If your student could benefit from formal Phoenix ISEE prep to help them reach for their academic goals, Varsity Tutors provides two great services that could meet your needs. The ISEE is a standardized exam that may be used by private and independent schools as one admission criterion. It is split into Primary (students entering grades 2, 3, or 4), Lower (5, 6), Middle (7,8), and Upper (grade 9+) to provide an appropriate challenge level across the academic spectrum.
While the ISEE is rarely the only thing considered on an application, a good score could definitely serve as a point in your student's favor. If your student learns best in a structured classroom environment, enrolling in a Phoenix ISEE prep course may be a good idea. If you would prefer for them to study at their own pace, working with a private Phoenix ISEE tutor may be a better choice. Either way, you'll wonder how your student ever studied for an exam without professional help.
What topics are typically covered during Phoenix ISEE prep?
The ISEE Primary Level consists of separate exams for each grade level. The Primary 2 has an Auditory Comprehension section that asks young test-takers to answer questions based on a listening passage. Otherwise, all of the Primary Level ISEEs have multiple-choice Reading (age-appropriate reading and vocab) and Math (age-appropriate math operations) sections, plus a Writing section with a picture-based prompt to give schools a sense of a student's creativity and personality.
The Lower, Middle, and Upper Level ISEEs each have the same core structure consisting of the following sections: Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, Reading Comprehension, Math Achievement, and an Essay. Older students are generally expected to demonstrate more content knowledge than their younger counterparts, though they also need to know everything on previous exams. Let's take a closer look at each ISEE section in detail:
Verbal Reasoning
Students have 20 minutes to answer 40 multiple-choice questions on this section, including synonyms and sentence completions. All students are asked to demonstrate grade-appropriate vocabulary and the ability to use context to define an unfamiliar word, while students at the Middle Level and above are also expected to effectively utilize word clues (if, although, etc.); Latin, Greek, and Anglo-Saxon prefixes, suffixes, and roots; and the parts of speech.
Quantitative Reasoning
The ISEE's first math section contains 37 multiple-choice questions over a testing session lasting 35 minutes. The emphasis is placed on mathematical thinking, rather than working out mathematical operations. Students at the Lower Level answer questions concerning the four basic operations and simple probability, while Middle Level students deal with concepts such as integers, fractions, decimals, percents, and square roots. Students taking the Upper Level ISEE are asked to analyze data sets and work with exponents and algebraic variables.
Reading Comprehension
Students have 36 multiple-choice questions to answer in 35 minutes on this section. All test-takers are asked to identify a passage's main idea and supporting details, determine an author's intent, and use context clues to define vocabulary words. Students taking the Middle Level exam are expected to draw inferences, compare and contrast, and differentiate between literal and figurative language, while the Upper Level ISEE also asks students about literary genres.
Math Achievement
The ISEE's second math section contains 47 multiple-choice questions over 40 minutes. It emphasizes math operation skills, meaning that quantitative problem-solving is very important. The Lower Level ISEE asks questions about symmetry, estimation, and fractions, while the Middle Level exam covers topics like the geometry of triangles and quadrilaterals, prime factorization, and ratios. Students taking the Upper Level ISEE need to understand everything above, plus algebraic equations, coordinate grids, and exponents.
Essay
Students introduce themselves to the schools they are applying to on this section and have 30 minutes to construct a response. This section is not scored, instead being supplied to the schools a student is applying to as an illustrative writing sample.
What are the advantages offered by the Phoenix ISEE preparation options available to me?
If you enroll your student in a Phoenix ISEE prep class, they'll go over all of the academic content on the version of the exam they are taking while learning proven test-taking strategies that may prove useful on exam day. Their instructor will be a great communicator with a wealth of knowledge about the test, so every class contains valuable information. Best of all, every class we provide takes place on an exclusive live virtual platform that facilitates digital class meetings, so you don't need to worry about a commute.
Sharing a classroom with other students can also prove beneficial. If somebody devises a great test-taking tip, they can share it with their new friends so that everybody can use it. Similarly, explaining something to somebody else can be an effective means of improving your own command of the material. Every student in the class can also split the bill, giving you more value for your money than you could get alone. If your student needs some individualized attention, it is also possible to arrange private study time with the teacher for extra help.
If you feel that the student in your life needs more private instruction than that, a one-on-one instructor may be a better fit for you. A tutor can take the time to understand their pupil's preferred learning style and design study sessions accordingly to make them more efficient. A student's unique needs are also the sole determinant of each session's pacing, allowing your student to be challenged without feeling overwhelmed.
We also make all of our products as accessible as possible. We start new courses every week, so it's always a good time to sign up for one. Similarly, we offer two and four-week sessions to make it easier to find a fit for your student's schedule. If you would prefer to work with a private instructor, our proprietary Live Learning Platform facilitates digital study sessions that are just as effective as meeting up in person.
Can I sign up for Phoenix ISEE prep right now?
Contact a knowledgeable educational consultant today to talk over all of the Phoenix ISEE prep options Varsity Tutors can provide. We look forward to working with you and your student!
Kimberly: Phoenix ISEE test prep instructor
...University. I hold a current teaching certificate through the state of Arizona for grades K-8 and a Structured English Immersion Endorsement. I have spent the last 7 years teaching and performing administrative duties as an assistant principal of a K-6 school. I am currently a stay at home mom who enjoys using my education and...
Education & Certification
- Arizona State University - Bachelors, Elementary Education
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- SSAT
- Phonics
- College English
- +16 subjects
Samantha: Phoenix ISEE test prep instructor
...and I co-taught for language arts. After being laid off in Indiana, I moved to Arizona, where I began teaching in Phoenix. I taught 7/8 grade for one year and then moved to 6th grade, within the same school. I teach special education: math and writing, including co-taught math within the general education classroom. As...
Education & Certification
- Ball State University - Bachelors, Special Education, k-12, Mild interventions
- Walden University - Masters, Special Education
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- SSAT
- Special Education
- BASIC
- +21 subjects
Tara: Phoenix ISEE test prep instructor
...School District while earning my M.A. in Elementary Education at Arizona State University. During this time I adopted many of Teach for America's core beliefs: that all students should have the opportunity to receive an excellent education; that every student is capable of succeeding; and that family income should not determine a student's academic success....
Education & Certification
- University of Arizona - Bachelor in Arts, Creative Writing, Spanish and Portuguese
- Arizona State University - Master of Arts, Elementary Education
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- AIMS
- SAT
- SSAT
- +39 subjects
Ibrahim: Phoenix ISEE test prep instructor
...well. This helped me become a more effective tutor because it allowed me to expand my teaching experience. I believe you can never fully understand a subject until you can teach it so through tutoring, I am able to assist the student in learning the material while solidifying my own knowledge. The most important part...
Education & Certification
- Arizona State University - Bachelor of Science, Astrophysics
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- HSPT
- SSAT
- Pre-Calculus
- +13 subjects
Lauren: Phoenix ISEE test prep instructor
...teaching our before and after school classes because I get to work one-on-one with the students. Although I enjoy teaching a variety of subjects, Reading is my passion! My teaching style is enthusiastic, loving, and engaging! I believe that each individual learner is different, therefore, it is crucial to use a variety of teaching strategies...
Education & Certification
- Arizona State University - Bachelor in Arts, Elementary Education
- Northern Arizona University - Master of Science, Continuing Elementary Education
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- SSAT
- SSAT- Elementary Level
- Phonics
- +20 subjects
Courtney: Phoenix ISEE test prep instructor
...with consistency and genuine care. I try to make my classroom fun and structured! My students get to enjoy their learning experiences and I get to enrich their learning with fun and structured activities and lessons. I love teaching, but I also enjoy spending time with my family, traveling, and growing as a student myself!...
Education & Certification
- Northern Arizona University - Bachelor of Science, Elementary Education
- State Certified Teacher
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- College English
- Study Skills and Organization
- Summer
- +11 subjects
Rebecca: Phoenix ISEE test prep instructor
...undergraduate students in overcoming academic difficulties. My goal is to instill a passion of lifelong learning and to teach critical thinking to every one of my students as I believe these are driving factors in students' success both personally and professionally. I recently graduated Summa Cum Laude with my Masters in Social Work and am...
Education & Certification
- Northern Arizona University - Unknown, Social Work
- Arizona State University - Masters, Social Work and Public Administration
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- PSAT
- SAT
- SSAT
- +30 subjects
Teá: Phoenix ISEE test prep instructor
...best efforts into achieving what most people think would be unachievable. My approach for most task is a hands-on, visual approach in order for others to receive the top understanding of what is being said. As a top of the line college student, I am a veteran at determination and helping others overcome their challenges....
Education & Certification
- Grand Canyon University - Current Undergrad, Information Technology
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- Microsoft Office
- Spanish 2
- English Grammar and Syntax
- +38 subjects
Caitlin: Phoenix ISEE test prep instructor
...next summer. Teaching is a sincere passion of mine. It is a pleasure to help children grow and learn every day. Sometimes, in a whole group classroom setting, students can get lost in the chaos of it all, but with tutoring, the focus is solely on one student and their specific needs. I look forward...
Education & Certification
- Northern Arizona University - Bachelors, Elementary Education
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- SSAT
- PARCC
- AIMS
- +20 subjects
Jake: Phoenix ISEE test prep instructor
...classes they are taking several years ago, so I can explain the material in a way that is practical and simple to follow. I teach many different subjects, including (but not limited to) Spanish, English, Math, SAT prep, and most high school classes through the AP level. My favorite subject to teach is Spanish, because...
Education & Certification
- Washington University in St Louis - Bachelor in Arts, Marketing
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- PSAT
- SSAT
- CLEP
- +71 subjects
Katerina: Phoenix ISEE test prep instructor
Hi! I am currently a sophomore at UCLA studying computer science. I am very passionate about tutoring as I love making education fun for kids and have experience working in the tutoring field. I worked at Mathnasium for two years tutoring students of various mathematical levels and currently participate in a tutoring club at UCLA.
Education & Certification
- University of California-Los Angeles - Bachelor of Science, Computer Science
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- PSAT
- ACT
- SAT
- +39 subjects
Priyanka: Phoenix ISEE test prep instructor
...Arizona State University with degrees in Biological Sciences (BS) and Philosophy (Morality, Politics and Law) (BA), as well as a minor in Political Sciences and a certificate in International Studies. I graduated early from BASIS Tucson North high school in 2016, having taken and passed 10 APs. I favor English and History, but am capable...
Education & Certification
- Arizona State University - Current Undergrad Student, Biology, General
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- SAT
- SAT Subject Tests
- CLEP
- +204 subjects
June / Shin-Huei: Phoenix ISEE test prep instructor
...teacher for 3 years. This experience has helped me understand what is needed to support language learning for students of different ages, and it has also given me the opportunity to consolidate my own basic language skills. My passion for teaching Chinese Languages has also led me to tutor online. I am a strong believer...
Education & Certification
- Tung Fung University - Associate in Arts, Arts, General
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- SSAT
- A Level
- ACT
- +34 subjects
H. Alexis : Phoenix ISEE test prep instructor
...support. I am also an ELAA (English Language Acquisition for Adults) Instructor for Rio Salado College and provide English instruction to second language learners. I have over ten years of tutoring experience in the K-12 area, specializing in English, Communications, Writing (Grammar), and testing assessments such as AZELLA and TABE Class-E. I also belong to...
Education & Certification
- Arizona State University - Bachelor in Arts, Communications
- Arizona State University - Masters, Education
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- SSAT
- ESL/ELL
- Essay Editing
- +12 subjects
Eric: Phoenix ISEE test prep instructor
...as well as having family members in K-12, I feel that it is my responsibility to teach and motivate them to try hard in school so that they can follow their dreams and desires. This is a responsibility that I feel towards everyone, not just my family. Other than learning, I enjoy most forms of...
Education & Certification
- University of Washington - Bachelor of Science, Physics, Astronomy
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- Physics
- AP Chemistry
- AP Calculus AB
- +29 subjects
Kristen: Phoenix ISEE test prep instructor
...planning lessons, applying student interests and hobbies when possible. This act gives each lesson my personal touch. I believe communication is key when building that student-teacher bond. The more communication there is, the more trust is earned. If the student is able to feel safe, share ideas and trust in their abilities the more they...
Education & Certification
- University of Phoenix-Phoenix-Hohokam Campus - Bachelors, Elementary Education
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- SAT
- ACT
- SSAT
- +42 subjects
Jamie: Phoenix ISEE test prep instructor
...belief that all students can learn with the right environment and the proper outlook on education! I encourage each and every student that they can be successful and that they can be great at school! I love seeing kids go from being discouraged and struggling learners, to excited, confident students! Any child can be lifelong...
Education & Certification
- University of Phoenix-Online Campus - Bachelor of Science, Elementary Education
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- SSAT
- Special Education
- English
- +18 subjects
Claire: Phoenix ISEE test prep instructor
...at Midwestern University (D.O.). I graduated from Arizona State University Summa Cum Laude with a double major in biology (B.S.) and psychology (B.S.) in addition to graduating from the honors college with a thesis on the effect of the urban heat island on hormonal regulation and development in black widow spiders. I am currently a...
Education & Certification
- Arizona State University - Bachelor in Arts, Psychology
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- PSAT
- ACT
- CogAT
- +37 subjects
Cynthia: Phoenix ISEE test prep instructor
...graduate school students in a variety of different subjects. I believe that it is important to customize the learning experience by adapting my teaching style to accommodate the students learning style to maximize effectiveness. I have a BS in Psychology from Arizona State University and will be defending my thesis this fall to complete my...
Education & Certification
- Arizona State University - Bachelors, Psychology
- Arizona State University - Master in Public Health, Psychology
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- SAT
- PSAT
- SSAT
- +99 subjects
Edith: Phoenix ISEE test prep instructor
...growing towards their full potential. It is my life's work to share my gifts, and enable students to discover and share their own. As they discover their gifts, they can impact the world, and they will then truly understand their unique value. I have a Bachelor of Science in Vocal Choral music Education, and I...
Education & Certification
- Oakwood University - Bachelor of Science, Music Teacher Education
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- Visual Arts
- High School Writing
- Elementary School Writing
- +38 subjects