About Us

At Paideia Prestige, we believe college admissions is more than a checklist—it’s a
journey toward purpose.

Why Paideia Prestige?

Founded on a commitment to intentionality, multicultural insight, and individualized guidance, our approach ensures each family receives unparalleled attention and expertise.

Personalized & Purposeful

We limit the number of families we serve each year to provide tailored, one-on-one support that honors each student’s unique story, strengths, and goals.

Global & Grounded

With firsthand experience navigating both U.S. and European educational systems, we offer a rare blend of cross-cultural insight—especially for families considering study abroad options.

Immersive Experiences

From curated college tours in Madrid and the U.S. to values-driven coaching, we combine strategic admissions guidance with real-world exposure to campuses and cultures.

Our Professional Standards

Trusted guidance rooted in ethics, expertise, and a global perspective.

Member, Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA) — Committed to the highest ethical and professional standards in educational consulting.
Certified International University Admissions Advocate (NACAC) — Expertise in both U.S. and international admissions pathways.
Bilingual & Cross-Cultural Expertise — Fully fluent in English and Spanish with deep knowledge of U.S. and European systems.

About The Founder

Susana Fernandez

Certified by NACAC · Member of IECA · Certified UK agent and counsellor

Susana Fernández is an internationally respected educator and bilingual literacy leader committed to student growth, equity, and educational access. She is the founder of Paideia Prestige, an educational consulting practice supporting globally minded families navigating U.S. and European university admissions. With over a decade of experience across top-performing education systems in the United States and Europe, Susana brings strategic insight, cultural fluency, and personal integrity to the admissions journey. She is certified as an International University Advocate by NACAC and is an Associate Member of the Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA)—two of the most trusted organizations in ethical college counseling.

Her global perspective is rooted in diverse academic and professional experiences. Susana earned her degree in psychology and international studies at Saint Louis University in Madrid, completing internships at the U.S. Embassy and the Center for Biomedical Technology. In the U.S., she earned a Master of Arts in Teaching and holds dual certifications in K–6 education and as a Teacher of Students with Disabilities in Secondary Education. Early experiences at NYU’s College Access Leadership Institute and with the Breakthrough Collaborative in NYC deepened her commitment to access and opportunity, inspiring her mission to guide students toward success with confidence and authenticity.

Through Paideia Prestige, Susana offers bilingual, relationship-driven guidance to a select number of families each year. Her services include immersive campus visits in Europe and the U.S., personalized advising throughout high school, and small group cohorts that foster reflection, purpose, and global readiness. Her philosophy is simple: college planning should honor the whole student—their values, well-being, and long-term growth—ensuring that every step of the admissions process reflects who they are and who they are becoming.

From a School Principal

“Susana brought a rare combination of expertise, persistence, and cultural fluency to our school community. As a literacy and bilingual education coach, she empowered teachers to deliver data-driven, purposeful instruction while ensuring every student received the individualized support they deserved. The results were remarkable—many bilingual students progressed from emergent reading to grade-level proficiency within a single year. What stood out most was Susana’s ability to connect strategy with care: she listened closely, guided thoughtfully, and always held a vision for each child’s growth. Her professionalism, dedication, and impact made a lasting difference in our school.” — School Principal, Elizabeth Public Schools (NJ)

Reviews

What our clients say

Alex

New York

The college tours were such a memorable and helpful experience. We visited Montclair State, Rutgers Newark, Rutgers New Brunswick, and Fordham’s Rose Hill campus, and each one gave me a totally different perspective—from Montclair’s big and welcoming campus to the energy of Rutgers Newark, to seeing Rutgers New Brunswick by bus. Even when it rained at Fordham, Susana made sure it was still memorable and meaningful. What I appreciated most was how she pushed us to ask better questions and even suggested ones based on our own interests that we hadn’t thought of. By the end, I felt more confident, more prepared, and like I could really picture myself in these environments. It wasn’t just a tour—it felt like the first real step toward my future.

Student, Paideia Pathways

Class of 2025, NJ

“Ms. Fernandez has been both my teacher and mentor, and her support truly shaped my journey. From day one, she took the time to understand my goals and challenges, always pushing me to grow not just academically, but as a person. She guided me through every step of the college process, especially in crafting essays for the U.S. Naval Academy, scholarships, and my college applications. Her feedback was thoughtful and encouraging, helping me find my voice and write with purpose and authenticity. Thanks to her mentorship, I’m now at Hobart and William Smith Colleges, rowing at the Division I level and studying on both academic and civil work scholarships. The discipline, confidence, and resilience she helped me build continue to guide me every day—in the classroom and on the water. I feel incredibly fortunate to have worked with her. Ms. Fernandez goes above and beyond for her students, and I would absolutely recommend her to any family looking for meaningful, personalized guidance.”

Student, Paideia Pathways & College Immersion Tour

Class of 2026, NJ

“While touring Fordham University, one of the most meaningful moments happened during a sudden downpour. Almost everyone left, but Susana encouraged us to stay with the tour leader—and what could have felt awkward became an opportunity to connect more deeply and make a lasting impression. She wasn’t just there as a counselor—she guided me like a mentor, encouraging me to ask thoughtful questions, stay confident, and embrace the moment. She has a way of making you feel both prepared as a student and understood as a person, which made all the difference. That experience showed me how much she truly cares, and it’s something I’ll carry with me.”

Student, Paideia Pathways & College Immersion Tour

Class of 2026, Honduras

“The college tours were such a memorable and helpful experience. We visited Montclair State, Rutgers Newark, Rutgers New Brunswick, and Fordham’s Rose Hill campus, and each one gave me a totally different perspective—from Montclair’s big and welcoming campus to the energy of Rutgers Newark, to seeing Rutgers New Brunswick by bus. Even when it rained at Fordham, Susana made sure it was still memorable and meaningful. What I appreciated most was how she pushed us to ask better questions and even suggested ones based on our own interests that we hadn’t thought of. By the end, I felt more confident, more prepared, and like I could really picture myself in these environments. It wasn’t just a tour—it felt like the first real step toward my future.”

Parent, Paideia Pathways

Class of 2025

“It is with great enthusiasm that we share our experience working with Susana Fernández during our son’s college application journey. She offered far more than academic guidance—bringing structure, motivation, and an unwavering commitment to his success. From the very beginning, she broke down the complex admissions process into manageable steps, creating a personalized schedule that kept him organized, focused, and confident. What impressed us most was Susana’s ability to connect not only as an advisor, but as a mentor. She was patient, encouraging, and incredibly thorough, often going above and beyond to provide thoughtful guidance and keep the process moving smoothly. Her support was instrumental in shaping essays, managing deadlines, and balancing the demands of academics and extracurriculars. Because of her guidance, our son was able to submit strong, timely applications to competitive colleges, approaching the process with clarity, discipline, and purpose. Her impact on his growth during this time was invaluable, and I am incredibly grateful for her dedication. We recommend Susana without reservation. Her professionalism, expertise, and genuine care for her students make her a truly exceptional mentor and partner for families navigating this important milestone.”