Private School Entrance Exam Preparation Programs
HSPT Test tutoring
Our Approach
Diagnostic Test
Every student needs a starting point.
We always begin our ISEE, HSPT journey with a practice test to determine what content must be refreshed. It’s not about everyone else.
It’s about your child and your family’s goals.
Practice
Learn the exams through practice.
Practice, practice, and more practice. That is how our students strengthen their abilities and their knowledge of the exams for exam day.
Refresh
These tests ultimately “test” knowledge.
The information is not based on tricks or information they can’t prepare for. Our students learn the information. So much of what is tested on the Middle and Upper-Level ISEE is well above grade level.
It’s important to understand that going in.
Mindset
Believing in yourself is the other key.
The mythology of these exams is often more intimidating than the actual test. We use our founder’s mindset techniques for performance even with our youngest students.
Strategy
Strategy is only a fifth of the battle.
It all begins with knowledge and then we go from there. But, without prior knowledge, strategy is useless.
Once our students have refreshed the content, we can work on timing and individual strategies to boost their scores.
Our Programs
One-on-one Coaching (Signature Program)
Our HSPT program can be taught 1-on-1. It follows our specific curriculum and proprietary books.
Workshops (Small Group Forums)
Some of our families inquire about group formats for the HSPT. We do offer private group tutoring in groups of 2-5 students on the HSPT.
FAQs about the HSPT (Catholic Private School Entrance Exam)
We wanted to bring you our most frequently asked questions.
What is the HSPT?
The HSPT is the most popular Catholic School entrance exam in the country. It’s offered one season per year: Winter. Many private schools offer the test on campus. You are only required to take it once. Be careful to check when your private school application is due when considering what test dates to sign up for.
Why take the HSPT?
If you are thinking about applying to a Catholic private school, the HSPT is the most heavily used entrance exam. It is important to contact the list of private schools you are thinking about applying to in order to determine which tests they accept: ISEE, HSPT, or SSAT. If you need assistance contacting private schools, or want more information about which private schools accept this exam, contact us directly at 310.684.2543.
What is on the HSPT?
The test is roughly 2 hours and 30 minutes. There are 298 questions. There are 5 sections in the following order: Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, Reading Comprehension, Math Achievement, and the Language section (Grammar).
Verbal Reasoning: This section focuses on knowledge of vocabulary, synonyms, and sentence completion.
Quantitative Reasoning: Math; numbers, algebra, geometry, statistics, and measurement. This section asks students to evaluate word problems as well as compare and equate two different math equations to find an answer.
Reading comprehension: This section tests your child’s ability to read effectively.
Math Achievement: Math; numbers, algebra, geometry, statistics, and measurement.
Language: This section includes grammar and capitalization.
When should your child start studying for the HSPT?
We recommend taking a diagnostic to determine how much preparation will be necessary. Once we have a diagnostic assessment, we can better gauge the start date based on the timeline and learning profile of the student.
What is the ISEE and how is it different from the HSPT?
The ISEE test is a different private school entrance exam typically used at a range of private schools. Students in each year sit down to take a comprehensive exam that tests reading, grammar, vocabulary, and math. Scores are then sent after this week of exams to the parent’s house to indicate how well the student has learned the topics at grade level. Your student may be required to take the ISEE at several Catholic high schools so it is best to check what the application requirements are before proceeding.
