If your student's test prep could use a boost, enroll them in our Dallas Fort Worth ISEE prep course today to help them reach for academic success. The Independent School Entrance Examination, or ISEE, is a standardized test used by independent and magnet schools across the country as one factor in the application process. The test may be taken by students entering second grade or over, and it's split into four levels (Primary, Lower, Middle, and Upper) to provide a fair academic challenge to every student. The Primary ISEE is for students entering grades 2-4, Lower 5-6, Middle 7-8, and Upper 9+.
Taking a Dallas Fort Worth ISEE class may prove beneficial no matter which level of the exam your student is taking. Each class provides a comprehensive look into not only the academic skills needed on test day, but also test-taking tips that may help increase a test-taker's confidence. Keep reading to learn more about how we may be able to help you.
What are some of the subjects covered by a Dallas Fort Worth ISEE course?
The Primary Level ISEE is divided into three separate examinations as an acknowledgment that a lot of learning takes place between second grade and fourth grade, each signified by a numeral corresponding to the grade level a test-taker is entering. For example, Primary 2 is taken by students entering second grade. Each Primary ISEE contains multiple-choice Reading and Math sections that measure age-appropriate academic skills, and Primary 2 also has an Auditory Comprehension section based on listening packages. Each Primary Level ISEE concludes with a picture-based writing prompt that allows test-takers to share their personality with schools.
The Lower, Middle, and Upper ISEEs all share the same basic format. There are five sections: Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, Reading Comprehension, Math Achievement, and Essay. Here is a closer look at what students can expect to see on each one:
1. Verbal Reasoning
The Verbal Reasoning section always consists of 40 multiple-choice items over a 20-minute testing session. Questions are structured as either sentence completions or synonyms, assessing a student's vocab skills. It's virtually impossible to try to memorize every word in the English language, so students might want to study Greek and Latin roots, prefixes, suffixes, and the parts of speech to help decipher what an unfamiliar term means. Reading can also provide a student with valuable experience using context to figure out what a word means.
2. Quantitative Reasoning
The Quantitative Reasoning section contains 37 multiple-choice questions over 35 minutes on all three levels. This section measures a student's mathematical thinking skills, saving operations for a different portion of the exam. Some possible topics include multiplication and long division on the Lower Level ISEE, fractions and decimals on the Middle Level exam, and introductory statistics and exponents on the Upper Level test.
3. Reading Comprehension
The Reading Comprehension section involves 36 multiple-choice questions over 35 minutes. Every question is based on a reading passage, measuring how well students retain what they read. Test-takers at all levels must determine an author's intent, the main idea and its supporting details, and how a passage's structure influences its point. Students taking the Middle Level ISEE also need to draw inferences based on what they've read and compare/contrast multiple passages. Students taking the Upper Level exam need to do all of that across literary genres, making it more challenging. If your student could retain more of the information they read, active reading skills such as note-taking should be a focal point in their test prep.
4. Math Achievement
The Math Achievement section has 47 multiple-choice questions in 40 minutes. It emphasizes quantitative problem-solving skills, filling in the gaps of the Quantitative Reasoning section above. Some possible topics include decimals and percentages on the Lower Level ISEE, the geometry of triangles and quadrilaterals on the Middle Level ISEE, and algebraic equations and coordinate grids on the Upper Level ISEE.
5. Writing
The ISEE Writing section is not scored but photocopied and sent to each school a student applies to, allowing admissions departments to assess a student's written communication skills for themselves. It is structured as an introduction, but factors such as grammar and syntactic variety are also considered by most institutions. If your student gets intimidated by essays, learning how to outline them beforehand may help them seem more approachable.
Why should I choose a Dallas Fort Worth ISEE course provided by Varsity Tutors?
Every Dallas Fort Worth ISEE class we provide is taught by a knowledgeable instructor with great communication skills. It'll also take place on a live virtual platform that makes online instruction feel as intuitive as attending a class in person, without the usual logistical nightmare of going someplace.
Students can also interact with their peers while they study, allowing everybody to work together to establish a collaborative learning environment that may expedite the learning process. For example, hearing a friend explain something can help it feel more relatable than a teacher's perspective on the topic. Similarly, the student who does the explaining inadvertently reinforces their own knowledge of the material by teaching it to somebody else.
Studying as a group also allows multiple people to split the corresponding bill, making a Dallas Fort Worth ISEE class more affordable than you might think. If your student seems to be falling behind their new friends, you also have the right to set aside private study time outside of your student's scheduled class sessions to go over any concept they may need to.
Varsity Tutors also tries to make studying as convenient as we can. We launch new classes every week, so it's always a good time to get started. Similarly, two and four-week classes are available to make it easier to find something for nearly any schedule.
Can I sign my student up for a Dallas Fort Worth ISEE course right now?
Absolutely. Use the contact info provided on this page to reach out to a knowledgeable educational consultant for more information about each Dallas Fort Worth ISEE course option Varsity Tutors provides or to get the enrollment process started. We look forward to hearing from you!
Connor: Dallas ISEE course instructor
...most complex of topics, and I have built my tutoring career on this premise. As an experienced tutor, I have continually enjoyed seeing my students achieve lofty goals under my instruction. I specialize in tutoring biology, chemistry, physics, and economics for high school students. In addition to this, I also tutor students in college level...
Education & Certification
- Saint Louis University-Main Campus - Bachelor in Arts, Economics
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- HSPT
- SSAT
- STAAR Grades 3-8
- +43 subjects
Vivek: Dallas ISEE course instructor
...my passion from a young age. I like tutoring because I sincerely enjoy helping others and being able to impart my knowledge and experience. Along with being strong in my curricular classes, I have experience helping and tutoring younger students in various subjects and test prep. As a patient and encouraging teacher, I am adept...
Education & Certification
- Austin College - Bachelor of Science, Biology, General
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- SAT Subject Tests
- TOEFL
- PSAT
- +66 subjects
David: Dallas ISEE course instructor
...and social scientist. I hold graduate degrees from Columbia University and the University of Chicago and earned my bachelor's at the University of Texas at Austin. In addition to teaching at the undergraduate level, I research ways the natural sciences can be used to advance the study of anthropology and history. I am currently completing...
Education & Certification
- The University of Texas at Austin - Bachelors, History, Computer science
- Columbia University in the City of New York - Masters, Sociology
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- ACT
- SAT Subject Tests
- SAT
- +105 subjects
Iselee: Dallas ISEE course instructor
...and I am currently a visual artist pursuing further studies in digital and web design. I formerly taught bilingual math and science, and I am a certified bilingual education teacher in the state of Texas. I love learning, imparting knowledge, and bilingualism, and I am eager to assist students with academic goals. Previously, I've taught...
Education & Certification
- Loyola Marymount University - Bachelors, Spanish
- Johns Hopkins University - Current Grad Student, Digital Communication
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- SAT Subject Tests
- PSAT
- SAT
- +72 subjects
Samantha: Dallas ISEE course instructor
...attention that my students receive. I bring several years of classroom experience to the table, as well as a teaching credential from the University of Oxford and a BA from Northwestern University. While my classroom experience is in English/reading and history, my tutoring experience has been in everything from math to foreign languages.... In short, I believe that education should be made as enjoyable as possible!
Education & Certification
- Northwestern University - Bachelors, Religious Studies
- University of Oxford - Masters, Secondary Education (Religious Education)
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- STAAR Grades 3-8
- UK GCSE
- SAT
- +63 subjects
Sarah: Dallas ISEE course instructor
...to work towards my Masters Degree in Humanities with a focus on Studies in Literature. I have been a part of the Future Teacher Internship program at my high school, worked as a teaching intern/assistant, and am currently employed as an AVID tutor. I have worked with students ranging from kindergarten to 8th grade, though...
Education & Certification
- The University of Texas at Dallas - Bachelors, Literary Studies with minor in Psychology
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- PSAT
- SAT
- SSAT
- +55 subjects
Jamila: Dallas ISEE course instructor
...a rigorous curriculum. With the implementation of the STAAR test in Texas, I'm proud to share that 100% of my students met the Approaches Grade Level standard in reading, with 97% achieving Meets Grade Level and 62% reaching Masters Grade Level. In writing assessments, my results were equally impressive, with 100% achieving the minimum score,...
Education & Certification
- Huston Tillotson University - Bachelor in Arts, English
- Concordia University-Ann Arbor - Masters in Education, Educational Administration
- State Certified Teacher
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- STAAR Grades 3-8
- STAAR EOC
- GED
- +51 subjects
Mercedes: Dallas ISEE course instructor
I specialize in writing but also excel in other areas such as elementary math. I am very personable and enjoy communicating as well as interacting with students to aid in their learning process. I look forward to working with you!... For me, the most important thing is teaching a student to work independently. Far too often, students expect to be given the answer, which will not effectively prepare them for higher-level work.
Education & Certification
- The Richard Stockton College of New Jersey - Bachelors, Communications
- Full Sail University - Masters, Creative Writing
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- SSAT
- Special Education
- 11th Grade Writing
- +49 subjects
Education & Certification
- Swarthmore College - Bachelor in Arts, History
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- ACT
- PSAT
- SAT Subject Tests
- +84 subjects
Demia: Dallas ISEE course instructor
...Bachelor of Arts in Communication and my Masters degree in Elementary Education and Educational Administration. Since graduation, I have gained experience in community development, retail merchandising and education. I served in the Air Force National Guard for 10 years and gained the rank of SSgt. I have had the opportunity to work with a diverse...
Education & Certification
- University of Arkansas Fayetteville - Bachelor in Arts, Communication
- Texas A & M University-Commerce - Master of Science, Elementary education
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- GED
- SSAT
- STAAR Grades 3-8
- +39 subjects
Jessica: Dallas ISEE course instructor
...children since I was a downhill ski instructor in Minnesota during high school. I believe in multiple teaching styles because each student learns differently and requires various tools to be successful in the classroom. All students have the potential to be great, and its my job to help them to reach their goals!
Education & Certification
- University of Minnesota - Bachelor of Science, Education and Animal Science/Biotechnology
- University of Minnesota-Twin Cities - Masters in Education, Education
- State Certified Teacher
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- STAAR Grades 3-8
- Study Skills
- ISEE- Lower Level
- +39 subjects
Jaclyn: Dallas ISEE course instructor
...education, 9 years of that at the high school level. I have Master's degrees in Education and English, and I am both ELA and ESL certified. I taught Intro to College Writing and Intro to College Literature in grad school. I've read all your required reading a million times. Best high school required reading- Gatsby,...
Education & Certification
- The University of Texas at Austin - Bachelor in Arts, English
- University of North Texas - Master of Arts, English
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- SAT
- CogAT
- ACT
- +27 subjects
Ra'Dricka: Dallas ISEE course instructor
...science, and social studies. Being a strong reader and writer provokes confidence, because you're able to comprehend and verbalize on a higher level. My teaching philosophy is centered on the notion that learning needs to be student centered. The student takes a great role in their own learning process. My job as the instructor is...
Education & Certification
- University of Oklahoma Norman Campus - Bachelors, Journalism
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- SSAT
- SAT
- Test Prep
- +21 subjects
Lara: Dallas ISEE course instructor
...enjoy teaching students and helping them understand the wonders of the natural world. I have a Ph.D in microbiology and immunology, and I have taught biology and microbiology at the college level for the past 9 years. I love teaching and making connections with students. There is nothing more satisfying than seeing a student who...
Education & Certification
- Austin College - Bachelor in Arts, Biochemistry
- Uniformed Services University - Doctor of Science, Microbiology and Immunology
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- SSAT
- HSPT
- ACCUPLACER
- +77 subjects
Ronda: Dallas ISEE course instructor
...a State of Texas Certification in EC-6 and have been working as an elementary school teacher. My experience as a classroom teacher and a former instructional assistant has adequately prepared me with the necessary skills to tutor students from kindergarten through fifth grade. Although I am currently a fourth grade Reading teacher, I am most...
Education & Certification
- Arizona State University - Bachelor in Arts, Elementary Education
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- HSPT
- SSAT
- Elementary Math
- +15 subjects
Tiffany: Dallas ISEE course instructor
...public school education, I struggled myself with vision issues, which caused my education to dwindle, but it took one amazing teacher to ensure I found my way again. I hope to be the same for students. I received my bachelor's of arts from the University of Central Florida in English with Creative Writing. This degree...
Education & Certification
- University of Central Florida - Bachelor in Arts, English
- The University of Alabama - Master of Arts, English
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- SSAT
- ASVAB
- UK A Level
- +108 subjects
Anjali: Dallas ISEE course instructor
...or you can just call me storm if that's too hard to pronounce. i go to texas christian university, class of '24, and i'm studying psychology. i grew up in southern california. best way to contact me is by messaging me through the varsity tutors platform, or by email. i work well with students who...
Education & Certification
- Texas Christian University - Bachelor of Science, Neuroscience
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- PSAT
- ACT
- ASVAB
- +118 subjects
Stacey: Dallas ISEE course instructor
...instead of which words to choose. I want to help the student new to America feel comfortable going into each academic and social situation that is his life. I strive to bring my students more "future tense" and less "tense future." I have over three years' experience teaching online regularly and globally. I have almost...
Education & Certification
- University of North Texas - Bachelors, Communications (Radio/TV/Film)
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- ACT
- TOEFL
- STAAR EOC
- +65 subjects
Daniel: Dallas ISEE course instructor
...of the Canfield Business Honors Program and Computer Science as part of Texas CSB. As a college student, I'm actively learning and can use my recent experiences to help others, along with my previous experience, constantly tutoring friends and other students in academic environments. I'm mostly involved with tutoring Calculus and other Math-related subjects, but...
Education & Certification
- The University of Texas at Austin - Bachelor of Science, Computer Science
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- SAT
- ACT
- Statistics
- +18 subjects
Mary: Dallas ISEE course instructor
...Self Esteem, and 3. Gain Math confidence and an attitude that Math can be and is Fun ! I frequently use hands on Math Manipulatives, such as fraction circles, base ten blocks, coins, tens trays, and various measuring items to help students get a tactile and tangible experience. I have a good sense of humor...
Education & Certification
- University of North Texas - Bachelor of Science, Education of Individuals in Elementary Special Education Programs
- University of North Texas - Master of Science, Educational Administration
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- Intermediate Algebra
- Test Prep
- Pre-Algebra
- +8 subjects