OUR MISSION
The Schoolhouse Scout is your trusted guide through Richmond’s private school admissions process for junior kindergarten through eighth grade. With expert insight, personalized guidance, and simple tools, we help your family evaluate schools, align with your values, and make confident decisions that feel right for your child.
ABOUT US
Allison Lu is a Richmond native and mother of two who knows firsthand how overwhelming the private school admissions process can feel. After navigating it herself, she realized how many families were quietly struggling to make one of the most important decisions of their child’s early life.
With a professional background in recruiting, career coaching, and talent scouting, Allison brings a unique perspective to school placement. She’s spent years helping people identify their strengths, prepare for interviews, and find the right fit—and now she brings that same thoughtful, personalized approach to early education.
Allison founded The Schoolhouse Scout to fill a gap she saw for young families: a calm, supportive, and knowledgeable partner who can walk with them through the preschool and private school search. Through The Schoolhouse Scout, she offers practical insight, emotional reassurance, and a deep understanding of what makes a school truly feel like the right fit.
Our SERVICES
ORGANIZATIONAL MANAGEMENT
ORGANIZATIONAL MANAGEMENT
ORGANIZATIONAL MANAGEMENT
Let’s be honest, keeping track of school applications can feel like a part-time job. We make it easier by organizing every detail in one simple system. Our database centralizes private school information—from open house dates to admissions deadlines to testing requirements—so you can stop chasing details and focus on making the right decisions for your family.
PERSONALIZED GUIDANCE
ORGANIZATIONAL MANAGEMENT
ORGANIZATIONAL MANAGEMENT
We offer packages for families seeking a more consultative, one-on-one approach which gives us the chance to truly know your child and your family. By understanding your values and priorities, we’ll work together to identify the private school environment where your child feels supported, challenged, and able to thrive.
RELOCATION SUPPORT
ORGANIZATIONAL MANAGEMENT
RELOCATION SUPPORT
For families new to Richmond, we also offer relocation support to help you feel at home. From connecting you with trusted real estate agents to recommending preschools, recreation centers, after-school programs, and summer camps, we provide curated resources that make the transition smoother for your whole family.