Founder, Education Edge

Elise Thorbecke Estes has guided students and families through the independent school admissions process for more than two decades. With over 25 years of experience in admission, enrollment management, and school leadership, she has interviewed and evaluated thousands of applicants and brings deep insight into how schools make decisions and what truly matters in an applicant.

Elise is the Director of Enrollment Management at St. Mark’s School in Southborough, Massachusetts, where she has worked since 2007 in senior leadership roles spanning admission, enrollment strategy, faculty leadership, residential life, international recruitment, teaching, coaching, and advising. Most recently, she served as Interim Assistant Head of School and Dean of Faculty, overseeing faculty hiring, evaluation, and professional development while working closely with the Head of School and Board of Trustees. This breadth of experience gives her a rare, behind-the-scenes perspective on selective school admissions.

A nationally recognized enrollment leader, Elise has led data-driven enrollment strategy, chaired accreditation efforts, and presented at EMA and SSATB conferences. She brings particular expertise in SSAT preparation, application strategy, interview coaching, and helping students articulate authentic stories with clarity and confidence.

Elise holds a Master’s degree from the Harvard Graduate School of Education, certificates from Harvard Business School and the University of Southern California, and a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Williams College. As both an educator and a parent, she approaches her work with warmth, honesty, and joy, believing deeply that the right school fit can be transformative.