A school your child will thrive in, chosen on purpose.
The Onyx Movement guides Los Angeles families through admissions in six phases, from the first conversation to a settled first year at a new school that fits their child, not just one that says yes.
Proven Results
We've maintained a placement rate above 98% for three consecutive years, and we're just getting started.
Our Approach
Private school admissions is not one decision. It is six phases, more than fifty separate steps, and nine to twelve months of deadlines that don’t wait for anyone.
Six phases.One throughline.
Your child is known before anyone is asked to admit them.
Listen.
Family Discovery
A family profile and a candid read on fit.
Map.
The School List
A final list with priorities, deadlines, and costs.
Prepare.
Testing, Visits, Interviews
A visit calendar, testing plan, and interview practice.
Apply.
Applications and Essays
Complete, reviewed applications, on time.
Advocate.
Decisions and Waitlists
A decision plan and a waitlist strategy.
Transition.
The First Year
A transition checklist and a first-year check-in.
About the Work
This work is personal. It is relational. It is ongoing.
Onyx learns the child first and builds the school list around fit. Then it gets the family ready for every test, tour, interview, and essay, and stays with them through decisions and waitlists.
Collette Bowers Zinn, J.D., M.Ed
As a fifth-generation educator and trained attorney, Collette Bowers Zinn brings more than two decades of experience connecting families, schools, corporations, organizations, and systems.
Through The Onyx Movement, Private School Axis, and her broader work, she leads with clarity, compassion, lots of humor, and a deep commitment to expanding access and reimagining what education can look like when it truly serves all learners.
Collette does an incredible job of authentically getting to know your child and your family. She spends time to understand what type of learner your child is, what their interests are. And then with her knowledge and experience, she's able to recommend a best-fit school.
You have really changed our family's mindset around education. Without your guidance, I don't know where I would have started.
There was never a text or email that Collette didn't respond to. She was always available to us, and made us feel like she was our real advocate and partner along this process.
PARTNERS OF ONYX MOVEMENT
