Cobb & Associates provide personalized, in-depth consultations for a spectrum of climate and character issues faced by schools.




Our consultations help to bridge gaps and provide a new perspective on looming or existing concerns through our role as an unbiased collaborator. Even great schools can become mired in stress due to internal or external forces. Failing to adequately address these issues can lead to a breakdown of school morale, and to the loss of common purpose and collegiality essential to a well-ordered school. Leveraging the expertise of an outside advisor has the dual value of a neutral voice (with no pre-set agenda) and a fresh approach for issues which may be long-standing or divisive.

Consultation topics are highly unique to each school, but representative issues for past consultations have included: mission and school ethos, school morale, alliances with parent leadership, issues of governance, and religious diversity.

These consultations broadly consist of Issue Definition, Stakeholder Interviews, and Recommendations.

First, we meet with the school administration to define precisely the relevant issues and identify clear objectives for the consultation.

Next, we conduct selected interviews or surveys with those who are “stakeholders” in the outcome of the consultation. Interviews can be conducted either by phone or in person; the latter is generally preferable.

Finally, we develop a written report of recommendations to the school administration. The recommendations are typically presented through a workshop or meeting in which those affected by the recommendations can come to understand and to take ownership of the processes necessary for implementation.

This process can be amended to suit the particular needs and budget of a school, although we strongly suggest that each of the steps enumerated above be included in some fashion.

Cobb & Associates brings a wealth of experience in independent schools. Peter Cobb has spent his life working in independent school education as a teacher, school administrator, head, trustee, and parent. All associates themselves have long experience working with and in independent schools. Our knowledge of the culture and the issues confronting adults and students is first hand. We have worked with schools to:

Address problems of morale within a specific school division
Assist trustees on issues of governance and leadership
Facilitate mutually valued alliances with Parent Leadership
Help school administrations clarify and resolve personnel issues

Consultations can take place over several consecutive days or staggered during the course of a school term or year. Consultations that require extensive interviews or significant survey analysis may require two consultants. The cost of consultations run from $1500-$2500/day plus expenses depending on the number of consultants engaged. Under certain circumstances, we are happy to negotiate a not-to-exceed contract.