About Koula Education
From my shelves
Koula Education is a private educational practice specializing in K–12 academic portfolio review, advanced humanities instruction, selective admissions advising, and admissions essay development.
I’m Xeni (pronounced KSEH-nee, rhymes with penny). I earned a Ph.D. in Comparative Literature from Harvard University and a B.A. with Honors in English Language and Literature from the University of Chicago.
After teaching literature and writing at the college level, I spent more than a decade working with students and families through humanities instruction, educational planning, and selective admissions advising. I also bring more than twenty years of homeschooling experience, which has shaped my approach to working with curious, thoughtful, and motivated students across a wide range of ages.
As my own children approached high school, I became deeply interested in the rapidly changing landscape of selective admissions. At the same time, I realized that my years studying and teaching at highly selective universities had given me a firsthand understanding of the kind of intellectual curiosity, independence, and engagement those institutions consistently value in their students.
Over the past decade, I have focused on helping students make thoughtful educational decisions, develop stronger writing, and present themselves authentically through their applications. What continues to fascinate me is how the admissions process encourages students to think seriously about their interests, values, and future goals. At its best, preparing an application is not simply about gaining admission to college–it is an opportunity for genuine intellectual and personal growth.
Today, I am based in Washington State and work remotely with students throughout the United States and internationally.
If you’re ready to approach the admissions process with greater clarity and confidence, I’d love to help. Visit the Services page to learn more about my services, pricing, and how we can work together, or email me to discuss your goals.
