If you're the parent of a student who is in need of academic assistance prior to the ISEE, Varsity Tutors can enroll them in a Portland ISEE class dedicated to giving students a better opportunity to succeed on the exam. The Independent School Entrance Exam (ISEE) is one of the entrance exams accepted with applications to most independent and private schools. There are several versions of the test for different grade levels. A Portland ISEE class can give students entering anywhere from 2nd to 12th grade much-needed preparation for the test.
A Portland ISEE prep course offers many advantages that can't be gained from studying alone. Students will be taught in a collaborative, online format by an instructor who knows the ins and outs of the ISEE. Students in elementary school, middle school, and high school can all benefit from being enrolled in a Portland ISEE course.
A Portland ISEE course could help your student perform their best on exam day and hopefully earn their goal score. There are six versions of the ISEE, and the one your student takes will be dependent on the grade level they are entering. The ISEE versions include three types of Primary Level as well as Lower Level, Middle Level, and Upper Level. Whichever version your student will be taking, there's a Portland ISEE course ready to guide them through the study process.
What will be covered during the Portland ISEE course?
The ISEE is used as a tool to assess aptitude in math, reading, vocabulary, and writing. A Portland ISEE course will cover the basics in these areas, as well as go in-depth to study the specific concepts that are likely to appear on the exam. We'll now delve into the different versions of the ISEE to gain some insight into the layout of the exam and the types of questions your student will be asked.
The Upper Level ISEE will be administered to students applying to independent high schools (those entering 9th grade and above). The Verbal Reasoning section includes 40 questions with a time limit of 20 minutes. During this time, their English skills will be assessed through the use of questions that are designed to test their understanding of synonyms and sentence correction. The Quantitative Reasoning section consists of 37 questions with an allotted time period of 35 minutes. This section will ask questions about topics such as exponents and data analysis. The Reading Comprehension segment is made up of 36 questions to complete within 35 minutes. After reading written passages, students will answer questions that will test their vocabulary and interpretation of the author's techniques. The Math Achievement section has 47 questions to be finished in 40 minutes. Algebra and geometry will be two of the subjects presented during this portion of the exam. The Writing section gives the student a writing prompt and 30 minutes to complete an essay. The essay will not be scored but will be sent to schools along with their exam score to showcase their personality and creativity.
The Middle Level ISEE is for students entering 7th or 8th grade. The entire layout of this version is the same as the Upper Level ISEE, but the concepts explored in the questions are grade-appropriate. The Verbal Reasoning has middle-school level vocabulary as well as high school level vocabulary. Having a solid understanding of Greek and Latin roots will be extremely beneficial to students when it comes to answering the questions correctly. The Quantitative Reasoning questions will challenge students in topics including fractions and decimals. Understanding of concepts such as square roots and the area of quadrilaterals will help them achieve a better score in this section. Reading Comprehension will include passages that are appropriate for 7th and 8th grade students. Students should know the difference between literal and figurative language if they wish to do well in this section. The Math Achievement section will test students on concepts such as prime factorization and integer comparison. The Writing prompt gives students the chance to demonstrate their critical thinking ability and impress admissions with their writing skills, as well as help schools know more about their personality. The Lower Level ISEE is designed to evaluate students entering 5th or 6th grade and is broken down into the same sections and time limits as the previously mentioned versions.
There are three levels of the Primary Level ISEE: Primary 2, Primary 3, and Primary 4. A Reading section, Math section, and Writing Sample section are present in all three versions. The Reading section will evaluate the student's reading comprehension and vocabulary by posing questions based on written passages. For the Writing samples, a picture will prompt the students to write a story with a beginning, middle, and end.
How can a Portland ISEE course help with exam preparation?
The ISEE study sessions will be conducted online in a virtual classroom. Varsity Tutors will help you find the time in your schedule to get your student much needed academic assistance. A Portland ISEE course starts weekly with the convenient option of two or four-week sessions. Since the course is online, your student has the opportunity to learn from home or anywhere that's best for them.
The Portland ISEE class will be taught by an instructor who specializes in mentoring students for the ISEE. If your student is struggling with a specific topic, such as essay writing or calculating square roots, the instructor might work with them privately to enhance their understanding of that subject prior to the exam.
How can I find a Portland ISEE prep course?
Varsity Tutors can enroll your student in a Portland ISEE course that is devoted to helping them better understand the topics they will encounter on the day of the test. Varsity Tutors has a flexible schedule that allows you to choose both weekday and weekend courses. If you'd like to learn more about how we can be of assistance, contact us today. Our educational consultants can answer any questions you might have and enroll your student in a Portland ISEE course.

Max: Portland ISEE course instructor
...from singing, I'm is passionate about education, particularly in helping high school students achieve their academic goals as they work their way towards college. I volunteer in New Haven as a math teacher and coach at a public middle school (my team of 7th graders just won the 2016 New Haven regional championship!), and I've been tutoring middle and high school students for over 7 years. On top of all of that, I'm an aspiring...
Education & Certification
- Yale University - Current Undergrad, Economics
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- Multivariable Calculus
- Psychology
- College English
- +104 subjects

Nancy: Portland ISEE course instructor
...online. I strive to make my sessions interesting and fun. It's important to make real world connections, so students understand why learning a particular skill is important. I was a classroom teacher for many years. I spent most of those years teaching grades 3, 4 and 7, but I have actually taught all grades! While in the classroom, I taught core subjects to heterogeneously grouped students. For the last ten years, I have been an...
Education & Certification
- Southern Connecticut State University - Bachelors, Elementary Education K-8
- Southern Connecticut State University - Masters, Elementary Education
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- ISAT
- Reading Fundamentals: Phonics and Decoding
- A Level English Language
- +56 subjects

Kimberly: Portland ISEE course instructor
...school. I work with Tier 2 and Tier3 students who need support in Reading and Writing. These students include ELL students. I also have experience tutoring middle school students in Math. I love to make learning fun and finding different ways to engage my students. I believe it is important to get to know the students I work with in order to have the greatest impact on my students academic achievements. I create various games...
Education & Certification
- Sacred Heart University - Bachelor of Science, Psychology
- Sacred Heart University - Master of Science, Elementary Education
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- Elementary Math
- Geometry
- Writing
- +14 subjects

Ellis: Portland ISEE course instructor
...former practicing attorney and law professor. I have helped students to prepare for the LSAT and to draft the Personal Statement required by law schools. I was a Modern Languages major in college which has proved invaluable in tutoring ESL which I have done for several years as a volunteer for several CT libraries. And, finally, I am the author of several books published by prestigious companies, including Commerce Clearing House and Simon & Schuster....
Education & Certification
- Trinity College Hartford CT - Bachelors, Modern Languages
- University of Pennsylvania School of Law - PHD, Law
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- Reading
- 9th Grade Reading
- Homeschool
- +118 subjects

Katie : Portland ISEE course instructor
I graduated from the University of Connecticut with degrees in both Accounting and English. I worked as an accountant for a year before I went back to school to earn my Masters in Education. I currently teach high school English and Theater. As a tutor, I use modeling and mini-lessons to help my students reach their potential.
Education & Certification
- University of Connecticut - Bachelors, English and Accounting
- University of Connecticut - Masters, Curriculum and Instruction
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- College English
- Math
- English
- +18 subjects

Landon: Portland ISEE course instructor
...inadequate in the classroom. I grew up in a high-performing school district where many of my peers were able to excel without putting forth any effort. Meanwhile, I was spending countless hours reading, drilling flash cards, and reworking problems without receiving the same results. School just never came naturally for me, and I often felt incompetent, unmotivated and embarrassed to ask for help. Thankfully, I had wonderful teachers, mentors, and tutors along the way that...
Education & Certification
- The University of Texas at Austin - Bachelors, Public Relations and Government
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- American Literature
- 3rd Grade Math
- 5th Grade
- +166 subjects

Ethan: Portland ISEE course instructor
...look no further. I am a Certified History and Social Studies Teacher, a Teacher Consultant with the National Writing Project, and Have a long history of high achievement on several standardized tests. I am an expert in European History, especially Eastern Europe. No one knows or can better teach you European History than me. Most of all though, no one is going to make learning as easy and fun as I can!... I believe that it is important to infuse the latest technology in the classroom for 21st century learners. I have incorporated a variety technology into the classroom, such as Smart Boards and master teacher computers, in order to create an interactive classroom. I am also well-versed in PowerSchool, and its many features, allowing students to be constantly aware of their grades, and for me to add comments to all assignments. I am also in the midst of learning a new Google platform that will allow for textbook-less classrooms, as well as the ability to submit and grade all assignments by computer. I have also used many other applications such as blogs, online surveys, the Microsoft Office Suite, and Wikis. In order to maintain the highest of standards, I welcome the opportunity to work with students from a variety of educational backgrounds. I have had the privilege of teaching a very diverse set of learners representing many different backgrounds, including students from recent immigrant households, urban settings, suburban communities, as well as rural neighborhoods. I have also spent a significant amount of time working with special education students, and am conscious of the responsibility to help students with special needs to achieve their classroom goals. I guide students by incorporating techniques such as review, preview, paraphrase, clarification, accessing prior knowledge, and engaging in a process approach to learning. As such, I have embraced the co-teaching model and learned to work side-by-side with another teacher, to the benefit of our mutual students. I hope to broaden the horizons of students by showing them new historical perspectives. I feel this is important, so students can understand many cultures from around the world and respect the inherent differences that make our diverse society such a fantastic place to live. I feel that I am the most motivated and hardworking candidate you will encounter. For me, there is no amount of work that is too much, because our students are worth every last bit of my effort.
Education & Certification
- Eastern Connecticut State University - Bachelors, History and Social Science
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- IB Social and Cultural Anthropology HL
- AP United States History
- IB World Religions SL
- +46 subjects

Jauneen: Portland ISEE course instructor
...and Biblical studies from Northeastern Bible College. I moved on to teach in classrooms, churches, small group settings, swimming pools (as a swim instructor) and even in my own home. As a homeschool mom, I teach my own children and am preparing them for college. I believe that if learning is boring, frustrating or upsetting, it's not being done right. We can do better! So my personal goal is to help students enjoy their road...
Education & Certification
- Northeastern Bible College/Kings College - Bachelors, Elementary Education
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- Elementary School Math
- Pre-Algebra
- Test Prep
- +17 subjects

Jaclyn: Portland ISEE course instructor
Hello! My name is Jackie DeFilippo and I am enthusiastic about tutoring. I have tutored before in college, and I am currently a middle school Science teacher. I have a license and degree in Elementary Education, with experience in both elementary school education and middle school education. I am a new teacher, and have a passion for teaching and learning. I look forward to meeting you!
Education & Certification
- Westfield State University - Bachelors, Elementary Education
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- Middle School Science
- ISEE- Lower Level
- Reading
- +26 subjects

Christina: Portland ISEE course instructor
I am a current MBA student at the Yale School of Management who will also be attending UCLA School of Law post-MBA. I've also enjoyed taking standardized tests and "cracking" their code; so I love getting to continue to work on this with my students.
Education & Certification
- University of Houston - Bachelors, Biology, General
- Yale School of Management - Masters in Business Administration, Business, General
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- Conversational Mandarin
- LSAT Analytical Reasoning
- Middle School Math
- +58 subjects