If your student's test prep could use a boost, enroll them in our Dallas Fort Worth ISEE prep course today to help them reach for academic success. The Independent School Entrance Examination, or ISEE, is a standardized test used by independent and magnet schools across the country as one factor in the application process. The test may be taken by students entering second grade or over, and it's split into four levels (Primary, Lower, Middle, and Upper) to provide a fair academic challenge to every student. The Primary ISEE is for students entering grades 2-4, Lower 5-6, Middle 7-8, and Upper 9+.
Taking a Dallas Fort Worth ISEE class may prove beneficial no matter which level of the exam your student is taking. Each class provides a comprehensive look into not only the academic skills needed on test day, but also test-taking tips that may help increase a test-taker's confidence. Keep reading to learn more about how we may be able to help you.
What are some of the subjects covered by a Dallas Fort Worth ISEE course?
The Primary Level ISEE is divided into three separate examinations as an acknowledgment that a lot of learning takes place between second grade and fourth grade, each signified by a numeral corresponding to the grade level a test-taker is entering. For example, Primary 2 is taken by students entering second grade. Each Primary ISEE contains multiple-choice Reading and Math sections that measure age-appropriate academic skills, and Primary 2 also has an Auditory Comprehension section based on listening packages. Each Primary Level ISEE concludes with a picture-based writing prompt that allows test-takers to share their personality with schools.
The Lower, Middle, and Upper ISEEs all share the same basic format. There are five sections: Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, Reading Comprehension, Math Achievement, and Essay. Here is a closer look at what students can expect to see on each one:
1. Verbal Reasoning
The Verbal Reasoning section always consists of 40 multiple-choice items over a 20-minute testing session. Questions are structured as either sentence completions or synonyms, assessing a student's vocab skills. It's virtually impossible to try to memorize every word in the English language, so students might want to study Greek and Latin roots, prefixes, suffixes, and the parts of speech to help decipher what an unfamiliar term means. Reading can also provide a student with valuable experience using context to figure out what a word means.
2. Quantitative Reasoning
The Quantitative Reasoning section contains 37 multiple-choice questions over 35 minutes on all three levels. This section measures a student's mathematical thinking skills, saving operations for a different portion of the exam. Some possible topics include multiplication and long division on the Lower Level ISEE, fractions and decimals on the Middle Level exam, and introductory statistics and exponents on the Upper Level test.
3. Reading Comprehension
The Reading Comprehension section involves 36 multiple-choice questions over 35 minutes. Every question is based on a reading passage, measuring how well students retain what they read. Test-takers at all levels must determine an author's intent, the main idea and its supporting details, and how a passage's structure influences its point. Students taking the Middle Level ISEE also need to draw inferences based on what they've read and compare/contrast multiple passages. Students taking the Upper Level exam need to do all of that across literary genres, making it more challenging. If your student could retain more of the information they read, active reading skills such as note-taking should be a focal point in their test prep.
4. Math Achievement
The Math Achievement section has 47 multiple-choice questions in 40 minutes. It emphasizes quantitative problem-solving skills, filling in the gaps of the Quantitative Reasoning section above. Some possible topics include decimals and percentages on the Lower Level ISEE, the geometry of triangles and quadrilaterals on the Middle Level ISEE, and algebraic equations and coordinate grids on the Upper Level ISEE.
5. Writing
The ISEE Writing section is not scored but photocopied and sent to each school a student applies to, allowing admissions departments to assess a student's written communication skills for themselves. It is structured as an introduction, but factors such as grammar and syntactic variety are also considered by most institutions. If your student gets intimidated by essays, learning how to outline them beforehand may help them seem more approachable.
Why should I choose a Dallas Fort Worth ISEE course provided by Varsity Tutors?
Every Dallas Fort Worth ISEE class we provide is taught by a knowledgeable instructor with great communication skills. It'll also take place on a live virtual platform that makes online instruction feel as intuitive as attending a class in person, without the usual logistical nightmare of going someplace.
Students can also interact with their peers while they study, allowing everybody to work together to establish a collaborative learning environment that may expedite the learning process. For example, hearing a friend explain something can help it feel more relatable than a teacher's perspective on the topic. Similarly, the student who does the explaining inadvertently reinforces their own knowledge of the material by teaching it to somebody else.
Studying as a group also allows multiple people to split the corresponding bill, making a Dallas Fort Worth ISEE class more affordable than you might think. If your student seems to be falling behind their new friends, you also have the right to set aside private study time outside of your student's scheduled class sessions to go over any concept they may need to.
Varsity Tutors also tries to make studying as convenient as we can. We launch new classes every week, so it's always a good time to get started. Similarly, two and four-week classes are available to make it easier to find something for nearly any schedule.
Can I sign my student up for a Dallas Fort Worth ISEE course right now?
Absolutely. Use the contact info provided on this page to reach out to a knowledgeable educational consultant for more information about each Dallas Fort Worth ISEE course option Varsity Tutors provides or to get the enrollment process started. We look forward to hearing from you!
Connor: Dallas ISEE course instructor
...(pre-medical and pre-nursing) students looking 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...
Education & Certification
- Saint Louis University-Main Campus - Bachelor in Arts, Economics
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- STAAR
- SSAT
- HSPT
- +43 subjects
Reivin: Dallas ISEE course instructor
...am a professional writer/tutor, and I have a degree in African American Studies with a concentration in fine arts and history from Oberlin College. I also love the sciences and math after focusing on Neuroscience for two years while working on my Bachelor's degree. I tutor in writing, reading, sociology, the humanities, and philosophy at...
Education & Certification
- Oberlin College - Bachelors, African American Studies
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- ACT
- SAT
- ISEE-Upper Level Writing
- +57 subjects
Sarah: Dallas ISEE course instructor
...quite enthusiastic about passing down knowledge or tips to any student who wants them. I have a fairly flexible schedule and am willing to change things up depending on the needs of my clients. I will be extremely positive, cooperative, and willing to meet any needs that you or your child have. I want to...
Education & Certification
- The University of Texas at Dallas - Bachelors, Literary Studies with minor in Psychology
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- SSAT
- PSAT
- SAT
- +55 subjects
Samantha: Dallas ISEE course instructor
...I spend my days teaching in a classroom, I love moonlighting at a tutor because of the individualized attention that my students receive. I bring several years of classroom experience to the table, as well as a teaching credential from the University of Oxford and a BA from Northwestern University. While my classroom experience is...
Education & Certification
- Northwestern University - Bachelors, Religious Studies
- University of Oxford - Masters, Secondary Education (Religious Education)
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- GCSE
- STAAR Grades 3-8
- SSAT
- +63 subjects
Jamila: Dallas ISEE course instructor
...Readiness Course. I have also served as an Area Academic Facilitator supporting teachers, students, and campus administrators in grades K-12th. While in the classroom the state of Texas implemented a new and more rigorous test called the STAAR. In regards to the reading assessment, I have a success rate of 100 of my students meeting...
Education & Certification
- Huston Tillotson University - Bachelor in Arts, English
- Concordia University-Ann Arbor - Masters in Education, Educational Administration
- State Certified Teacher
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- Advanced Placement
- MAP
- STAAR EOC
- +41 subjects
Brittany: Dallas ISEE course instructor
...and I learn." This quote emphasizes why I became a teacher. Students learn best when their needs are put first, they are well engaged, able to lead discussions, and it provides opportunities for students to fail to improve. When this in place, the learning evolves, and we move from teacher-led to student led.... I believe the fundamental goal of teaching is to foster students' interests in fulfilling a successful education. Setting positive vibes in the classroom will set the tone and atmosphere in the classroom. Giving students the opportunity to express themselves in a respectful manner builds trust and room for success. Students need to feel that you are in their corner and that they can trust you. Without trust, how can a student become successful? My job as an educator is to create a positive atmosphere that will foster learning and independence.
Education & Certification
- CUNY Queens College - Bachelors, Education
- CUNY Queens College - Masters, Special Education
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- TACHS
- K-11th Grade Standardized Tests
- HSPT
- +63 subjects
Ketaki: Dallas ISEE course instructor
...name is Ketaki and I come from a beautiful town in India.I am a civil engineer by education but a teacher at core.I have helped many a students to clear their concepts in the subject math,which is more often a dreaded one. It gives me immense satisfaction to see students come out and overcome their...
Education & Certification
- Engineering College - Bachelors, Civil Engineering
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- SAT
- ACT
- PSAT
- +51 subjects
Bethany: Dallas ISEE course instructor
...in history and literature. I am confident in my abilities to work with students needing assistance in writing, reading, and history. Having a great passion for education, I offer high enthusiasm and motivation in tutoring sessions. It is my firm goal to enhance the quality of students educational experience by providing the opportunities to find...
Education & Certification
- University of Oklahoma Norman Campus - Bachelor in Arts, International Studies
- University of North Texas - Unknown, 4th-8th grade Generalist Teaching
- State Certified Teacher
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- SSAT
- STAAR
- College Level American History
- +24 subjects
Education & Certification
- Swarthmore College - Bachelor in Arts, History
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- PSAT
- SAT Subject Tests
- SAT
- +84 subjects
Muhammad Salik: Dallas ISEE course instructor
...PSAT with great results with 98th percentile grades from my students in the Math and Reading section of the SAT & ACT. As an Electrical Engineering major, I had to be very grounded in math subjects, my mathematics foundation and applications allow me to be a very versatile tutor, breaking down the subject into easy...
Education & Certification
- The University of Texas at Dallas - Current Undergrad, Electrical Engineering
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- PSAT
- SAT
- Advanced Placement
- +105 subjects
Monique: Dallas ISEE course instructor
Greetings, I love tutoring and working with students. I am passionate about teaching and will work with a student until they are able to master the subject material. I have a great sense of humor and know how to have fun while getting the homework/assignments/tutoring/test prep. completed.
Education & Certification
- California State University-Dominguez Hills - Bachelor of Science, Political Science and Government
- California State University-Dominguez Hills - Doctor of Education, Public Administration
- Pepperdine University - Doctor of Education, Education
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- REGENTS
- ACCUPLACER
- SSAT
- +99 subjects
Dean: Dallas ISEE course instructor
...Austin with a degree in Cell and Molecular Biology in May of 2022. As of this moment, I'm currently taking a gap year before going off to Rice University to pursue a PhD in Biochemistry. I've tutored with Varsity Tutors on and off for about three years, and am excited to continue!
Education & Certification
- University of California-Davis - Current Undergrad Student, Biotechnology
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- PSAT
- STAAR Grades 3-8
- STAAR EOC
- +67 subjects
Claire: Dallas ISEE course instructor
...student at the University of North Texas dedicated to giving the best tutoring experience, coupled with high quality and fun learning! I am working towards a degree in biochemistry, and I have a passion for science and math! My tutoring style is to meet students where they are at, which means each tutoring session can...
Education & Certification
- University of North Texas - Bachelor of Science, Biochemistry
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- REGENTS
- ASVAB
- SSAT
- +48 subjects
Kenna: Dallas ISEE course instructor
...I'm Kenna, a Chemical Engineer within the Semiconductor Processing industry. I also have professional experience in the Energy industry. My B.S. in Chemical Engineering is from Georgia Tech -- Go Jackets! I've lived all over the world. Right now, I am a proud Texan! Though I'm an engineer by day, what fulfills me is helping...
Education & Certification
- Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus - Bachelor of Science, Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- SAT 8-Week Prep Class
- SHSAT
- ASVAB
- +205 subjects
Lynn: Dallas ISEE course instructor
...the wonderful world of science and making the learning experience an enjoyable one for them. As a visual and hands-on learner, I am passionate about using different teaching methods and styles with my students. Through my time as a student, the tips and tricks that I've picked up when learning science materials are ones that...
Education & Certification
- University of North Texas - Bachelor in Arts, Biochemistry
- University of North Texas Health Science Center - Master of Science, Biomedical Sciences
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- WISC IV
- STAAR EOC
- PSAT
- +96 subjects
Alesha: Dallas ISEE course instructor
...am a certified elementary teacher and have been teaching for 12 years. I am currently a third grade reading and writing teacher but have taught all subjects before. I have also taught summer school for the past 7 years to help students who need extra help with a subject and to pass the STAAR test....
Education & Certification
- Texas AM University- Commerce - Bachelor of Science, Elementary School Teaching
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- HSPT
- STAAR Grades 3-8
- SSAT
- +14 subjects
Vivek: Dallas ISEE course instructor
...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 adept at helping others reach their educational goals.... My teaching philosophy is "work hard, play hard." It may sound childish, but I believe the brain requires balance in everything, including activities. With a strong work ethic, along with support and freedom, the tutor and student will go far.
Education & Certification
- Austin College - Bachelor of Science, Biology, General
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- Advanced Placement
- TOEFL
- ACT
- +66 subjects
Melissa: Dallas ISEE course instructor
...two people are alike, so there is no blanket approach to teach. I want to make my lessons fun and engaging, but also be excited about the lesson so that students can also be excited about the subject. I want my students to do the thinking, instead of telling them what they should know. Objectives...
Education & Certification
- University of Houston - Bachelors, Political Science and Government
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- A Level
- STAAR Grades 3-8
- STAAR
- +43 subjects
David: Dallas ISEE course instructor
...studying history and theology. I take a great interest in health and well-being. I like to keep my mind as sharp as possible. I also like to do memorization. I memorize everything I can. I think that one of the chief joys in life is learning and mastering new things. I enjoy helping others learn....
Education & Certification
- University of California-Santa Barbara - Bachelor in Arts, Mathematics
- University of California-Santa Barbara - Master of Arts, Mathematics
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- COMPASS
- ACT
- ACCUPLACER
- +48 subjects
Lara: Dallas ISEE course instructor
...natural world. I have a Ph.D in microbiology and immunology, and I have taught biology and microbiology at the college level for the past 9 years. I love teaching and making connections with students. There is nothing more satisfying than seeing a student who has struggled to understand a concept suddenly 'get it.'
Education & Certification
- Austin College - Bachelor in Arts, Biochemistry
- Uniformed Services University - Doctor of Science, Microbiology and Immunology
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- ACCUPLACER
- STAAR Grades 3-8
- SAT
- +73 subjects