Leading M&A Advisor to Education Industry
Maximizing Value. Championing Legacy. Ensuring Confidentiality.
SchoolWise Partners (“SWP”) is the leading M&A advisory and brokerage firm focused exclusively on the education industry in the United States.
We advise school owners nationwide, providing sell-side advisory and end-to-end transaction management. Backed by deep sector expertise and an extensive network of strategic buyers and private equity-backed platforms, we run disciplined, competitive processes designed to maximize value, protect confidentiality, and drive smooth closings.
SchoolWise Partners is the only firm that combines an institutional, investment banking background with actual “school ownership” experience from amassing a portfolio of 42 private schools. Our firm leveraged this unique experience to add value to our clients, having transacted on more than $900 million in transaction volume in the education industry.
Our Advantage
Wall Street to Main Street. Combining Investment Banking with School Ownership Experience.
Owned & Operated
42 Private Schools
Previously built, scaled, and operated a portfolio of private schools across 11 states from 2012 to 2018.
$900+ Million
Aggregate Deal Volume
Advised in the sale of more than $900 million in transaction volume on behalf of our clients.
Advised & Transacted
300+ Private Schools
Advised in the sale of more than 300 private schools across the United States on behalf of our clients.
Our Competitive Advantages
Industry Expertise
Deep sector knowledge and differentiated perspective, built on both advisory and ownership experience. Our team has advised on the sale of more than 300 schools and previously owned and operated a portfolio of 42 private schools.
With backgrounds as former school owners, investment bankers, and real estate investors, we provide sector-specific guidance informed by more than $900 million of transaction value in the child care industry.
Unrivaled Capabilities
Delivering an unparalleled combination of sector knowledge, buyer relationships, and transaction execution. Our team is highly regarded for providing first-class, investment-banking-caliber support and resources, while delivering the attention and execution quality of a dedicated specialist advisor.
We are skilled at identifying hidden value and clearly articulating it to potential buyers, often creating an outcome that is greater than the sum of its parts.
Proprietary Network
Maintain a proprietary network of more than 500 domestic and international buyers, including strategic operators, private equity firms, family offices, and high-net-worth investors. Our longstanding relationships and real-time knowledge of their acquisition priorities allow us to identify the right buyers for each opportunity.
Our process creates competition and strengthens our clients’ negotiating leverage - helping maximize value, improve transaction terms, preserve optionality, and achieve the best combination of fit and certainty of close.
Our Clients
Who We Serve
We serve education businesses nationwide, representing the full spectrum of ownership—from independent and family-run organizations to multi-site operators and institutionally backed platforms.
Our clients span a broad range of curricula, learning models, and developmental stages, from early childhood and preschool through elementary, secondary, and specialized education. Our approach is tailored to each client’s unique goals, circumstances, and vision for the future.
The Power of Partnership
“Selling our childcare business and the underlying real estate was a complex and emotional decision, and having the right advisory team made all the difference. SchoolWise Partners brought deep industry knowledge, a disciplined process, and steady guidance at every stage of the transaction. They helped us navigate buyer conversations, structure a deal that met our financial and legacy goals, and ultimately close with confidence. We couldn't have asked for a better partner throughout this process."
— Erin Fleishman and Marguerite O’Brien
