With the national student-to-counselor ratio in U.S. public schools averaging a staggering 376:1, students navigating the college admissions process far too often lack the personalized guidance needed to succeed at this critical juncture. That was until Blue Ivy Coaching, an internationally recognized college advising firm partnering with The Webb School this academic year to deliver a best-in-class, elevated college counseling experience for families in grades nine through 12.

"Our goal is to ensure that every student—regardless of background, interest or ambition—receives the expert guidance they need to reach their highest potential."

“Our goal is to ensure that every student—regardless of background, interest or ambition—receives the expert guidance they need to reach their highest potential,” said Dr. Polly Parker, head of school at Webb, an independent college preparatory institution.

Now offering a 25:1 student-to-college counselor ratio to Webb families, this partnership is the first and only of its kind between Blue Ivy and any high school in greater Tennessee. This innovative model, designed to move beyond the limitations of traditional school-based counseling, reflects Webb’s enduring commitment to individualized education, academic excellence and student success since 1870. 

“I’ve witnessed the transformative impact this partnership has on a school community, and I am thrilled to bring that same level of support and access to Webb,” added Dr. Parker, previously the head of school for Escuela Americana El Salvador, another partner of Blue Ivy.

Founded by Nashville native and Yale graduate Marcus DeWitt in 2017, Blue Ivy has served over 5,000 high schoolers throughout its history. Its staff includes over 60 full-time advisors—ranging from Ivy League alumni, financial aid experts and creative writing specialists to professionals with experience across a variety of fields, such as architecture, engineering, the arts and international admissions.

"Students aren’t just given a checklist; they’re given a team, a strategy and the space to discover what excites them about their future."

“What makes this program different is the depth and breadth of support,” said Blue Ivy Coaching Coordinator Paz Lindeman, who will be leading the new program at The Webb School in a hybrid (virtual and in-person) capacity. “Students aren’t just given a checklist; they’re given a team, a strategy and the space to discover what excites them about their future.”

Embracing this strategy, students who work with Blue Ivy are three times more likely than their peers to be admitted to and enroll in a Top 50 college or university. With an 88.5% acceptance rate to their top five college choices, Blue Ivy students also secured over $10 million in scholarships and financial aid during the 2024-25 school year.

Blue Ivy Liaison for College Counseling, David Cicotello, will also be based on campus at Webb to ensure strong integration with academic and student life programs. Through virtual one-on-one meetings, regular in-person campus visits and parent engagement, key features of the Blue Ivy program at Webb include:

• Early and sustained support: Group and individual advising begins in the ninth grade, with structured college and career roadmaps developed over the next two years.
• High-touch, low-ratio advising: Each counselor works with only 25 students, compared to the nationwide 376:1 average ratio found in public schools.
• Flexible scheduling: Evening and weekend appointment slots accommodate each student and their family’s availability, even during the peak application season.
• Specialized expertise: From international admissions and creative portfolios to learning differences and scholarship strategies, Blue Ivy offers one-of-a-kind support tailored to each student.
• Live programming: Webinars inform and educate Webb families.
• In-depth advising: On average, each student receives more than 50 hours of personalized counseling throughout their high school career.

This elevated approach to college counseling not only levels the playing field for Webb students but also sets a new standard for what is possible in independent school college advising.

“We’re honored to partner with a school like Webb that values both tradition and innovation in student development,” said DeWitt.

This News Story Appeared in:

October 28, 2025 – WGNS Radio - "From Bell Buckle to the Ivy League: Webb Students Gain Elite College Prep Edge"