Senior-Level Attention
We maintain a limited intake to ensure every family receives the white-glove service and discretion they deserve.
As Seen On
Our Foundation and Leadership
Founded in 2006 by Allen Koh, Cardinal Education has evolved from a specialized Silicon Valley tutoring practice into a premier global advisory firm. We serve as a trusted partner to high-net-worth individuals, executives, and global leaders who require a sophisticated, high-touch approach to their children’s futures.
An alumnus of Stanford University, Mr. Koh is recognized as a leading admissions consultant and a veteran academic coach. He understands that for our families, education is more than a credential—it is a long-term investment in a child’s character. By specializing in the most competitive admissions landscapes, from San Francisco day schools to Ivy League universities, we ensure our clients have the institutional insight needed to succeed.
Our Mission & Core Values
Our mission is to bring structure and calm to a process that often feels overwhelming. We anchor every engagement in three core pillars:
Clarity
We provide honest, data-driven assessments that cut through the noise of the admissions world.
Character
We believe that the most successful students are those who develop genuine resilience, ethics, and self-awareness. Character development is our core methodology.
Confidence
We empower students and parents to move through high-stakes transitions with the peace of mind that comes from expert preparation.
Our Method
A Holistic Ecosystem for High Achievement
Families choose Cardinal Education because we provide a “private office” experience. Unlike a tutoring marketplace, we offer a unified strategy that integrates coaching, test prep, and admissions into one seamless journey.
Institutional Insight
Two decades of experience in the Bay Area and beyond allows us to offer strategic advantages based on deep knowledge of school cultures and expectations.
Global Cultural Intelligence
Our consultants are equipped to work with international families, providing the cultural translation necessary to navigate the U.S. educational system.
Global Reach
A Global Education Strategy, Not Just an Application
While our roots are in the Bay Area, our reach is truly global. We have served as partners to families across six continents, and countries including Indonesia, Singapore, China, Oman, UAE, India, UK, Brazil, Russia, Nigeria, South Korea, Ghana, and Egypt. Whether you are navigating a relocation to San Francisco, seeking a selective boarding school in New England, or applying to the most selective colleges in the U.S., our expertise transcends borders.
25+
U.S. States Served
20+
Countries Worldwide
20+
Years Advising Global Families
What Families Are Saying
Multiple Ivy League Acceptances
“Cardinal Education provided the senior-level attention we were looking for. Their focus on our son’s character and personal growth was what ultimately made the difference in his applications.”
Parent, London & New York
Admitted to Phillips Exeter Academy
“The team at Cardinal Education is more than consultants; they are mentors. They brought a sense of calm to our family during a very high-stakes transition.”
Parent, Silicon Valley
Common Questions About Our Firm
Limited Intake for the Upcoming Cycle
We intentionally limit our client list to provide unparalleled senior-level attention. Reach out to explore a partnership with the world’s leading educational advisors.