Academic Approach®

We take the same "two birds with one stone" approach to our SSAT and ISEE programs that we take to all of our tests: both to improve scores and to enlighten. All too often, students may lose out on certain core curricula in math, vocabulary, or reading in grade and middle school—core knowledge that, if not addressed, can comprise increasingly consequential gaps in knowledge for a student in high school. We use the SSAT and ISEE to address these gaps in fundamental skills while raising a student's score at the same time.

We are also very encouraging and supportive of our SSAT and ISEE students since all educational experiences—good and bad—are critical at this age. Therefore, we use the SSAT and ISEE not only to build critical thinking skills and important work habits but also to mentor students so that our impact is positive and lasting.

Which test should my child take? The SSAT or the ISEE?

The SSAT is used primarily by boarding schools such as Choate, Andover, and Exeter. The ISEE is used primarily by independent private schools such as The Francis W. Parker School in Chicago or Dalton and Trinity in New York City. Be sure to inquire at the schools to which you are applying: each school will specify the test required for admission.

SSAT

The Secondary School Admissions Test (SSAT) is an admissions test for entrance into grades 5-12. Schools use the SSAT as one measure among others—class rank, GPA, extracurricular activities, personal essay, and teacher recommendations—of a student's readiness to do middle school or high school work.

Learn more about the SSAT

ISEE

The Independent School Entrance Examination (ISEE) is a 3-hour admissions test for entrance into grades 5-12. The ISEE consists of sections of verbal and quantitative reasoning, reading comprehension and mathematics achievement questions, and a timed essay written in response to an assigned topic.

Learn more about the ISEE

One-on-One Tutoring:

How to get started

We always begin with a phone consultation and an assessment of the student's capabilities. Get started now by contacting your nearest office.

step 1	Introductory phone consultation Cost: Complimentary The first step in arranging a program is to provide us with some pertinent information. Parents or guardians should contact your nearest office for a brief phone consultation to discuss the student's profile, needs and schedule.
step 2	Diagnostic test Cost: $50.00 Next, we administer the diagnostic test for the student in the relevant standardized test. A diagnostic provides an objective measure of the student's independent level of performance, which is necessary for assessing ability and mapping improvement.
step 3	Meeting with program administrator Cost: Complimentary After the diagnostic test, a student's parents or guardians meet for a complimentary consultation with the program administrator. The purpose of the meeting is to answer all questions, discuss the results of the diagnostic frankly, set goals for the student's improvement, and design a test preparation program specifically around the student's needs and interests. Finally, students are matched with the appropriate instructors and together they determine a meeting schedule. Students commit to a schedule of regular appointments, relevant homework assignments, and frequent practice test administrations to ensure the assimilation of relevant academic content and improve effective processing of this content under time constraint. To get started or learn more about our programs, contact one of our offices here.