If you have a student who is gearing up to take the ISEE, you may benefit from enrolling them in a Chicago ISEE prep course provided by Varsity Tutors. The ISEE, or Independent School Entrance Examination, is used by independent and private schools to assess potential students entering grade levels 2 through 12. The exact content of the test will change depending on the level of the student, but regardless of your student's grade level, a Chicago ISEE course can provide support and get your student ready to do their best on the exam.
These prep classes are taught entirely online, and students will attend class discussions led by a qualified teacher, getting to grips with the ISEE alongside their peers. A group class can be a great way to get your student more involved in their ISEE prep, and a class will cover not only the content material of the course but also will provide knowledge as to how the test is structured and scored, so you can be sure your student is ready for test day.
What can a Chicago ISEE course do to help my student prepare?
The ISEE comes in four different formats. The Primary Level test is taken by students entering 2nd through 4th grade, the Lower Level is for 5th and 6th, the Middle Level covers 7th and 8th, and the Upper Level ISEE is for students entering 9th grade and above. Let's take a quick look at what will be covered on each of the levels of the ISEE, so you can have a better idea of what your student will be learning in a Chicago ISEE class.
The Primary Level ISEE includes Reading and Math sections, which will ask your student to show their reading comprehension skills and vocabulary, as well as their basic math skills, respectively. There is also a Writing section, in which students will be given a picture prompt and asked to write a simple story about the picture. The Writing section is not scored but is instead an opportunity for schools to get to know your student and see their creative side. For 2nd grade admission, there is also an Auditory Comprehension section, which will ask your student to listen to passages and answer questions about them.
The Lower Level ISEE consists of Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, Reading Comprehension, Math Achievement, and Essay sections. For the Verbal Reasoning section, students will have to know age-appropriate vocabulary words and be able to use context to complete sentences. On the Quantitative Reasoning section, students will be tested on their skill with basic arithmetic and logic and will answer probability questions. The Reading Comprehension section will ask students to read passages and locate relevant information to answer questions. The Math Achievement section will require students to perform math operations, identify patterns, use decimals, and understand simple geometry. Last is the Essay section, where students will be able to respond to a prompt about a topic appropriate to their grade level. This section is an opportunity for the school to learn more about your student and their interests.
For the Middle Level of the ISEE, the sections and the time allotted for them are the same as the Lower Level. However, here the Verbal Reasoning section will expect students to have a middle school to high school-level vocabulary and to be able to use suffixes, prefixes, and context to understand words. The Quantitative Reasoning section will ask students to understand how to find variables, length of lines, and the areas of quadrilateral shapes, as well as work with square roots and formulas. The Reading Comprehension section will ask students to contrast information from passages, infer non-explicit information, and understand figurative and non-figurative language. The Math Achievement section will cover prime factorization, ratios and proportions, and geometry involving quadrilaterals and triangles. Students will also complete an Essay section with a prompt suited to students entering high school.
Finally, we come to the Upper Level ISEE. Here the Verbal Reasoning section will demand a high school-level vocabulary and put an emphasis on using context clues to discern meaning. The Quantitative Reasoning section will require students to demonstrate a real understanding of mathematical thought, rather than just performing operations, through problem-solving and probability questions. The Reading Comprehension will ask students to infer information, understand cause and effect in written arguments, understand literary genres and their relationships, and to be able to read authorial intent into a passage. At this level, the Math Achievement section will add word problems, and solving equations here will require knowledge of geometry, algebra, and math problem-solving. There will be an Essay section, which will ask students to write an essay based on a prompt and show their ability to write a grammatically, structurally, and mechanically sound essay.
How will a Chicago ISEE class prepare my student?
We know that both you and your student may have very full lives, and adding a prep course to your schedule might seem like a challenge. This is why these courses are designed to be accessible to a wide variety of students with diverse needs. These courses are taught in an online classroom, where your student will engage with their peers in discussion sessions and be taught by a knowledgeable instructor. This online classroom works just like a brick-and-mortar classroom, with the added advantage of no commute times and a range of class times to pick from. New classes start on a weekly basis, and both 2-week and 4-week class sections are available, so getting signed up is simple as well.
Working through material with other students can be an excellent way to learn, and has in fact been shown to promote understanding and retention of information. However, it can be useful to ask questions in a more private context, too. This is why, in addition to class sessions where the instructor will work on ISEE content material and test-taking skills with the group, your student will also be able to request one-on-one time with their teacher in order to brush up on any material they might struggle to understand. A Chicago ISEE course aims to provide you and your student with the options you need to pursue success on the exam.
How can I get my student signed up for a Chicago ISEE course?
No matter where your student is at in their ISEE prep, Varsity Tutors is providing Chicago ISEE courses that can suit your needs and schedule. A Chicago ISEE prep course can provide insight into how the test functions, and what skills your student can employ in their approach to the ISEE, which can build their confidence as they approach other standardized tests throughout their academic career. Contact us today and we can provide you with more information on our course offerings and get you signed up for a course that can deepen your student's understanding of the material they'll need to know to perform well on the ISEE, and set them up to pursue success throughout their academic career.

Rebecca: Chicago ISEE course instructor
...because I want everyone to be able to perform academically at their highest possible level. I also think it is important that learning is not just for one assignment or one test, but rather that it sticks with you to build a solid foundation of knowledge and confidence that you can carry forward. My favorite...
Education & Certification
- Northwestern University - Bachelors, Psychology
- University of Chicago SSA - Masters, Social Work
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- SSAT
- SAT
- PSAT
- +53 subjects

Samantha: Chicago ISEE course instructor
...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....
Education & Certification
- Northwestern University - Current Undergrad, Political Science & Legal Studies
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- SAT
- ACT
- SSAT
- +36 subjects

Alex: Chicago ISEE course instructor
...algebra I & II, economics and Spanish, but also love to assist students with ACT, SAT, LSAT and GMAT test prep. One of the greatest investments you can make is in improving your college/grad school aptitude testing skills, as just a couple hours of study per week can yield enormous results in admittances and scholarships....
Education & Certification
- University of Wisconsin-Madison - Bachelor in Arts, Economics
- University of Wisconsin-Madison - Bachelor in Arts, International Relations
- University of Southern California - Masters in Business Administration, Finance
- University of Southern California - Masters in Business Administration, Real Estate
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- SSAT
- GRE 5-Week Prep Class
- ACT
- +88 subjects

Katie: Chicago ISEE course instructor
...college students, working as an academic advisor, and teaching first year experience courses to new college students, focusing on topics like time management and study skills. I understand firsthand the importance of standardized tests as students make goals for their next level of education; I am happy to help students prepare for these exams. I...
Education & Certification
- University of Notre Dame - Bachelor in Arts, American Studies, Gender Studies
- University of Connecticut - Master of Arts, Higher Education and Student Affaris
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- PSAT
- GED
- SSAT
- +40 subjects

Hannah: Chicago ISEE course instructor
I graduated from Georgia Tech majoring in Industrial and Systems Engineering and Pre-teaching , and I just moved to Chicago to attend Chicago State University Pharmacy School. I have been tutoring a lot of students [K-12] in various subjects for more than ten years. ... Helping students to reach their goals.... I would talk about my background and share my past experience of studying. I also would ask what their goals are.
Education & Certification
- Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus - Bachelor of Science, Industrial and Systems Engineering
- Chicago State University - PHD, Pharmacy
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- SSAT
- SAT Subject Tests
- ACT
- +33 subjects

Katherine: Chicago ISEE course instructor
I am a multi-level, multi-subject educator offering 8+ years experience in instruction; consistent performance record and excellent reviews; and innovative instructional methods to maximize student understanding and performance across various learning styles, abilities, and interests. It is my pleasure to educate through Varsity Tutors.... My philosophy in education is that all students are smart. It is my job as an educator to meet each student where they are and to guide them in the achievement of their educational goals. Learning should be personalized and fun.
Education & Certification
- University of St. Thomas - Bachelor in Arts, English
- Loyola Marymount University - Master of Arts, Secondary Education
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- ACT
- HSPT
- CogAT
- +53 subjects

Adrianna: Chicago ISEE course instructor
...that for me, as soon as I began to write about things I was passionate about on an individual level, I was able to unlock a lot of creativity. If students write about what they know, rather than what they think someone would like to hear, they often become much more authentic writers. I love...
Education & Certification
- Rice University - Bachelor in Arts, Sociology and Policy Studies
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- PSAT
- ASPIRE
- PARCC
- +74 subjects

Amy: Chicago ISEE course instructor
I am currently a school teacher. I teach both special education and general education elementary and middle school students. I am able to break down skills in a way that children can understand. I love it when everything clicks for the student. ... My teaching philosophy is that every person can learn; it is just a matter of finding out how they learn.
Education & Certification
- Indiana University-Bloomington - Bachelors, Theatre
- National Louis University - Masters, Teaching
- State Certified Teacher
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- SSAT
- College English
- ISEE- Lower Level
- +18 subjects

Felipe: Chicago ISEE course instructor
...working with students on English, Spanish, and Writing. I have a thoughtful and patient approach. I grew up in a trilingual household and am pursuing a graduate degree in Creative Writing. I studied Comparative Literature in college. I look forward to working with students and helping them fulfill their academic goals.... I have a thoughtful and conversational style. I believe in fostering the student's interest in a subject and focusing on the fundamentals.
Education & Certification
- Princeton University - Bachelors, Comparative Literature
- CUNY Graduate School of Journalism - Masters, Business Journalism
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- College Essays
- English
- Essay Editing
- +8 subjects

Emily: Chicago ISEE course instructor
...of success. I've worked across various sectors and have always maintained a love for one-on-one teaching, especially working with children and teaching languages. My experience includes living, working, and traveling abroad, and I rely on this intercultural perspective when presenting language and social studies lessons. I am particularly adept at grammar, editing, and writing and...
Education & Certification
- University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign - Bachelors, 1) Spanish 2) History
- The New School - Masters, 1) International Affairs 2) Environmental Policy
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- SSAT
- SAT Subject Tests
- English
- +42 subjects

Bryson: Chicago ISEE course instructor
...for the past 6 years, beginning as a 2012 Teach For America corps member in Los Angeles. I have taught nearly every subject in middle school classrooms, and I have taught both biology and algebra to high schoolers. My favorite subjects to tutor are mathematics and Spanish, as I find them to be the most...
Education & Certification
- New York University - Bachelor in Arts, Spanish
- Loyola Marymount University - Master of Arts, Urban Education and Leadership
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- SAT
- PSAT
- ACT
- +51 subjects

Shea: Chicago ISEE course instructor
...started teaching 5 years ago, I have been committed to accommodating the needs of each individual student, and instilling a lifelong love of learning in all of my students . As a very passionate, caring, nurturing, and knowledgeable teacher, I thrive on the success of my students ??? our future. As a tutor with Varsity...
Education & Certification
- Western Illinois University - Bachelors, Computer Science
- National-Louis University - Masters, Teaching
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- SSAT
- Test Prep
- Phonics
- +14 subjects

Kim: Chicago ISEE course instructor
...I have a Master's degree from Concordia University in Curriculum and Instruction and have completed classes toward a certification in special education. My passion is Mathematics. I believe instilling confidence in my students is the key to their success and I believe all students are capable of reaching their goals. Teaching students organization skills and...
Education & Certification
- Millikin University - Bachelor in Arts, Elementary Education
- Concordia University-Ann Arbor - Master of Arts, Curriculum and Instruction
- State Certified Teacher
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- SSAT
- Executive Functioning
- Writing
- +21 subjects

Rebecca: Chicago ISEE course instructor
...I enjoyed working with the students and seeing them master the material over the course of the semester. Professionally, I have worked both as a programmer and as a marketer. I believe my greatest strengths are in teaching math and helping students prepare for standardized tests, including the GMAT. In my spare time, I enjoy...
Education & Certification
- University of Notre Dame - Bachelors, Computer Science, Theology
- University of Notre Dame - Masters in Business Administration, Marketing
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- HSPT
- SSAT
- SSAT- Middle Level
- +39 subjects

Ariela: Chicago ISEE course instructor
...that I can convey it to someone else. I enjoy and excel at condensing and re-communicating facts or tasks, so that they become comprehensible to someone who may not understand 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,...
Education & Certification
- University of Chicago - Current Undergrad, Theater & Performance Studies
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- PSAT
- Advanced Placement
- SAT
- +50 subjects

Kandice: Chicago ISEE course instructor
...in schools located in Sacramento and Chicago using the Balanced Literacy and Everyday Mathematics frameworks. I have also mentored teachers and been a professional speaker and facilitator for educational and civic organizations. My teaching and tutoring philosophy is simple: bridging the gap between student passions and areas of improvement, and create lasting and powerful learning...
Education & Certification
- University of Chicago - Bachelor in Arts, Pyschology
- University of Chicago - Master of Arts, Teaching
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- SSAT
- Reading
- High School English
- +19 subjects

Najla: Chicago ISEE course instructor
...all ages. Most importantly, however, I absolutely love working with students, and have a sincere passion and enthusiasm for teaching. I consider it a challenging calling, but one that has been immensely gratifying, both personally and professionally. I look forward to meeting and exploring how we can achieve your educational goals together!
Education & Certification
- The University of Texas at Austin - Bachelor in Arts, Biology, General
- University of Washington , Columbia University - PHD, History
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- ACT
- CLEP
- SAT
- +108 subjects

Meggan: Chicago ISEE course instructor
...child." It is important that we work together as teachers, tutors, parents and family to ensure each child gets the best education possible. My role as a teacher and tutor is to discover each student's individual learning style and tailor the learning material and curriculum to meet the needs of that individual student so that...
Education & Certification
- University of Iowa - Bachelor in Arts, Communications/Art
- Quincy University - Master of Science, Educaiton
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- STAAR Grades 3-8
- AIMS
- STAAR
- +113 subjects

Faith: Chicago ISEE course instructor
...wasn't just teaching them how to do things. I was also mentoring them. I am very passionate about working with kids because they really are the future. I like being able to have an impact on their growth and development. It gives me joy to see a student accomplish something that they thought was impossible....
Education & Certification
- Northern Illinois University - Bachelor of Science, Special Education
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- PSAT
- HSPT
- ACT 4-Week Prep Class
- +39 subjects

Chris: Chicago ISEE course instructor
...in life and learning to articulate themselves from a standpoint of genuine interest and intelligence. This has led me to focus on big-picture issues when I read the work of other writers, encouraging them to dig deeper into their own beliefs and values and looking for ways they can communicate their opinions more effectively. My...
Education & Certification
- Wheaton College (Illinois) - Bachelor in Arts, English
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- GED
- SSAT
- SAT
- +39 subjects