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.

Deisha: Sacramento ISEE test prep instructor
...help each student learn their individual potential and see that anything is possible! I am currently in the honors program 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...
Education & Certification
- California State University-Sacramento - Bachelors, Social Work
- University of Southern California - Current Grad Student, Social Work
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- CLEP
- ASVAB
- GED
- +153 subjects

Molly: Sacramento ISEE test prep instructor
...I wanted to be a teacher in the 5th grade. I enjoying helping students believe in their abilities and strengthening what they are weak in. Working through these weaknesses and 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...
Education & Certification
- Sonoma State University - Bachelor in Arts, History
- California State University-Sacramento - Unknown, Social Science
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- GED
- CAHSEE
- SSAT
- +32 subjects

Ashley: Sacramento ISEE test prep instructor
...outlining, revision, and grammar. Teaching Experience: -Trained and worked as an English Writing and Reading Skills Tutor -Experience as tutor for ELs -Was selected as an instructional assistant for the Equal Opportunity Program at CSUS. I met with my tutees regularly to guide them through the difficulties of freshmen year from completing their first college...
Education & Certification
- CSUS - Bachelor in Arts, English
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- SSAT
- 11th Grade Reading
- College Essays
- +67 subjects

Uzma: Sacramento ISEE test prep instructor
...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...
Education & Certification
- St Cloud State University - Bachelors, Elementary Education
- City University of Seattle in Canada - Masters, Educational Leadership
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- TOEFL
- SSAT
- Summer
- +26 subjects

Joy: Sacramento ISEE test prep instructor
...public speaking, and using it properly in conversations. My teaching philosophy is that I gear towards all types of learners whether they be auditory, visual, or kinesthetic. I have a variety of interests such as playing sports like volleyball and basketball. Also, I like to walk, work out, spend time with my family, scrapbooking, and...
Education & Certification
- Humphreys College-Stockton and Modesto Campuses - Bachelor of Science, Community Psychology
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- ASPIRE
- GED
- TOEFL
- +200 subjects

Theresa: Sacramento ISEE test prep instructor
...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...
Education & Certification
- San Jose State University - Bachelor in Arts, Child Development
- Pepperdine University - Master of Arts Teaching, Education
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- SAT
- PSAT
- STAAR Grades 3-8
- +35 subjects

Jonathan: Sacramento ISEE test prep instructor
...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
- GED
- SAT Subject Tests
- PSAT
- +54 subjects

Kelsey: Sacramento ISEE test prep instructor
...subjects through her vast tutoring and editing background; she had worked as a lead tutor at a math-focused center for students ages 5 to 18, had individually tutored numerous students on college entrance exam preparation, and has worked professionally as an editorial assistant for research institutions. Her personal goal is to help students build a...
Education & Certification
- Cornell University - Bachelor in Arts, Psychology
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- PSAT
- SSAT
- GED
- +79 subjects

Brianna: Sacramento ISEE test prep instructor
...in Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing Analytics and a minor in Mathematics. I have worked with kids of all ages, ranging from elementary school to college students through various subjects. I have also worked extensively with special needs children, doing everything from teaching special education to one-on-one in-home mentoring. Through my experiences, I...
Education & Certification
- University of Richmond - Current Undergrad, Business Administration and Management
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- ACT 4-Week Prep Class
- SSAT
- ASPIRE
- +217 subjects

Erica: Sacramento ISEE test prep instructor
...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 K-12 math tutors into local public schools. I have also served as a Crisis Services Supervisor at the National Runaway Safeline (NRS). At NRS, I was...
Education & Certification
- Oberlin College - Bachelor in Arts, English; Latin Language and Literature
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- SAT
- SAT Subject Tests
- SSAT
- +77 subjects

Max: Sacramento ISEE test prep instructor
...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 public policy & politics, global affairs, and public economics.... I believe strongly in developing conceptual understanding before procedural mastery. There's nothing more satisfying for a student than getting a concept, enabling him or her to complete a whole host of problems that were previously difficult.
Education & Certification
- Yale University - Current Undergrad, Economics
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- SAT Subject Tests
- Advanced Placement
- SAT
- +104 subjects

Connor: Sacramento ISEE test prep instructor
...to succeed in their required general science classes. My tutoring methodology is dependent on the establishment of a strong conceptual framework, and subsequent application of theory through practice problems (the best way to master any pure science). I frequently employ the use of problem sets and practice tests to monitor my students' progress.... Students develop independent learning skills through intuition-driven study habits. I teach all of my students to favor an intuitive understanding of material over rote memorization.
Education & Certification
- Saint Louis University-Main Campus - Bachelor in Arts, Economics
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- STAAR
- HSPT
- STAAR Grades 3-8
- +43 subjects

Cynthia: Sacramento ISEE test prep instructor
...was a Neuroscience major, and I will be pursuing my PhD in Neuroscience in the fall at Johns Hopkins. I have been tutoring high school students outside of class in college and involved in STEM academics and research mentorship as well as a translation program from and to English outside of class. I speak Japanese...
Education & Certification
- Princeton University - Bachelors, Neuroscience
- Johns Hopkins University - PHD, Neuroscience
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- SAT
- PSAT
- SAT Subject Tests
- +72 subjects

Ariela: Sacramento ISEE test prep instructor
...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 do backstage, I am excited about solving the puzzle of how someone learns best, and inspired by the idea of recognizing the specificities of each...
Education & Certification
- University of Chicago - Current Undergrad, Theater & Performance Studies
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- SAT
- PSAT
- Advanced Placement
- +50 subjects

Samantha: Sacramento ISEE test prep instructor
...in Political Science and Legal Studies this spring. In the fall, I will begin attending law school at Northwestern 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...
Education & Certification
- Northwestern University - Current Undergrad, Political Science & Legal Studies
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- ACT
- SAT
- SSAT
- +36 subjects

Vivek: Sacramento ISEE test prep instructor
...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...
Education & Certification
- Austin College - Bachelor of Science, Biology, General
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- SAT Subject Tests
- ACT
- SSAT
- +66 subjects

Kaley: Sacramento ISEE test prep instructor
...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. My passion is psychology and I have been able to use my graduate training in human development to tailor my instruction to students' individual learning needs.
Education & Certification
- Brown University - Bachelors, Education and Public Policy
- Harvard Graduate School of Education - Masters, Human Development and Psychology
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- SSAT
- SAT
- ACT
- +35 subjects

Joshua: Sacramento ISEE test prep instructor
...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, and educational goals to make the work that much more meaningful. In my spare time, you'll often find me learning bits of new languages for...
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
- ACT
- SAT
- REGENTS
- +92 subjects

Chase: Sacramento ISEE test prep instructor
...encourage and motivate each one of my students to perform academically, at a level no less than their very best, yet there is much more to teaching than just making certain that students answer questions correctly on a test. A teacher must never lose sight of the idea that he is preparing his students to...
Education & Certification
- Western Governors University - Bachelor of Science, Mathematics
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- CLEP
- SAT 4-Week Prep Class
- ACT 4-Week Prep Class
- +151 subjects

James: Sacramento ISEE test prep instructor
...Medical School next year. I have years of experience tutoring college students in math (mostly calculus) and chemistry including both general and organic chemistry. In addition, I am very familiar with all sections of the SAT and ACT having prepared several high school students for these tests. I believe that every student is capable of...
Education & Certification
- Harvard University - Bachelor in Arts, Chemistry
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- ACT
- SAT Subject Tests
- SAT
- +45 subjects