When the counselor at THE SCHOOL COUNSELING GROUP,INC. met the Fletchers, she observed that the Fletcher twins were very different. Sarah was very outgoing, verbal, and independent. She marched right into our office, examining everything, and asking questions about anything and everything. Kevin, on the other hand, was much more quiet, serious, and attached to his mother. While Sarah was demanding answers, Kevin shyly stood behind his mother's legs and took in everything. When the counselor introduced herself and asked him a few questions, he gave quiet one-word answers, or simply nodded his head.

Our counselor explained to Ms. Fletcher that a nursery school with a well-known name was not necessary to get into a good college. The important thing was that the twins attend schools where they would be happy and whose environment would allow them to flourish and grow at their own rates.

While Ms. Fletcher preferred that the twins attend the same school, it didn't seem that one school would meet the needs of both children. Sarah needed a very challenging and stimulating environment, while Kevin needed a nuturing, caring school that could draw him slowly out of his timidness.

The SCG counselor came up with a list of schools for each child. Sarah's list included more competitive, larger schools, while Kevin applied to schools that were known for their gentle, flexibly-paced nursery classrooms. Among Sarah's choices was the local public school, known for its excellent program and highly-involved parents. (It was a great fit for Sarah, but its large, busy building would have daunted Kevin.) Both children went through the application process to independent schools in the fall, and by March had received their acceptance letters. Each had a few schools to choose from and Ms. Fletcher was able to pick schools that were close to each other and accessible to her office.

The last time we spoke with Ms. Fletcher, both Kevin and Sarah were doing very well in their respective schools. Sarah impressed her teachers with her curiosity and outspokenness and found enough stimulation to really enjoy school, and Kevin had started to become a little less shy, and was much more comfortable being away from his mother.