Award-Winning ISEE Tutors serving Philadelphia, PA

Private 1-on-1 tutoring, weekly live classes for academic support, test prep & enrichment, practice tests and diagnostics, and more to elevate grades and test scores.

1,000+
Schools &
Universities
98%
Satisfaction
10M+
Hours
Delivered
2x
Growth in
Proficiency
Get Started in 60 Seconds!

Who needs tutoring?

No obligation. Takes ~1 minute.

Hannah
Certified ISEE Tutor
Hannah
MS Temple University • BA University of Pennsylvania
1+ Years Tutoring

I'm currently pursuing an MFA in Creative Writing at Temple University. I love working with children and young adults, and I'm thrilled to be spending some time tutoring this spring.

SAT Scores
Composite1590
View Profile
Alessia
Certified ISEE Tutor
Alessia
BA University of Pennsylvania
8+ Years Tutoring

I am originally from New York City and am a student at the University of Pennsylvania studying Political Science, Economics, and Psychology. Having gone through high school and the whole college process within recent memory, I am at the unique intersection of having a very current understanding of the challenges, and of having gained experience and perspective from college. I started tutoring as soon as I had real knowledge to share, which for me was in the eighth grade. In the way a six-year-old might feel an unwavering sense of duty and pride from being charged with returning scissors to the desk, I felt the true significance of the job I had been given. Tutoring has never lost this importance for me and I continue to approach each student with the same level of preparation and commitment as I did all those years ago. As both a nationally-ranked swimmer and a student I learned meticulous organization and time management. I have seen success in my own pursuits and in those of the students I have had the pleasure of working with over the years. I am invested, reliable, and capable. I look forward to meeting you!

View Profile
Certified ISEE Tutor
Martin
PhD Washington University in St. Louis • BA Davidson College
10+ Years Tutoring

I am a very passionate teacher who has worked in public and private school settings at both the high school and college level. I have an undergraduate mathematics degree, and taught AP Calculus at a North Carolina high school. I also have a PhD in philosophy, and have taught at major research universities in Missouri and Ohio. I am personally invested in my students' success, and take pride in being clear, conscientious, and accessible.

View Profile
Certified ISEE Tutor
Meghan
BA Villanova University • Doctor of Medicine, School of Medicine Temple University
1+ Years Tutoring

I am a first year medical student who is excited to teach others! I would love to help anyone who needs help with tutoring in the sciences or SAT prep. I have a very flexible schedule so I am willing to work around other students' schedules. I can't wait to help!

SAT Scores
Composite1510
View Profile
Certified ISEE Tutor
Nate
BA Grinnell College • Juris Doctor, Law Northeastern University School of Law
1+ Years Tutoring

I'm eager to encourage and assist students in continuing their education and pursuing their dreams.

View Profile
Certified ISEE Tutor
Mimi
MS Harvard University • BA Dartmouth College
6+ Years Tutoring

I am an interdisciplinary educator with an Ed.M. from the Harvard Graduate School of Education and a B.A. from Dartmouth College. My background is primarily in integrated arts learning and museum education and I specialize in visual arts, history and art history, and object-based learning. In all subjects, I take a creative, inquiry-based and learner-centered approach, designing opportunities for each unique individual to meet their learning goals.

SAT Scores
Composite1560
View Profile
Certified ISEE Tutor
Aaron
BA The University of Texas at Dallas • Current Grad Student, Mechanical Engineering Duke University
10+ Years Tutoring

I'm not tutoring or buried in my textbooks, you will either find me rock climbing at the Triangle Rock Club, playing Ultimate Frisbee, working on my car, or enjoying the great outdoors (beaches, mountains, forests--you name it, I love it). On rainy weekends I enjoy tinkering with computers and old electronics, playing Pokemon, or picking at my guitar.

SAT Scores
Composite1530
View Profile
Certified ISEE Tutor
Nina
MS Columbia University • BA Northwestern University
10+ Years Tutoring

I am a recent graduate from a masters program in biostatistics at Columbia University. I received my Bachelor of Arts in biological sciences, with a focus in neurobiology at Northwestern University. In August, I will be starting a doctoral program in biostatistics at NYU. I was a teaching assistant at Columbia University in my department and also have tutored graduate students and undergraduates privately as well. My primary areas of tutoring are math and statistics coursework in addition to math sections on standardized tests such as the GRE and GMAT. I am very passionate about helping students feel more confident and excited about math. In my spare time, I enjoy running, playing piano, and spending time with friends and family.

SAT Scores
Composite1550
View Profile
Certified ISEE Tutor
Reid
PhD Harvard University • BA Wesleyan University
1+ Years Tutoring

I am a graduate of Wesleyan University, where I received my Bachelor of Arts in Sociology with High Honors. With eight years of experience working in education, I've tutored students in math, science, history, and English, as well as helped students prepare for standardized tests. I've guided adults towards passing the US Citizenship Exam and taught English in India, where I lived for six months. Whenever I work with a student I personalize the lessons to fit their particular learning style, since I know every student is unique and having the right fit can make all the difference in making learning fun and effective. My strengths are tutoring the social sciences and humanities, as well as making math and standardized tests approachable to students that normally don't like those subjects. In my spare time I like traveling, spending time in the outdoors (climbing & backpacking), meditation, and playing soccer. Next fall I will be beginning my PhD in Education at Harvard University.

ACT Scores
Composite32
View Profile
Certified ISEE Tutor
Charles
BA Yale University
1+ Years Tutoring

I am a junior Mechanical Engineering major at Yale, and I hope to become a Naval Aviator after college. I am also a varsity sailor, and enjoy playing music with friends when I can get some free time. I have been tutoring my fellow students throughout my entire academic career, and I would best describe my tutoring style as one that adapts to each students' needs. For example, I have always tried to frame questions in a different way so that the student can better understand the question. Some students need visual representations of numbers and systems to understand them, and others benefit more by understanding the concepts behind each formula. I prefer to tutor in math and physics, and especially with real world application problems. I hope to help students improve their standardized test scores and their understanding of the math and sciences so that they can achieve their academic goals!

ACT Scores
Composite34
SAT Scores
Composite1440
View Profile
Certified ISEE Tutor
Solange
BA Harvard University
8+ Years Tutoring

I'm Solange - a recent graduate from Harvard where I studied Sociology & Women's Studies. I've been tutoring for eight years now, and have worked with a wide range of ages and in a wide range of subjects. Some of my specialties are college prep/test taking II worked in the admissions office on campus); social sciences; and literature/writing.

ACT Scores
Composite34
View Profile
Certified ISEE Tutor
Christopher
BA Harvard College
1+ Years Tutoring

I am a rising sophomore at Harvard College and am about to declare as a Mechanical Engineering concentrator, working towards a Bachelor of Science degree. I've always enjoyed sharing my knowledge with my peers and those around me and have done so in both formal and informal settings. I've been a tutor for both Math and Spanish programs in high school and enjoyed the strides I made with students. I am willing to tutor any subject I have a background in, but am strong in mathematics, the sciences, Spanish, history, writing, and ACT prep. I enjoy teaching mathematics most due to the joy I can see in children once they master a topic and can answer even pointed questions meant to stump them, and maybe even put their knowledge to real world use. As a tutor, I like to give a strong foundation to orient my student, and then gradually grant them more freedom and independence until they can feel themselves grasp the concept, pointing out pitfalls or common errors along the way; teachers who used these methods on me always left the most lasting impressions. Outside of my studies, I really enjoy listening to music, both old favorites and new interests, reading classics, and gaming/playing basketball with my friends.

ACT Scores
Composite35
View Profile

Testimonials

Because the right ISEE tutor makes all the difference.

4.9

Average Session Rating – Based on 3.4M Learner Ratings

Worked with an ISEE Tutor

Your customer interface is A+, being your agents or your site, The tutor you found for me is perfect, no formulas or canned lectures but easy flowing lecture addressing my needs. Congratulations for a job well done.

JA
Julio Aranovich
Worked with an ISEE Tutor

Heejin has been very patient with me. I work a full time job sometimes even on the weekends. It has been a slow process with my Korean classes, but Heejin has been wonderful and patient.

AH
Angela Hussein
Worked with an ISEE Tutor

My son has had many quality tutors through this convenient service, and he can hop on at any time of day to get support for a homework assignment or test. It's very convenient and effective.

TR
Tara R
Worked with an ISEE Tutor

I've been working with my tutor for a few months now and the progress has been remarkable. The personalized attention and tailored lessons made all the difference compared to in-classroom learning.

MC
Michael Chen
Worked with an ISEE Tutor

The flexibility of scheduling combined with the quality of instruction is unmatched. I can get help exactly when I need it, whether that's late at night or early in the morning before a test.

PP
Priya Patel
Worked with an ISEE Tutor

My daughter went from dreading her sessions to looking forward to them. The tutor made the material engaging and built her confidence in ways I never thought possible. Highly recommend.

RW
Rebecca Williams

Practice ISEE

Free practice tests, flashcards, and AI tutoring for ISEE

ISEE Practice Hub
Practice tests, flashcards, AI tutor & more

Frequently Asked Questions

The ISEE (Independent School Entrance Exam) is a standardized test used by independent and private schools to assess student readiness for admission. Many Philadelphia-area independent schools, including those in the city's competitive private school network, require or recommend ISEE scores as part of their admissions process. The exam tests verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, reading comprehension, and mathematics achievement across different levels depending on grade.

The ISEE has four levels: Primary (grades 1-2), Lower (grades 3-4), Middle (grades 5-6), and Upper (grades 7-11). The level your child takes depends on their current grade and the grade they're applying to enter. For example, a student in 6th grade applying to 7th grade would typically take the Middle Level ISEE. Varsity Tutors connects you with tutors who specialize in preparing students for the specific ISEE level they'll face.

Many students struggle with the ISEE's time constraints—the exam requires quick thinking and efficient problem-solving across four sections. Verbal reasoning questions often challenge students who haven't developed strong vocabulary or reading comprehension skills, while quantitative sections can be difficult for those with gaps in foundational math concepts. Additionally, the test's format and pacing differ significantly from classroom learning, which can cause anxiety. Personalized tutoring addresses these specific gaps by targeting your child's individual weak areas rather than using a one-size-fits-all approach.

Most students benefit from 2-4 months of focused ISEE preparation, though the ideal timeline depends on your child's current skill level and target schools. Students with strong foundational skills may need less time, while those addressing specific gaps in math or reading may benefit from longer preparation. Starting early allows for spaced practice and retrieval practice—proven learning techniques that help material stick—rather than cramming close to test day. Tutors can assess your child's readiness and create a customized prep schedule.

Group test prep classes follow a fixed curriculum for all students, but personalized 1-on-1 instruction adapts to your child's specific strengths and weaknesses. A tutor can identify whether your child struggles with reading comprehension, quantitative reasoning, or test anxiety—and focus time accordingly—rather than reviewing material your child already knows. This targeted approach typically leads to faster improvement and higher scores, especially for students with significant skill gaps or learning differences. Personalized instruction also allows tutors to teach test-taking strategies that match your child's learning style.

In the first session, a tutor will assess your child's current skills, discuss their target schools and score goals, and identify specific areas for improvement. This might involve reviewing a practice ISEE section, discussing past test experiences, and understanding your child's learning style and preferences. From there, the tutor will create a customized prep plan with a realistic timeline and clear milestones. This diagnostic approach ensures that every tutoring hour is spent addressing your child's actual needs rather than generic test prep.

Score improvement varies based on starting point and effort, but students working with tutors typically see meaningful gains within 8-12 weeks of consistent preparation. Some students improve by 5-10 percentile points, while others see larger jumps if they had significant skill gaps or test anxiety. The ISEE uses a scaled score system (typically 760-940 for Upper Level), and even small improvements in raw score can translate to meaningful percentile gains. A tutor can set realistic goals based on your child's baseline performance and target schools' typical score ranges.

Varsity Tutors connects you with tutors who specialize in ISEE preparation and understand the needs of Philadelphia-area students applying to independent schools. You can share your child's grade level, current skills, and timeline, and we'll match you with a qualified tutor who fits your family's needs. The first step is a conversation about your goals—whether your child is aiming for a specific school or score target—so we can find the right fit.

Let’s find your perfect tutor

Answer a few quick questions. We’ll recommend the right plan and match you with a top 5% tutor.

Prefer to talk? Call us