-related, whether they are looking for the right private high school or they are trying to figure out how kindergarten admission works. Eventually, I hope to expand to provide consulting services to schools looking to improve academics, culture or enrollment. I see this as an area that is not currently being served and think there is a need for that bridge between the community and the wide variety of schools we have here in Wake County.

Go Ask Mom features local moms every Monday.