We see the whole person, supporting that individual and their best interest, and always acting with integrity
We draw on human connection and imagination, and levarage open communication to build relationships and understanding
We are grounded in the science of learning and educational psychology, and strive to always be improving. We are outcome and data-driven
We enable growth in our students by building their self-belief, and in ourselves by remaining humble, open-minded, and flexible
We believe that every student matters and we want them to know it. We want them to recenter their educational journey around developing their own unique strengths, interests, and pathway to success. This is a pathway that transcends comparison and competition.
Whether it's one student at a time through mentorship or through large-scale events; our ethos is making a change in the unhealthy achievement culture that has come to overshadow much of the educational space
We support the development of skillful, fulfilled, and successful individuals who will share their gifts back with their communities.
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Our scale allows us to provide the Guidewell Education experience with students in a variety of settings, ranging from private 1-1 to group settings to services delivered across school districts positively impact the lives of more students
Billy Downing is the CEO of Guidewell Education, a leading educational services firm with offices throughout the United States and Europe. Having spent over 20 years in the field, Downing’s college admissions expertise and reputation as a straight-talking, caring, and insightful thought leader has fueled the company’s growth.
With a focus on actively recruiting, developing, and retaining top-tier talent worldwide, Guidewell Education has grown into the industry leader, working with 20,000 students in a Guidewell Education program annually. Downing pioneered the student-specific “academic mentorship” model that is used by his team of coaches and mentors for tutoring, admissions consulting, and standardized test preparation. His unique ability to contextualize and explain industry changes has also made him a frequent source for news outlets and an in-demand expert speaker.
By monitoring the latest trends, incorporating best practices, and utilizing data, Downing and his team have empowered thousands of students and families across the globe with strategies, resolve, and peace of mind as they successfully navigate the complex college admissions process. Downing’s most recent book, Million Dollar Degree, focuses on the evolution of higher education and the current public discourse around the true value of college. He examines what this means for families navigating the process and offers practical, actionable information for readers to make informed decisions on the strategies that will work best for them. His first book, College Greatness: A Family’s Guide to the Admissions Process, takes an insider’s look at college admissions and guides families through the process, step-by-step, from discovering the right school to crafting a unique student narrative that results in an acceptance letter.
Downing earned a bachelor’s degree from UC Berkeley and a master’s degree from the University of San Francisco. He serves as a board member for College Track, an advisory board member at Santa Clara University Leavey School of Business, and a trustee at Sacramento Country Day School and Jesuit High School. He lives in Sacramento with his wife, Jessaca and their two children.
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