If you have a student getting ready to take any of the six versions of the ISEE, you might want to enroll them in a Tucson ISEE prep course provided by Varsity Tutors. The ISEE prep classes are conducted live online, so your student can interact with their instructor and peers as they review the content that will be on the ISEE and the test structure and other details.
The ISEE, or Independent School Entrance Exam, delivers advanced insights to help admissions officials at private or independent schools as they go through the admission process. It's not the only factor considered, but it is viewed as accurate and is taken into account with the rest of each student's application packet.
What subjects are covered in a Tucson ISEE course?
The core educational subjects are covered on the ISEE, including reading, English, math, and writing. Each skill is tested at an age-appropriate level on the different versions of the ISEE. The Primary Level has three separate versions called Primary 2 for students entering 2nd grade, Primary 3 for students entering 3rd grade, and Primary 4 for students entering 4th grade. The Lower Level is for students entering grades 5 or 6; the Middle Level is for students entering grades 7 or 8; and the Upper Level is for students entering high school grades. Let's take a brief look at what's tested at each level.
The Primary 2 ISEE is the only version that contains an auditory comprehension section, where students listen to fiction and nonfiction passages and answer a few questions about them. Then Primary Levels 2, 3, and 4 have age-appropriate multiple-choice questions in a Reading and a Math section. Finally, students are given a picture prompt and asked to write a story about the picture. This Writing Sample isn't scored, but schools do receive it to get an indication of each student's writing ability, creativity, and personality.
The Lower, Middle, and Upper Level ISEE all include the following sections: Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, Math Achievement, Reading Comprehension, and an Essay.
The Verbal Reasoning sections assess English skills using synonym and sentence-completion questions. Students are expected to know age-appropriate English skills like vocabulary, parts of speech, using context and word clues for understanding, and how to use prefixes, suffixes, and root words from Anglo-Saxon, Latin, and Greek to determine the meaning of words they don't necessarily know.
The Quantitative Reasoning section evaluates students on their proficiency in mathematical thinking. The Math Achievement section focuses on mathematical operations. They've delivered separately, but both require a knowledge of age-appropriate math skills. For example, on the Lower Level ISEE, Math Achievement questions involve using operations with whole numbers and doing geometry and measurement problems. In the Quantitative Reasoning section, students are tested on estimation, comparison, and number logic.
On the Middle Level ISEE, Math Achievement questions involve algebra, data analysis, measurement, numbers and operations, problem-solving, and geometry. The same subjects are included in the Quantitative Reasoning section, but again, with a slightly different focus on the mechanics or the reasoning behind them. The Upper Level Math Achieve and Quantitative Reasoning sections have the same topics with the addition of data analysis and probability and have the same types of questions at a higher level.
The Reading Comprehension sections gauge where students are in their abilities to understand vocabulary, main and supporting ideas, author's intent or purpose, cause and effect relationships, and drawing conclusions or making inferences from passages. Students will need to compare and contrast information, discern between literal and figurative language, and apply information found in a passage to practical questions. Again, similar content is tested at varying age levels.
Finally, students provide an Essay response to a provided prompt about a topic of general interest to students at their appropriate grade level. They need to plan and write an organized written piece using age-appropriate writing skills including grammar, punctuation, and other English writing conventions. Schools want to know more about each student, and this Essay is one way of doing so. Adding their opinions and thoughts on the topic is encouraged.
You can expect your student to receive comprehensive coverage of all this material in their Tucson ISEE course. Collaboration between students and the instructor helps with both learning and retaining information. If your child runs into a concept that's more difficult for them than the other students, you can sign them up for individual tutoring sessions through Varsity Tutors. They can receive focused one-on-one attention to get them caught up.
What are the benefits of having my student take a Tucson ISEE class to prepare for the test?
There are many benefits to having your student attend the Tucson ISEE classes Varsity Tutors offers. Some have been mentioned, and in addition to these is the chance to learn ISEE-specific test-taking strategies that can be useful for them when they actually take the test.
Standardized exams are different than classroom tests and different from each other. What should your child do if they don't know the answer to a question? That depends on the test they're taking and how they judge unanswered questions. A professional Tucson ISEE class instructor can guide your student on this and other testing questions.
Time management is an important thing for test takers to master because having enough time to finish all the questions not only can help improve their score but can help reduce testing anxiety. Instructors may assign regular timed practice sections to help students see how their pace measures up, and then introduce techniques to help them maximize their pace to work best for them.
How can I enroll my student in a Tucson ISEE course?
Varsity Tutors makes the entire test prep process as convenient as possible. We offer both two- and four-week ISEE courses at different times and days, so you can always find one that meets your family's schedule. New classes start every week, so you can get your child started right away. All you need to do is contact Varsity Tutors and let us know your student's needs, and we can enroll them in a Tucson ISEE course that can meet their needs.

Rebecca: Tucson ISEE course instructor
...find answers utilizing their own strengths. I aim to support them as a resource and content expert. I love to help students because I believe that education is a wonderful resource that everyone deserves access to. I find a great deal of reward in seeing knowledge "click" for my students. In my free time, I enjoy writing poetry, reading books, and playing backgammon. I will continue my pursuit of higher education by attending the Columbia...
Education & Certification
- University of Arizona - Bachelor in Arts, Psychology
- University of Arizona - Bachelor in Arts, Creative Writing
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- ACT
- GED
- CLEP
- +71 subjects
Education & Certification
- University of Arizona - Bachelor of Fine Arts, Acting
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- SAT
- CogAT
- ASVAB
- +36 subjects

Colleen: Tucson ISEE course instructor
...English teacher at a charter school in Tucson. I tutored for a school year for elementary students in Math, Phonics, and Reading Comprehension. I love teaching and tutoring English Language Arts to students of all age levels. It is a joy to watch students move from planning a writing assignment to publishing it in a final draft! It is fun to ask students questions about their writing, help them edit their work, and offer words...
Education & Certification
- University of Oregon - Bachelor in Arts, English and Journalism
- Portland State University - Masters in Education, Masters of Education-Language Arts
- State Certified Teacher
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- Reading
- High School English
- English Grammar and Syntax
- +12 subjects

Chiung-Kuei: Tucson ISEE course instructor
...I become a tutor for Pima, as well as a golf coach for The First Tee of Tucson. I love passing on my knowledge and skills to people in need. During my time at Pima, I found myself the most helpful when I tutor in Chemistry and Math. Math is a subject that has a special place in my heart; chemistry can be related to our everyday life, which sparked my interest. I believe that...
Education & Certification
- University of Arizona - Bachelor of Science, Physiology
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- ACT
- ACCUPLACER
- TOEFL
- +55 subjects

Michelle: Tucson ISEE course instructor
...a professional educator, and this, too, has been a gratifying experience. It is my pleasure to pass on the love of reading and the love of learning to the younger generation. Out of my love of reading, I have come to see myself as a life-long learner, and it is my hope to spark the interest of others to continue in the pursuit of learning for its own sake, even as much as for career...
Education & Certification
- University of Iowa - Bachelors, Spanish
- University of Arizona South - Masters, Secondary Education
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- HSPT
- SSAT
- Essay Editing
- +25 subjects
Education & Certification
- Florida International University - Bachelor of Science, Hospitality Administration and Management
- California University - Doctor of Philosophy, Organizational Leadership
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- HSPT
- SHSAT
- PSAT
- +209 subjects

Amanda: Tucson ISEE course instructor
...with hard work and effective support, they will. As a tutor, I am committed to nurturing and maintaining a growth mindset in my sessions. Whether a learner is a top-scoring perfectionist with a fear of failure or a struggling student who believes they cannot succeed, a growth mindset will improve their relationship with learning. I completed my bachelor's degree in English at Kenyon College, where I graduated summa cum laude, Phi Beta Kappa, and with...
Education & Certification
- Kenyon College - Bachelor in Arts, English
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- ACT
- GCSE
- SAT
- +74 subjects

Brittany : Tucson ISEE course instructor
...enjoyed teaching and shared that gift with a variety of age groups from Pre-K all the way up to young adult. I have experience with many different subjects from academia core including history, math, writing, and reading comprehension. I also have specialty experience such as singing/voice, performing arts. life skills, employment readiness training and advocacy skills. I have worked with students for 9 years and my teaching philosophy is that everyone can get better at...
Education & Certification
- University of California-Los Angeles - Bachelor in Arts, History
- University of Arizona - Master of Arts, Mental Health Counseling
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- PSAT
- GED
- ACT
- +61 subjects

Gabby: Tucson ISEE course instructor
...also worked as a Behavioral Health Worker at Northland Family Help Center in Flagstaff in which I aided youth in crisis to meet their behavioral, emotional, academic, and life goals one step at a time. This past year I taught 1st/2nd grade at the Peaks school. I was very successful with using different techniques such as differentiated centers, projects and adapted lessons to meet each student at their level and interests. I also won the...
Education & Certification
- Northern Arizona University - Bachelor of Education, Elementary School Teaching
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- ACT
- TOEFL
- AIMS
- +42 subjects

Katherine: Tucson ISEE course instructor
...love it out here! I'm passionate about education and learning. I believe in modifying my teaching style to the unique needs of the student in order to ensure a maximal learning experience. I also believe that learning isn't just about performing well on tests (although that is important and I will do my best to enable my students to achieve their desired scores) but rather applying new material/learning to the bigger picture of long-term goals.
Education & Certification
- New York University - Bachelors, Psychology
- The Catholic University of America - PHD, Clinical Psychology
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- SAT
- SSAT
- PSAT
- +31 subjects

Lee: Tucson ISEE course instructor
Hello! I am PASSIONATE about education, especially as a means to change the world for the better. I take plenty of care in my teaching methods as to be effective and ENJOYABLE. I am a mother of a 5-yr-old girl and 2-yr-old boy who have allowed me to discover the learning process at its purest state. This is what I love to do!
Education & Certification
- Arizona State University - Bachelor of Science, Industrial Engineering
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- ACT
- GCSE
- CLEP
- +80 subjects

Elisa: Tucson ISEE course instructor
...years as a counselor, swim instructor, and after school teacher and over this time I have cultivated the skills to communicate effectively with students of all ages. I am very adept at finding creative ways to communicate difficult concepts through the use of digestible metaphors and examples. Additionally, I am able to maintain a laid-back and positive atmosphere with students, in which I can correct their mistakes and guide them to the correct answer without...
Education & Certification
- Kenyon College - Bachelor in Arts, Psychology & Dance
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- PSAT
- ACT
- SSAT
- +54 subjects

Margaret: Tucson ISEE course instructor
...to communicate and express their ideas. I also worked on a minor in Spanish during my undergrad. When I was 17, I graduated early from high school and spent two months in Guatemala at a Spanish language school. In college, I participated in a Spanish language drama club, and I directed a play in Spanish, produced at a local theater. Last spring, I traveled to South America and spent four months in Bolivia, Chile, and...
Education & Certification
- Indiana University-Bloomington - Bachelors, English
- Indiana University - Masters, English
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- CLEP
- ASPIRE
- ACT
- +140 subjects
Education & Certification
- University of Vermont - Bachelor in Arts, History
- University of Kentucky - Master of Arts, Geography
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- HSPT
- Human Geography
- English Grammar and Syntax
- +41 subjects

Priyanshi: Tucson ISEE course instructor
...school. I began with private tutoring sessions, then worked with Kumon Learning Center, and most recently I tutored college students with learning and cognitive disorders at the UofA. I began tutoring at a young age because as an immigrant from India I personally struggled with the school system and I understand how integral tutors can be to a student's success. I am well rounded, have a positive attitude, an work hard to meet the individual...
Education & Certification
- University of Arizona - Bachelor of Science, Physiology
- University of Arizona - Current Grad Student, Health Policy Analysis
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- SAT
- PSAT
- GRE
- +73 subjects

Tonia: Tucson ISEE course instructor
...teacher with a Bachelors and Masters degree in Education. I have a breadth of teaching experience. I have taught in elementary school, middle school, and community college. Most of my experience is in GED and ESL instruction. Learning can be fun and interesting. As your tutor, you will be encouraged to use many modalities of learning including: visual, auditory, kinesthetic, interpersonal, and intrapersonal. My tenacity, patience, breadth of experience, ability to make learning fun, and...
Education & Certification
- Chicago State University - Bachelor of Science, Elementary School Teaching
- National-Louis University - Master of Arts Teaching, Education
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- SAT
- SSAT
- ACT
- +30 subjects

Sarah: Tucson ISEE course instructor
...and Science. Since then I have been moving around as a military spouse so I have been subbing and tutoring. I am originally from Memphis, TN, but I have lived in South Carolina, Mississippi, Arkansas, and Arizona. Moving around has given me a chance to meet many different students from all types of backgrounds and has helped me learn to focus on getting to know my students quickly so that I can best meet their...
Education & Certification
- North Greenville University - Bachelor in Arts, Elementary School Teaching
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- SSAT
- Writing
- ISEE-Lower Level Quantitative Reasoning
- +37 subjects

Alannah: Tucson ISEE course instructor
...solving to the information we explore as well. I believe that tutoring must be a learning experience that is sustainable such that the student is able to carry and apply the lessons learned in their future endeavors, in the absence of a tutor. Outside of teaching, I enjoy spending time outdoors, including hiking, camping, and kayaking. I also love traveling locally and outside of the state, and adventure is one of my biggest passions!
Education & Certification
- Occidental College - Bachelor in Arts, Psychology
- Southern Illinois University Carbondale - Master of Science, College Student Counseling and Personnel Services
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- GED
- SAT
- AIMS
- +75 subjects

Kelcy: Tucson ISEE course instructor
...experience and teaching experience. Most recently, I taught a first-year college course in Microeconomics for nine years, in addition to other classes in the university's international trade program. My students came from over 30 countries! I've worked in over a dozen countries for the U.S. Department of Commerce, as well as for private firms in building engineering and the energy industry. I enjoy helping students gain competence and master their chosen area of study.
Education & Certification
- Freed-Hardeman University - Bachelor in Arts, Bible Studies
- Rice University - Masters in Business Administration, Business, General
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- ACT
- SAT 8-Week Prep Class
- SAT
- +71 subjects

Theresa: Tucson ISEE course instructor
...benefit from specific strategies and extra instructional time, particularly due to dyslexia and/or ADHD. In my experience, encouragement can make a world of difference when students struggle with a subject, no matter what the reason. Often students who struggle with a learning disability want to do well, and are motivated to do the work when someone listens to them and offers concrete strategies that may help. It can be frustrating and discouraging when students keep...
Education & Certification
- Clemson University - Bachelor in Arts, English
- Citadel Military College of South Carolina - Master of Arts, Education
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- ACT
- CogAT
- HSPT
- +153 subjects