WE'VE BEEN THERE

Our team is led by a mother and daughter, Alexis and Carolyn White, which offers a unique perspective.

Carolyn vividly remembers the challenges of applying Alexis to elementary and middle schools in Los Angeles. Alexis is familiar with the academic and social pressures of middle and high school in Los Angeles and the rigors of balancing her academics with extracurricular activities. Both recall the stress of slipping grades, the late nights of studying, and wondering which college would send a “fat envelope.” 

While a student at Marlborough School, Alexis struggled to find the study methods that best suited her. Once she developed the skills that worked for her individual learning style, she saw a positive difference in her grades. Alexis graduated cum laude from UCLA and started The A-List in 2003 to impart these skills to other students. The company has expanded to provide standardized test preparation, college admissions consulting, K-12 admissions consulting, and general educational advising.  

Carolyn joined The A-List after 16 years as a director of admissions at Crossroads School. She has interviewed and counseled hundreds of families applying for kindergarten through 12th grade, and finding the appropriate match between school and family is her primary goal. Previously she taught English in private and public, middle and upper schools.  In addition, she is the author of “The Seven Common Sins of Parenting an Only Child,” (Jossey-Bass/Wiley).