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!

Katie: Phoenix ISEE test prep instructor
I completed my education at Texas A&M University and the University of Phoenix. I received my Bachelor of Science in Business-Hospitality Management and my Masters of Business Administration (MBA). I am extremely passionate about education and personal growth and strongly believe that an educated world is a better world. If I can help with that mission in any way, I'm excited and motivated to do so. Since I was in elementary school, I was always...
Education & Certification
- University of Phoenix - Bachelors, Business- Hospitality Management
- University of Phoenix - Masters, Business Administration and Management
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- ISEE-Lower Level Verbal Reasoning
- Middle School Math
- ISEE-Middle Level Writing
- +53 subjects

Sharlene : Phoenix ISEE test prep instructor
I am an experienced teacher who taught at a private Christian school for 25 years. I tutored students during the school year and the summer. I love working with children. It is exciting to me when a child gets something he/she did not understand before. I like to build a relationship with each student and find out what type of learner he/she is and use methods which will help a child succeed. I believe that...
Education & Certification
- Ball State University - Bachelor in Arts, Elementary Education
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- Writing
- Test Prep
- High School English
- +10 subjects

Eric: Phoenix ISEE test prep instructor
Ever since I was ten years old, I have always known that I wanted to be a scientist. Knowledge and learning have been a part of my life as I enjoy helping others to realize the joy and self-confidence that comes with them. Recently, I was lucky enough to attend the University of Washington and earned two Bachelor's degrees in Physics and Astronomy with honors. Being the first person in my family to attend college...
Education & Certification
- University of Washington - Bachelor of Science, Physics, Astronomy
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- College Physics
- Calculus 2
- High School Physics
- +29 subjects

Cynthia: Phoenix ISEE test prep instructor
My teaching style focuses on being a facilitator, mentor, coach, and guide to stimulate an interactive learning environment. For a successful learning experience, the learner needs to be an active participant with the teacher providing instruction, guidance, and support. I strive to promote a positive learning experience, build rapport, stimulate learner enthusiasm, and achieve academic goals. This approach has shown to be effective in increasing confidence, motivation, and independence. I have experience tutoring elementary through...
Education & Certification
- Arizona State University - Bachelors, Psychology
- Arizona State University - Master in Public Health, Psychology
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- 11th Grade Writing
- Elementary School Science
- 2nd Grade Math
- +95 subjects

Ibrahim: Phoenix ISEE test prep instructor
I graduated Magna Cum Laude with a degree in Astrophysics from Arizona State University. I absolutely love astronomy, math, and physics-the underlying fundamentals behind astrophysics. I have been tutoring these subjects since my junior year in high school (over 5 years!). In my last two semesters at ASU I taught astronomy labs to undergraduate students from all sorts of majors. The astronomy courses contained a significant amount of math which had to be taught as...
Education & Certification
- Arizona State University - Bachelor of Science, Astrophysics
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- Test Prep
- Geometry
- SSAT
- +13 subjects

Ashley: Phoenix ISEE test prep instructor
I have always appreciated the written word - whether writing a research paper, diagramming a sentence, journaling, reading a teen novella, or analyzing Shakespeare. There is much to be learned and offered from it. Initial enjoyment turned into serious study, and I earned my Bachelor and Master degrees and became a secondary English teacher. I have had much experience in the educational arena and have worked with varying age groups, skill levels, and course work....
Education & Certification
- Oregon State University - Bachelor in Arts, English
- Western Oregon University - Master of Arts, Teaching in Language Arts
- State Certified Teacher
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- English
- Study Skills
- SAT Writing and Language
- +29 subjects

Kimberly: Phoenix ISEE test prep instructor
I have a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education from Arizona State 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 skills to help students through tutoring sessions. I appreciate...
Education & Certification
- Arizona State University - Bachelors, Elementary Education
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- High School English
- Other
- Elementary Math
- +16 subjects

Ekta: Phoenix ISEE test prep instructor
I am a biomedical engineering graduate from Arizona State University and a first year medical student. As a student myself, I often times find myself leaning on tutors more than the teachers. For that same reason, I would like to help students feel comfortable working with me in the long-term for subjects like algebra, trigonometry, and geometry. But also, for short-term goals such as ACT test prep. I've taken the exam and know exactly how...
Education & Certification
- Arizona State University - Current Undergrad, Biomedical Engineering
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- Algebra
- ACT English
- Geography
- +52 subjects

Tara: Phoenix ISEE test prep instructor
I first began tutoring at the University of Arizona Writing Center while earning my B.A. in Creative Writing and Spanish & Portuguese. This position not only gave me the opportunity to work closely with undergraduate students, but also to help high school students edit their personal statements in preparation for college. Upon graduation in 2008, I became a Teach for America corps member. Through the organization, I taught English for two years in the Isaac...
Education & Certification
- University of Arizona - Bachelor in Arts, Creative Writing, Spanish and Portuguese
- Arizona State University - Master of Arts, Elementary Education
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- Summer
- PSAT
- Other
- +39 subjects

Gabrielle: Phoenix ISEE test prep instructor
I graduated from the University of Arizona with a Bachelor of Arts in English and a minor in Sociology. Later this year, I will be pursuing a Master's of Education at graduate school so that I can become officially certified as a teacher in Arizona. In the summer of 2014, I tutored a 2nd grade girl and a 3rd grade girl in topics ranging from negative numbers, multiplication, and division to synonyms, antonyms, and early...
Education & Certification
- University of Arizona - Bachelor in Arts, English
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- Elementary Math
- Literature
- SSAT
- +18 subjects

Alyson: Phoenix ISEE test prep instructor
...as early as high school, I have been tutoring and teaching elementary and middle school students. My passion is educating youth and inspiring them to love learning! I started in high school as a summer camp assistant and an after school tutor. During my undergraduate degree at Emory University, I continued to tutor after school while pursuing my Bachelor's in Psychology. I then went on to get my teaching certificate and a Master's degree in...
Education & Certification
- Emory University - Bachelors, Psychology and Sociology
- Arizona State University - Masters, Elementary Education
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- Psychology
- Reading
- Middle School Math
- +39 subjects

Scott: Phoenix ISEE test prep instructor
I sincerely believe that teaching is one of my life-callings, and I am here because I thoroughly enjoy working with students and watching them succeed in their academic studies. As a Mathematics major at the University of Arizona (currently a junior), I have extensive experience teaching and tutoring: I have been a teacher's assistant for a Calculus II section at my university and have spent a great deal of time assisting students with non-math related...
Education & Certification
- University of Arizona - Bachelor of Science, Mathematics
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- Algebra
- Algebra 2
- Pre-Algebra
- +34 subjects

Christopher: Phoenix ISEE test prep instructor
I am currently employed as an Instructional Designer but have spent a number of years in the classroom and online as a teacher. I earned my Bachelor's Degree in Communications from the University of Arizona. I then earned my teaching certificate from Arizona State University in Secondary Education with an emphasis on English. I recently earned my Master's Degree in Educational Technology from Northern Arizona University. During my tenure as a classroom and online instructor,...
Education & Certification
- University of Arizona - Bachelors, Communications
- Northern Arizona University - Masters, Education
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- English
- ISEE- Middle Level
- Public Speaking
- +14 subjects

Lisa: Phoenix ISEE test prep instructor
I have a Master's degree in Elementary Education, and I have experience teaching second and fourth grades as well as teaching English to children and adults. In my free time, I enjoy reading, biking and watching movies. ... A great way to help students stay motivated is to create lessons that interest the student. For example, if they like playing hockey, going to the movies, or Minecraft, then I would create lessons with those topics.... There are several ways to help struggling students. Using scaffolding, differentiated instruction, graphic organizers, and mnemonics, as well as slowing down, or using props and pictures.
Education & Certification
- Northern Arizona University - Bachelors, Public Management
- Grand Canyon University - Masters, Elementary Education
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- Writing
- SSAT
- Elementary School Reading
- +29 subjects

Alyssa: Phoenix ISEE test prep instructor
I am a student at Arizona State University in the biomedical engineering department. I will be earning my Bachelor's degree in May of 2015 and beginning my master's degree in biomedical engineering in August 2015. The research that I have been working on is studying more direct routes of drug delivery within the body as well as developing code for counting cells. I am an avid learner and love to share my knowledge with those...
Education & Certification
- Arizona State University - Unknown, Biomedical Engineering
- Arizona State University - Master of Science, Biomedical Engineering
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- 8th Grade Math
- 6th Grade Math
- 2nd Grade Math
- +43 subjects

Karen : Phoenix ISEE test prep instructor
I am a 5th grade teacher at Palm Lane Elementary. I have been working with children since I was 16 and have been teaching for 4 years. I am originally from Chicago and completed my bachelor degree at Michigan State University. I majored in Education and minored in ESL and English. I also have a specialization in urban education and have completed almost half of my masters degree through MSU. I love working with students...
Education & Certification
- Michigan State University - Bachelor in Arts, Education
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- English
- Elementary Math
- Middle School Writing
- +34 subjects

Julie: Phoenix ISEE test prep instructor
I graduated from Northern Arizona University with a Bachelor of Science in Speech Sciences and Technology. In my spare time, I like to swim, watch movies and go to baseball games. While I was completing my undergraduate degree, I did a 100 hour internship. This internship allowed me to work with children, assisting speech therapy sessions, in the school setting. This was a great experience and really made me realize how much I love working...
Education & Certification
- Northern Arizona University - Bachelor of Science, Speech Sciences and Technology
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- English Grammar and Syntax
- Anatomy & Physiology
- Phonics
- +32 subjects

Aaron: Phoenix ISEE test prep instructor
I have been a teacher for three years. I have taught third and second grade and plan to "loop" up with my third graders and teach fourth grade. I have been tutoring one on one with students for three years as well. I have experience tutoring students of all ages in all subject areas as well. Sometimes the student just needs additional help in fluency while others need help understanding abstract concepts and working on...
Education & Certification
- Ferris State University - Bachelors, Health Care Systems Administration
- Grand Canyon University - Masters, Elementary Education
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- English Grammar and Syntax
- Summer
- Essay Editing
- +20 subjects

Matthew: Phoenix ISEE test prep instructor
I believe that ALL children can succeed academically with help from effective instructors. I call all my children that I teach scholars because they are all on the path to college. 100% of scholars focused and learning 100% of the time. ... With the first session, just like the first days of school, it is my job to get to know the scholar(s). I have activities to build a positive learning community. It is very important to get to know your scholar(s) before jumping into the academics.
Education & Certification
- SUNY College at Buffalo - Bachelors, Elementary Education
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- English
- Calculus
- Elementary School Math
- +29 subjects

Patryk: Phoenix ISEE test prep instructor
I find passion in tutoring beyond simply teaching a concept. Watching someone accomplish a goal that you have helped them achieve is truly priceless. While overall comprehension is certainly important, I strive to teach others how to overcome problems using their existing knowledge. Through this, they can build the confidence to overcome future obstacles by themselves. Along this basis I specially tailor each tutoring session to individual needs in order to reach success. A little...
Education & Certification
- Loyola University-Chicago - Current Undergrad, Biology, General
- Loyola University-Chicago - Masters, Business Administration and Management
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- College English
- Middle School Math
- Spanish
- +80 subjects