College prep, with a spotter.
From ninth grade to the first day of college: a plan for high school, the college list and applications, paying less, college credit when it fits, and arriving ready. One plan, a weekly check-in and an update every Friday. Families in any state.
- Families in any state
- Grades 8 through 12
- Online, from home
on track for fall applications
Example for illustration. Caveat Academic Services is an independent college preparation company, not affiliated with ASU.
Everything between ninth grade and move-in day.
College credit is one piece. We plan the whole path with your family: courses, testing, the college list, applications and paying for it, so nothing important shows up late.
Free for every family · no sign-up
34 free tools for every step to college.
Checklists, calculators, quizzes and planners built from the colleges' own published rules. Use any of them tonight, without an email or an account.
Giving this season? Give a college course or any Caveat service.
Built for students who are ready, and the ones who need a plan
Every family starts somewhere different. We plan from where your student is today.
College credit, when it fits
Self-paced college courses are affordable. Finishing one at 16 takes structure. That's the part we handle.
- 1
Plan the path
We match courses to your student's goals and the colleges they're aiming for, and check how those schools treat ASU credit.
- 2
Stay on pace
A week-by-week calendar, a weekly check-in and an update for you every Friday, so nothing slips quietly.
- 3
Keep the credit
Happy with the grade? It goes on an official ASU transcript. If not, your student doesn't have to keep it.
Subject: Maya's week 4: On track
- StatusOn track
- Progress5 of 18 modules
- Current grade91%
- This weekFinished the research methods module early.
- Next weekModule 6 and quiz 2, due Sunday.
An example of the update parents get every Friday.
Spotter · The Caveat family app · Included with every plan
Everything about your student's college prep, on one screen.
Spotter is the private app for Caveat families. Every Friday report, kept. The whole semester on your phone's calendar with one tap. A message thread with your advisor that parents always see. The credit decision in plain words. And a version built for the student, with a study timer and a way to say "I'm stuck."
- Friday reports, the pacing calendar and messages in one place
- Due dates straight from the course, updated as the plan moves
- Documents and receipts, including the official transcript request
- No logins to hunt for: a link in your email, then it's on your home screen
Spotter comes with every Caveat plan. Your family gets access the day you enroll. Independent college preparation services, not affiliated with Arizona State University. Students do all of their own coursework.
and schools
Who we are
"Capable students rarely struggle because the work is too hard. They struggle when the structure disappears."
Caveat Academic Services is an independent college preparation company founded by educator Marcus Shaw, who has worked in schools since 2012 and earned four degrees online in two and a half years. Every family works with a Caveat advisor who knows the student's whole plan, from the first college course to the first day of college.
- Special education teacher
- Behavior coach
- High school director
- Director of operations
- MS.Ed, MBA, MSML
- 4 degrees in 2.5 years, online
The fine print, up front
It's in our name. Here's what every family should know before starting.
Two ways to start.
Book a free 20-minute call and we'll talk through your student's goals, what to do next, what it would cost and how ESA payment works. Or send us a note below and get a reply within one business day.