I take a different approach than most Educational Consultants:
I prioritize being responsive and accessible, so you can truly feel like you have a partner in this process. My hourly billing model gives you full flexibility to reach out anytime you need guidance, without any pressure to sign up for
hefty and confining packages that most consultants try to sell upfront.
As a working mom myself, I understand how overwhelming school placement can be for busy parents. My method is built around efficiency, clear roadmaps, and strategically focusing your energy where it matters most in the Admissions process.
I believe an expert should be purposeful and specialized, which is why I focus on preschool-8th grade placements. My clients benefit from working with a child development specialist who can expertly evaluate the whole child, and also guide families through the unique nuances of elementary and middle school Admissions.
This doesn't need to be a puzzling process.
Whether you're trying to understand the educational landscape, identify target schools, or execute a strong application, I help take the mystery out of the equation.
I designed my signature program based on 200+ client case studies and an insider's view of the private school Admissions process.
Over the course of my career, I've had a front row seat to how and why Admissions decisions are made. I've developed strong relationships with distinguished schools and Admissions Directors, as well as administrators in the California Department of Education and the National Association of Independent Schools. I've led comprehensive Admissions workshops for parent groups, been interviewed on The Motherbird Podcast, partnered with corporate companies to facilitate school placement for their relocating employees, and served as an educational advisor for over 200 local and international families.
From elementary through graduate school, my personal educational background has spanned 5 countries, an experience that opened my eyes to the incredible range of educational philosophies and practices. I was also fortunate to grow up in the wingspan of my wonderful mom, a steadfast advocate who spearheaded critical educational policy changes and co-founded The International School of Monterey.
Prior to consulting privately, I oversaw and directed the Pre-K division at Piper Preschool, highly regarded for shepherding preschoolers into L.A's finest elementary schools. On an annual basis, I oversaw 4 classrooms, closely tracked the progress of 75 students, mentored a 12-person teaching team, optimized the curriculum to ensure students were well-prepared for their Kindergarten transitions, and guided every Pre-K family through their unique Kindergarten Admissions and placement journey.
As a trusted partner in school placement, I have dialogued directly with Admissions Directors regarding how they weigh applications, and which factors can influence an acceptance, rejection, or waitlist consideration. I've seen firsthand what helps an application stand out from the rest, and how schools determine if the family as a whole is a good fit for their community.
Meanwhile, I've stayed equally apprised on L.A.'s complex public school system, so my clients who are interested in charters, magnets, and special public programs can navigate those options with clarity and ease.
Ultimately, my approach to school placement is built on matching the whole family to the right place. My priority is to thoroughly understand each of my student's developmental needs, so I can pinpoint ideal learning environments that will set them up for a success, ensure those communities align with your family as a whole, and guide you thoughtfully towards calling that school "home."
Camille de Mondesir
EDUCATIONAL CONSULTANT
• 200+ K-8 SCHOOL PLACEMENTS
• 15 years in educationAL LEADERSHIP
• CALIFORNIA MASTER TEACHER CREDENTIAL
• M.A. ENGLISH LITERATURE with distinction
• B.A. EngLISH LITERATURE WITH HONORS
My life's work, and the reason I started The Placing Method, is to champion families.