Jody Dobson has an academic record that would intimidate even the most skilled professors (Williams College for undergrad and Columbia University' teachers' College for his MA). However, he doesn't wear his intelligence like a candy-apple red slicker on a gloomy April day.

He can easily slide himself into a conversation about what he did on the weekend as he can explain where the educational system of the United States is going wrong.

"Schools have an acutely narrow learning environment," says Dobson. "When a student isn't achieving his or her potential, many times it isn't because of a lack of intelligence, it's because schools teach students who work at a certain skill level. And if the students don't have those skills, then they need to find an environment where that works within their skill levels."

Dobson, a former teacher/chair/administrator for Chestnut Hill Academy, is a man you see when your children need to discover their learning abilities and in what environment they will flourish. His business, Dobson Educational Services, is a one-man powerhouse in the educational world - he's an advocate for quality education for all children.

"Sometimes, it isn't a matter of environment either. There are so many other factors do they harbor some sort of anger or resentment? Do they have drug problems? Are they promiscuous? All of these problems are the effects of something else," says Dobson. 

And all of these issues contribute to how students learn and how they direct their attention.

What Dobson will do is discuss the problems with a student and his/her parents. Once the problems are pinpointed, Dobson will either suggest some sort of psycho-educational testing, if it is needed, or he'll create learning options for the family; i.e. select schools that can give the student the perfect learning environment.

"I do a lot of traveling. That's a large part of my job. I go around the country looking at private learning institutions and gather as much information as possible. I recently I returned from a trip in Switzerland to visit a few schools that teach American students."

Dobson is a walking encyclopedia of the nation's top private schools, and to stay current with every school he continues to visit them to make sure his information is accurate.

His clients range from families looking to relocate to the region to divorced parents who want to better their child's education and future. His web site has earned him business from expatriate U.S. families living in the United Arab Emirates, Taiwan, Bermuda and Jakarta.

But Dobson's services extend far beyond school testing and placement.

"On top of recommending the appropriate boarding school or day school, I can direct students to the right special needs school or educational alternative programs. Also, I have a file of many qualified tutors for students who want or need that extra help."

Dobson Educational Services is also a member of the Independent Educational Consultants Association which maintains academic integrity standards.

As if Dobson doesn't already do enough, he is also qualified to administer the SAT test to any students at any time.

For more information on Dobson Educational Services, located at 3 E. Gravers Line, call Jody Dobson at 215-242-3587, or check out his web site at www.dobconsult.com.