Jed Geary is the director of college counseling, as well as an advisor, coach, and member of the school’s administrative team. In his role, he helps students such as Connor and Zoe (and their families) plan for their journey after Eagle Hill. At EHS since 1996, Mr. Geary is acutely aware of the intricacies of the college process and, more importantly, how to coach students with diverse learning profiles, interests, and goals to navigate that process successfully. 

What is it about EHS that has kept you here for over two decades?

I often tell my friends that the education at Eagle Hill is what education is supposed to be. Each faculty member of the EHS community wants what is best for each student and we have the ability, responsibility, dedication, and determination to do what is best for each individual. Faculty members understand that many of our students have had a difficult educational history and learn in a different manner but are able to learn in the right environment. Faculty members are given the freedom to do what is best and can unleash their creative sides to help connect with a student and the student to the material. We are not limited by a standardized curriculum and have the ability to work with students differently even within the same class.  

What’s the most important part of your role as director of college counseling?

I want our department to continuously improve in our goal of facilitating the college search and application process for our students and families. The application process is stressful for every student, and adding in a learning difference adds to the complexity. However, as we are able to work with every student in our required College Orientation course, we have the opportunity to develop a better understanding of each student and work closely with each to help facilitate greater self-awareness for needs and desires in the post-secondary search. 

Can you talk about your experience living on campus with your family?

I am fortunate to work with my wife and to be able to raise my two boys here. My children love the food in the dining hall, the access to the gym, the woodshop, and the campus as a whole; I enjoy that they are able to see my wife and my work with students outside the classroom. They have seen my wife make pudding pies for my advisees and have also seen her laugh and cry with students after the school day or on weekends. My boys are able to see me coach the Ultimate Frisbee team and push the players to be better athletes and hopefully better humans. They are beginning to appreciate what Eagle Hill has to offer outside of the wonderful resources that we have available. They see us get to know our students in ways that they hope to connect with their teachers in the local public school.

What’s something that new families might be unexpectedly surprised by at EHS?

Families are often surprised that we are able to understand their children in a short period of time—whether that is at the end of the five-week summer program or at the fall family weekend in October of the school year. Our small classes allow us opportunities that are not available at most schools. After sometimes years of a student and family just not connecting with teachers or administrators, we’re able to bridge that gap very quickly. 

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