If your student is planning to take the ISEE soon, look into the Sacramento ISEE preparation options provided by Varsity Tutors. We offer two- and four-week classes, private tutoring, or a combination of both-whichever best meets your child's needs. Lessons take place live online, so your student has the benefit of being in a class or a one-to-one tutoring experience with the convenience of attending from wherever they need to be at the time.
The ISEE (Independent School Entrance Exam) is accepted widely to provide accurate and advanced information to guide admissions officials at private and independent schools. There are six different tests, separated by age range, and they assess reading, writing, and math skills. Doing well on the ISEE is not a guarantee that your student will be accepted at the school of their choice, but it can definitely help.
What can Sacramento ISEE prep cover?
As mentioned, the ISEE covers the core academic skills all students must learn. The Upper, Middle, and Lower Level ISEE exams follow a similar format, so let's take a look at them first.
Each of the three tests has a Verbal Reasoning section with 40 questions, and they're allowed 20 minutes to finish them. English skills are tested using questions with synonyms and sentence completion, vocabulary and parts of speech, and discerning the meaning of words using various Greek, Latin, and Anglo-Saxon prefixes, suffixes, and roots. Each level is targeted for the student's particular age and grade level.
Each of the three levels also has a Reading Comprehension section with 36 questions that must be finished in 35 minutes. The focus of this section is understanding what is read. This includes being able to determine the main idea and purpose of a piece, find relevant supporting data and analyze its effectiveness, infer information that's not explicitly stated in the piece, and use the information in a passage to answer questions about the subject.
There are two math sections in each level of test, the Quantitative Reasoning and the Math Achievement sections. The Quantitative Reasoning section asks 37 questions to be answered in 35 minutes and the Math Achievement section has 47 questions and allows 40 minutes to complete them. The difference between the sections is that the Math Achievement section focuses on math operation skills, or doing math problems and solving equations. An example is finding mean, median, and mode in a range. The Quantitative Reasoning section focuses more on mathematical thinking. This can involve word problems, where your student is asked to figure out what mathematical operations need to be used to solve a problem.
Finally, there is the Essay, which involves students responding to a prompt on a topic that's interesting to most students at their grade level. They have 30 minutes to read the prompt, organize their ideas, and write their response using proper English conventions like grammar and punctuation. The piece is read by the schools they apply to in order to get an idea of their personality and creativity in addition to their general written skills.
The Primary Level ISEE is broken into Primary 2, 3, and 4. The numbers match the grade the student is taking the test to enter. These three are similar in the same way the Lower, Middle, and Upper Level ISEE tests are in that they test the same subjects at the student's current grade level. The only difference is the Primary 2 has a short Audio Comprehension section with 6 questions to answer in 7 minutes. Questions are based on fiction and nonfiction passages the students listen to.
Each of the three Primary Level tests includes multiple-choice Reading and Math sections. For reading, they're tested on grade-appropriate comprehension and vocabulary. In math, they're tested in grade-appropriate mathematical capabilities, such as adding and subtracting and other basic math skills.
Students are also asked to create a Writing Sample, which is a response to a visual prompt. Their response is to tell a story about the picture using their best spelling and grammar. At the Primary Level, the Writing Sample is not scored but is still considered to get a feel for a student's creativity, personality, and writing ability.
These are the things your student can expect to review whether they're studying in a Sacramento ISEE prep course or in private tutoring. You can rely on their instructor or tutor to provide comprehensive coverage of all material that's to be tested, as well as other skills important when taking standardized tests, such as time management and reading questions carefully.
How do I decide which Sacramento ISEE prep option to choose for my student?
A few things can determine whether a private tutoring situation or an ISEE prep class is the best choice for your child. First is the one they want. Often, students have a general idea of what will work best for them. But even if they show a clear preference, it may be wise to consider these factors before making a final decision.
Almost all students are better at either English and reading type skills or mathematical type skills. Unless they are markedly different, however, they could receive effective instruction in either an ISEE tutoring or virtual classroom experience. If they tend to struggle a great deal in one area and need no study help in the other, private tutoring may be the way to go. There is much more flexibility and opportunity to customize Sacramento ISEE prep tutoring sessions to revolve around exactly what your child needs. If they get energy from working with peers, but do struggle in one area more than the others, you could enroll them in a prep class and also set them up with occasional or regular ISEE tutoring sessions to provide the most complete ISEE preparation experience.
How do I get my student signed up for one of these Sacramento ISEE prep options?
As convenient as we make the actual preparation scenarios, Varsity Tutors also strives to make signing up easy and convenient. Simply contact us and provide a bit of information about your child's needs, and our educational advisors will enroll them in a Sacramento ISEE prep class or sign them up to start meeting with a Sacramento ISEE tutor as soon as possible.

Ashley: Sacramento ISEE test prep instructor
...or what most would call a "tutor." I have worked with undergrad and graduate students, ELs, and elementary students. In fact, my experience working with adolescents, teens, and adults has greatly influenced my interest in pursuing a career in teaching. Having ventured a plethora of academic terrains with various age groups, I am happy to offer tutoring in many different areas. This includes Academic Essays, Research Papers, Speeches, Creative Writing, Graduate Theses, and Personal Statements....
Education & Certification
- CSUS - Bachelor in Arts, English
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- 4th Grade Writing
- ESL/ELL
- Algebra
- +67 subjects

Molly: Sacramento ISEE test prep instructor
...getting them to believe in themselves and what they are capable of opens so many doors to them and makes anything they put their mind to possible in the future. I went to Sonoma State University for my BA in History and went on to Sacramento State for my credential and some graduate courses. I have since worked at an independent study charter school for the past 7.5 years and am now substituting for some...
Education & Certification
- Sonoma State University - Bachelor in Arts, History
- California State University-Sacramento - Unknown, Social Science
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- CAHSEE Mathematics
- High School Geography
- Middle School Math
- +32 subjects

Uzma: Sacramento ISEE test prep instructor
...with the spread of education. Knowledge is shared by teaching, inspiring, motivating, listening, learning and, most of all, laughing with our students. Education will ultimately bring what the world truly needs...peace! With over 20 years teaching experience in three different countries including Pakistan, United States and Canada, I have come to believe even more so that education is the key to improving global relations as well as create a mutually respectful environment all around.... With over 20 years teaching experience in three different countries, including Pakistan, United States, and Canada, I have come to believe even more so that education is the key to improving global relations, as well as create a mutually respectful environment all around.
Education & Certification
- St Cloud State University - Bachelors, Elementary Education
- City University of Seattle in Canada - Masters, Educational Leadership
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- Science
- TOEFL
- Phonics
- +26 subjects

Deisha: Sacramento ISEE test prep instructor
...at USC to receive my masters in social work for clinical counseling. I believe I am patient, understanding and excellent at building foundations that will stay with you for a lifetime. I would love to help you with your educational pursuit and I will make sure that frustration is never felt again. It is my goal to make sure each individual student achieves their maximum potential, you are all super stars I am only here...
Education & Certification
- California State University-Sacramento - Bachelors, Social Work
- University of Southern California - Current Grad Student, Social Work
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- ACT
- GRE Subject Test in Literature in English
- Middle School Reading
- +153 subjects

Jonathan: Sacramento ISEE test prep instructor
I graduated from Davidson College in 2005 with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology. I earned my masters in 2009 from Wake Forest University in Business Administration and Management. My goal here is to help anyone who genuinely wants to learn and prepare themselves for success in education and in life. I enjoy golf and travel.
Education & Certification
- Davidson College - Bachelor of Science, Psychology
- Wake Forest University - Masters in Business Administration, Business Administration and Management
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- SAT Subject Test in Mathematics Level 2
- GED Math
- GMAT Analytical Writing Assessment
- +54 subjects

Theresa: Sacramento ISEE test prep instructor
I am interested in helping others reach their fullest potential. I am a Varsity Tutor and a Behavior Analyst. I am an experienced teacher and liaison for families, staff, and administrators. I was a founding teacher for the summer TK program and School Age Kindergarten program for a corporate child care center and school. I have also served as a mentor to novice teachers and employees.
Education & Certification
- San Jose State University - Bachelor in Arts, Child Development
- Pepperdine University - Master of Arts Teaching, Education
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- Geometry
- Biology
- Algebra
- +35 subjects

Erica: Sacramento ISEE test prep instructor
...efficient, extremely patient, creative, and caring. I am certified to tutor in a variety of subjects and consider the following areas to be my specialties: *Standardized tests, such as the ISEE, SSAT, and AP examinations *Students who demonstrate challenging behaviors *Long-term tutoring in math and reading--I love to guide a student who initially struggled to meet and exceed expectations! Outside of my direct work with students, I have coordinated a math tutoring program that placed...
Education & Certification
- Oberlin College - Bachelor in Arts, English; Latin Language and Literature
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- Summer
- Elementary School English
- Study Skills and Organization
- +76 subjects

Ariela: Sacramento ISEE test prep instructor
...them the first time around. It is not just my success at standardized tests or in my classes that will make me a great tutor, but also this skill and enthusiasm about learning. I understand that sometimes, the way you package and organize information is the most important part of teaching it to someone else, and that understanding someone's method of processing this information is the easiest way to get it to stick. Like I...
Education & Certification
- University of Chicago - Current Undergrad, Theater & Performance Studies
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- SAT
- AP Calculus BC
- Other
- +50 subjects

Samantha: Sacramento ISEE test prep instructor
...Law. For many years, I tutored a wide range of students in Spanish, English literature, and writing. I have also continued to help many high school seniors with college application essays. While I tutor a variety of subjects, I am very passionate about helping students improve their reading and writing skills, and I really enjoy helping students with Critical Reading and Writing portions of Standardized Tests. I love working with students and helping them realize...
Education & Certification
- Northwestern University - Current Undergrad, Political Science & Legal Studies
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- ACT Writing
- European History
- AP U.S. Government & Politics
- +36 subjects

Max: Sacramento ISEE test prep instructor
...been tutoring middle and high school students for over 7 years. On top of all of that, I'm an aspiring professional in the business world - this past summer I worked at an internship in financial consulting (banking advisory & analytics), and have previously held internship positions in human capital consulting & private equity, as well as in patent law. My interests are widely varied and eclectic - pro baseball (Go Mets!), Broadway theater, American...
Education & Certification
- Yale University - Current Undergrad, Economics
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- Algebra 2
- AP Calculus BC
- Calculus 2
- +104 subjects

Joshua: Sacramento ISEE test prep instructor
...network with college admissions counselors across the country, and I gladly connect my students to any college admissions departments I am familiar with. Although my tutoring specialty is test prep -- SAT, ACT, PSAT, SHSAT, and GRE -- I particularly love tutoring writing, and creative writing is a hobby of mine. My philosophy is that even when we are preparing for a standardized exam, we should always be relating the work to your passions, pursuits,...
Education & Certification
- Columbia University in the City of New York - Bachelor in Arts, French and Francophone Studies
- University of Pennsylvania - Master of Science, Social Policy
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- Elementary School Math
- SAT Math
- Social Sciences
- +92 subjects

David: Sacramento ISEE test prep instructor
...favorite pastime though - it's both the most relaxing and the most exciting sport I've ever tried. I have a lot of experience working with students in diverse subjects. In high school I volunteered every day after school to help underclassmen who were struggling in English and History and in preparing for the SAT. Since then, I've taught both English and French to language exchange partners - we sit down and I teach them my...
Education & Certification
- CUNY Hunter College - Bachelor of Science, Economics
- CUNY Hunter College - Bachelor in Arts, Chinese Studies
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- Graduate Test Prep
- Essay Editing
- Other
- +76 subjects

Rebecca: Sacramento ISEE test prep instructor
...My favorite subjects to tutor include English, SAT test preparation, math, and psychology. My approach to tutoring is to meet the student where they're at and go from there. I find that this way we can build a productive tutoring relationship where I can help individualize learning to each person's particular learning style. Outside of academic interests, I enjoy cooking, being with friends and family, traveling the world, and looking as ridiculous as possible doing...
Education & Certification
- Northwestern University - Bachelors, Psychology
- University of Chicago SSA - Masters, Social Work
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- Geometry
- SAT Mathematics
- Writing
- +53 subjects

Vivek: Sacramento ISEE test prep instructor
...sophomore at Austin College. I am a biology major and neuroscience minor. Science has been 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 at helping others reach their...
Education & Certification
- Austin College - Bachelor of Science, Biology, General
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- Geography
- SAT Mathematics
- ACT Writing
- +66 subjects

Kaley: Sacramento ISEE test prep instructor
...I have been working with kids since high school. I have experience both as a classroom teacher and a tutor and in these roles I look for ways to make learning fun and rewarding. I especially love teaching reading and writing and I have taught or tutored these subjects to students ranging from kindergarten through adults. I also have experience tutoring test prep subjects and focus both on the content material and test taking skills....
Education & Certification
- Brown University - Bachelors, Education and Public Policy
- Harvard Graduate School of Education - Masters, Human Development and Psychology
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- ACT
- English Grammar and Syntax
- Spanish 2
- +35 subjects

Crosby: Sacramento ISEE test prep instructor
...ability to successfully demonstrate their knowledge. Through the use of formal and informal data collection, I am able to evaluate my successes and failures. Just as I say to my students, "failure is not final". Using my data, I am able to model resilience to my students by adapting my approach to best meet the individual needs of the student. In addition to my aforementioned pedagogical toolkit, I am a passionate learner. WIth my varied...
Education & Certification
- New York University - Bachelors, Anthroplogy
- Long Island University-Brooklyn Campus - Masters, Special Education
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- SAT Mathematics
- Reading
- GED
- +34 subjects

Megan: Sacramento ISEE test prep instructor
...undergraduate student at Northeastern University majoring in Speech Language Pathology. I enjoy working with individuals to build upon their strengths and give them the tools they need to succeed. I have good study and organizational skills, and I have many tips and tricks to help individuals improve test scores. I really enjoy helping people to reach their full potential in each subject area, and I will do my best to explain concepts in a manner...
Education & Certification
- Northeastern University - Current Undergrad, Speech Language Pathology
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- SAT Mathematics
- Math
- ISEE- Upper Level
- +41 subjects

Michelle: Sacramento ISEE test prep instructor
...& grammar, and the core subjects of middle school. My intent, when tutoring, is to responsively connect with students, so that they can engage in understanding their subject and acquire learning tools to attack new material confidently. My favorite subjects to tutor are English, Math, and Social Studies. Studying U.S. and World History is a personal passion; delving into STEM topics, such as 3D printing, microbiology, and chemistry, is a self-educating goal. I believe education...
Education & Certification
- Oregon State University - Bachelor in Arts, Sociology
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- ACT
- GED Reasoning Through Language Arts
- Phonics
- +49 subjects

Alexandra: Sacramento ISEE test prep instructor
...many of the incoming freshmen. I have spent most of my free time in college as a nanny and tutor to families around the DFW area. I have experience with all age groups and there is nothing that intimidates me! While I tutor a broad range of subjects, I am most passionate about English, Literature, History, Spanish, and Government/Social Studies. Through my experiences helping struggling students and peers, I have realized the value of adaptability....
Education & Certification
- University of North Texas - Bachelor in Arts, Creative Writing
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- Elementary School Science
- HSPT Reading
- PRAXIS Core Reading
- +295 subjects

Jason: Sacramento ISEE test prep instructor
...tutored students of all ages, from preschool to undergraduate, particularly enjoying my work with ESL students and students with disabilities. I am especially passionate about foreign languages, the humanities, and social sciences. I received four consecutive gold medals on the National Latin Exam when I was in high school, so I am eager to help students who are struggling with the subject. I also specialize in the areas of English-language writing, grammar, and reading comprehension....
Education & Certification
- Vassar College - Bachelors, Drama (education minor)
- CUNY Graduate School and University Center - Masters, Linguistics
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- Latin 3
- English
- Phonics
- +90 subjects