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Meet Keely Buchanan of Preparing for Denver Kindergarten

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Today we’d like to introduce you to Keely Buchanan.

Keely, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I started Preparing for Denver Kindergarten five years ago to fill a need for Denver families navigating the search for public and private Preschool and Kindergarten.

When I began the search for Preschool for my oldest son, Arlo, to say I was overwhelmed is an understatement. Simply put: I didn’t know what I didn’t know. As I began to research public and private options, I became frustrated with the lack of consolidated information, designed for a parent like me, who was not yet at a school. Private schools were numerous and difficult to differentiate, and navigating the public school choice process was daunting at best. I spent numerous hours calling the district and researching online, only to be constantly referred between departments and schools, often receiving different answers depending on who I spoke to.

It became clear to me that no one was taking a step back and considering this process from a parent’s holistic experience. So, I decided to do just that, asking myself, “What do parents new to a district need to know?” and “How can I help turn anxiety into excitement?” I started by designing group classes for parents in my position, who had lots of questions, but few answers, and didn’t know where to start.As time passed, my reputation grew and I added private consultations to my repertoire, as well as Preschool classes, private classes and lived Facebook Ask Me Anything (AMA) sessions. 

Fast forward to today, and I work with families from across Colorado and fill classes from October – February each year. and work with my families moving into Colorado who wants to understand school implications before they rent/buy. And, both of my boys are in public school: 2nd and 4th grade.

Has it been a smooth road?
As with any small business, getting started is the hardest part. The largest challenge is getting the word out to parents and explaining my value proposition. Yes, I am a consultant, but what I offer parents is so much more than that – I offer peace of mind, understanding and empathy for a process I completed and comprehensive and ongoing support.

My business is seasonal and I am slammed in December, January and February as DPS Round 1 Choice open and closes, and most private school applications are due. I post my personal cell phone on all materials and I answer every phone call. This makes for some very busy days and nights leading up to Choice closing. I sometimes teach two classes in one day, which involves eight hours straight of teaching and hundreds of questions. I am tagged in a Facebook post about schools daily, and I receive dozens of communications from parents daily during my busiest time. Luckily, I absolutely love what I do, and I get a lot of satisfaction in helping parents find best fit for their kiddos.

Please tell us about Preparing for Denver Kindergarten.
I offer a one-stop-shop for Denver area parents navigating the search for public and private Preschool and Kindergarten/Elementary School.

I am known for my expertise in consolidating and simplifying messaging around all things that parents need to know. I educate parents about ECE3 and ECE4 Preschool Options, Deadlines; Testing; Individual school options for accelerated learners; Gifted & Talented (GT) and GT Magnet Eligible (HGT); Neighborhood/Boundary and Enrollment Zone Schools; Charter Public Schools; Magnet Schools; Innovation Schools; Special Focus Schools (Arts, Science, Expeditionary, Montessori, International, IB, Dual Language); When to Start Kindergarten/Retaining; Cost; Transportation; Before/After Care; Summer Camp; Private Preschools & Elementary Schools (Gifted/Creative, Religious and/or Parochial, Montessori, Waldorf, Progressive, Traditional, Micro, International, and IB); Questions to ask during school tours; Questions to ask Teachers and Principals; Parent feedback; Best Practices, Lessons Learned, and more.

What sets me apart is my passion for public education, and deep knowledge of not only what is happening at the district and department level, but at the school level, as well. Knowledge is power and I teach parents how to fish by connecting them with data and resources, and demystifying the process, start to finish. I am proud of the fact that parents come to me anxious and confused and leave excited and empowered. I am proud of the fact that the majority of my business is referrals. I am proud of the partnerships I have forged with school districts, department heads, non-profits, Principals, Preschools, private schools, and real estate agents. I am proud of the impact that I have had on hundreds and hundreds of Denver parents who I have worked with over the past five years.

How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
Public schools will most likely bring more Enrollment Zones as districts continue to strive for increased socioeconomic and racial diversity. And, as Denver grows, more new schools: boundary and lottery. Consistently Re-mapping school boundaries will become necessary as much of Denver goes through gentrification and new builds. Parents certainly want more K-8 schools, but whether that’s possible or not, remains to be seen.

And, the fate of public Preschool (Early Childhood Education/ECE) remains unclear, as legislation is brought to increase it, while many schools are moving away from it in order to find room for more Kindergartners. I expect to see more new Private schools opening, to meet the ever-growing demand. There are very few private schools that go to 12th Grade, creating an opportunity in areas such as the Highlands and Stapleton. The Educational Consulting industry is steadily growing, as well, especially as more people moving into Denver evaluate school options.

Pricing:

  • Group Class: $125/couple
  • Private Consultations: $125/hour
  • Private Classes: $1,000 (up to 10 people)
  • Preschool Information Nights: $125/hour
  • Preschool Private Classes: Tiered Pricing

Contact Info:


Image Credit:
Markham Photography

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