In my former life, I used to be a creative director at an ad agency. I would hire models for catalog and tv work as well as a variety of other print ads.
Modeling schools, in my book, are a load of bs. Invest your money in good headshots to send out to potential clients. Headshots don't have to be professional -- just a natural photo w/minimal make up and casual dress or dressy.
Contact every local store or company that use models and ask them if they hire models themselves or use an advertising agency that hires the models. If they hire models, send your head shot to them. Either way, send your head shot to every single advertising agency in your area -- they will pass them on to the creative director or person responsible for hiring talent, who will keep them in a file. I used to go through my files constantly for models. Do NOT hesitate to call the agencies after a week to be sure they received your photos.
More often than not, I would hire "freelance models" -- those not affiliated w/ a modeling agency b/c I didn't have to pay agency fees (which increased my price). I liked the fact that I didn't have to tack on an additional 20%+ fee for the modeling agency and that the agency didn't take money out of the "base pay" for the model.
Your head shots should include pertinent information inc. height, weight, clothing size, shoe size, eye color, hair color and contact information. Send them along w/a nice letter introducing yourself. If you're doing this for a young child, you'll need to update photos and information every 6 months b/c kids change so quickly!
If an ad agency is looking for people, you'll be called in for a "go see" ... which means the ad agency wants to see what you look like. That means NO make-up, casual dress. They want to see your face/body type.
If you are cast for a job, you should bring along a "model bag" which includes (for ladies/teens) a skin tone bra (w/convertible straps) and a few pairs of skin tone underwear (inc. g-strings), shoes (heels, flats - mainly black), pantyhose (nude & black), hair brush, a few hair clips and headbands, classic jewelry (pearls, a gold chain, a silver chain, pearl earrings, gold hoops, silver hoops) and some make-up.
Often, modeling schools will tell you that they'll teach you how to do your own make-up. It is very rare that a photo shoot does not include a stylist (hair and make up as well as wardrobe). You will also be told what the shoot is for (clothing, etc). Sometimes, you may be asked to provide your own wardrobe and they will be specific on what to wear and other times, wardrobe (esp. for a department store or clothing catalog) will be provided. And, no ... you do not get to keep the wardrobe -- and you wouldn't want to. Usually, along the back, it's labeled "sample" or there are holes cut into backs of legs or where ever, so it isn't wearable. If you want to learn how to do make-up, go to a reputable make-up counter and ask them to show you a few tricks.
The modeling school will tell you that they'll teach you how to pose and walk ... just look through magazines and you can teach yourself how to pose. As far as "walking", most places aren't looking for runway models (unless you're in NYC and then you'd be better off w/an agent)!
Remember -- modeling agencies like Ford, Wilhelmina, etc. don't make you take classes!!! They're going to do what it takes to get your face out there so they can make money!!!! Sure, they'll have you sign a contract and get you head shots, etc. ... but they're doing it b/c they expect to hire you out a lot and get paid for doing so!!!!
Should you choose, opt for a modeling agency over a modeling school. And, do NOT fall for those "We're looking for models of all ages -- come to the XYZ hotel for the Modeling Extravaganza where you'll meet top agents from this, that, the other one modeling agencies". These places make you pay big bucks to "get recognized" and to "meet the right people". You don't need them -- just get the head shots and send them out to advertising agencies and your local stores that use models!!! If you feel that you/your child has "something special", you can try to submit photos to the big NYC agencies (Wilhelmina, Ford) and try to get in there. But, again, that's going to cost you a trip to NYC w/no guarantees if they even just want to look at you!
If you have any other questions or advice, feel free to PM me!
Warmly,
Daxx's Wife
I'd check into others.
Actually, TF, I demand you to give her a tag! 
There is a website called modelingscams and they are full of Barbizon info, like this:
