If your student is getting ready to apply to an independent school, contact Varsity Tutors to learn about the Indianapolis ISEE prep course we offer. The ISEE is a standardized exam accepted at most independent schools as an accurate representation of your student's basic skills in reading, writing, and math, as well as their personality and other attributes.
We provide ISEE courses live online, so your child can study from wherever they need to be to fit your family's schedule. We offer different class sections at different times, and you can choose from a two- or four-week course. New classes start every week, so there's no need to wait to get your student enrolled in a course with a top-notch ISEE instructor right away.
What content is reviewed during an Indianapolis ISEE course?
The ISEE is very specific to the age and grade of your student, so there are six separate grade-based tests, separated into two "tiers." We'll take a look at what's in each of the tests here.
The first three tests are Primary Levels 2, 3, and 4. The numbers indicate the grade that the student is applying to enter the following year. They have the same type of questions except for one. On the Primary 2, there is an Auditory Comprehension section that requires them to listen to passages and answer questions based on them. All three of the test have multiple-choice questions testing grade-appropriate reading and math. They also require students to supply an unscored Writing Sample that involves writing a short response to a photo prompt. Schools use these to get a glance at the student's personality, creativity, and writing abilities.
The other three tests are the Lower Level for students entering grades 5 or 6, the Middle Level for students entering grades 7 or 8, and the Upper Level for students entering any high school grade. They have the same sections, number of questions, and time limits. They differ only in difficulty based on the student's grade level. Let's review each section below.
The Reading Comprehension sections have 36 questions with a time limit of 35 minutes. These questions supply passages for students to read. They then demonstrate their ability to understand vocabulary, main ideas and their supporting ideas, the author's purpose, and the organization and logic of the pieces. Other things they'll be asked about are cause and effect relationships, inferring information that's not specifically stated, and understanding the relationships between and features of various literary genres.
The Verbal Reasoning sections allow 20 minutes for students to answer 40 questions assessing their English skills using synonym and sentence-completion questions. Students should have a good grasp of grade-level vocabulary, be able to discern information indicated through contextual clues, and label parts of speech. They should also have a grade-appropriate understanding of Greek, Latin, and Anglo-Saxon prefixes, suffixes, and word roots.
The tests have two math sections. The Quantitative Reasoning section focuses on mathematical thinking more than operations and contains 37 questions to be completed in 35 minutes. The Math Achievement section focuses on the mathematical operation abilities of a student. There are 47 questions to be answered in 40 minutes. The sections take a different approach to the same math skills, including algebra, numbers and operations, word problems, and problem-solving.
Finally, there is the Essay. Students have 30 minutes to read one article or passage about a subject generally found interesting to students at their grade level. The response should be well-planned and organized, and make use of proper English conventions such as grammar, spelling, and punctuation. The Essay gives each student an opportunity to share their thoughts on a common topic so they can let a prospective school know a little bit more about them.
Comprehensive coverage will be provided for all these sections during your student's Indianapolis ISEE course provided by Varsity Tutors. If at some point of the class, your student finds a concept particularly challenging, you can sign them up for tutoring sessions. They can work one-on-one with a professional tutor who can guide them as they catch up to the rest of the students. With these options available, there's no reason your student should arrive on test day without being completely prepared to do their best on the ISEE.
What advantages are there for my student to prepare for their exam in Indianapolis ISEE classes?
There are many benefits students can gain by studying in a Varsity Tutors live, online Indianapolis ISEE class. Studies have shown that working in a collaborative environment such as the one engendered in the online classes, where students can communicate in real time with their instructor and with each other, can lead to greater learning and retention. That's a pretty big benefit to begin with.
Additionally, a professional instructor is probably more likely to be able to understand what a student is struggling with, the cause, and proffer potential solutions. In fact, students can share ideas with each other as well. Your student might have an idea that gives another student just what they need, and that type of situation builds up a student's confidence, which is also helpful to their test performance.
An instructor can introduce common test-taking strategies to help your student with time management, alleviation of anxiety, and close and careful reading of the questions. Imagine what would happen if your student missed the phrase "other than" or "instead of." They might give the exact opposite of the correct answer.
Not all strategies work for all students, so your student's Indianapolis ISEE class instructor may suggest a few ideas, and give your student time to practice them until they find what works best for them. These are just a few ways your student can truly benefit from learning in a Varsity Tutors ISEE course.
Sounds great. How soon can my student start an Indianapolis ISEE course?
As convenient as we make the course, Varsity Tutors also makes enrolling in an ISEE class simple. Just contact us right away and answer a few questions about your student, their goals, and your family's schedule. Our educational advisors can then enroll them in an Indianapolis ISEE course that begins as soon as this week.

Erin: Indianapolis ISEE course instructor
...on their IEP goals and other needs. I LOVE teaching and helping students see and reach their potential! Watching students learn and progress makes my heart happy! Knowing I've helped students feel accepted, cared for, confident, and successful is what makes ME feel successful! Kids and youth have always been my passion, and I look...
Education & Certification
- University of Indianapolis - Bachelor of Science, Marketing
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- Middle School Writing
- Elementary School Math
- Elementary Reading and Phonics Class
- +25 subjects

Eric: Indianapolis ISEE course instructor
...of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc. He went on to further his education by earning his Master's Degree in Teacher Education from Marian University. Furthermore, Eric completed The Academy for Teaching and Learning Leadership Program at Marian University which is a 2 year building level administrator program designed to develop future leaders in education. Eric...
Education & Certification
- Indiana University-Bloomington - Bachelor of Science, Business, General
- Marian University - Master of Arts Teaching, Education
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- PSAT
- SAT
- ACT
- +28 subjects
Education & Certification
- Arkansas State University-Main Campus - Bachelor in Arts, Speech and Rhetorical Studies
- CUNY Queens College - Master of Science, Elementary and Middle School Administration
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- GED
- TOEFL
- Elementary School Writing
- +40 subjects

Rachel: Indianapolis ISEE course instructor
...their achievements. I am passionate about learning and want to share my passion with others. To create a better future, we need passionate learners who are confident in their abilities. Every person has strengths that can be harnessed and applied to help them succeed. Similarly, every person has different weaknesses that need to be identified...
Education & Certification
- Butler University - Bachelors, Psychology and Criminology
- Kaplan University - Masters, Psychology
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- SAT
- PSAT
- 2nd Grade Reading
- +76 subjects

Lela: Indianapolis ISEE course instructor
...am currently in show choir at college and have been in choir classes since the 5th grade. I believe that all kids have the ability to learn. I want to allow students the chance to explore and to learn the lessons. Students should learn the information, not just memorize it. In my free time I...
Education & Certification
- Marian University - Current Undergrad, Elementary education
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- Homework Support
- 7th Grade Science
- History
- +34 subjects

Owen: Indianapolis ISEE course instructor
...really needed to, digging in and helping students do their very best is my idea of fun. I'm a sports nut. As I said, I worked in the front office for the Florida Marlins and as a scorer for the Miami Heat. While teaching in NC, I also was a sports reporter for the Fayetteville...
Education & Certification
- Barry University - Bachelors, Sport Management
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- ACT
- SSAT
- Statistics
- +19 subjects

Emilie: Indianapolis ISEE course instructor
...students that struggle with understanding basic concepts. I have seen students go from hating math because they do not understand it, to learning how to think like a mathmetician and love it. My philosophy is, every student can learn when presented with information in a way they can relate to. I look forward to working...
Education & Certification
- Western Governors University - Bachelor of Science, Accounting and Business Management
- Western Governors University - Master of Science, Accounting and Business Management
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- REGENTS
- CLEP
- PSAT
- +106 subjects

Cori: Indianapolis ISEE course instructor
"I touch the future. I teach."... I am pretty animated, so first off I will say "When I talk, I use my hands a lot." I like to use pen and paper or an article that relates to the topic we are addressing; something new that is going on today that is relevant to something that they are going over in class. I use several examples of jumbled up sentences or scrambled sentences, missing one word or one grammar issue, and have them fix it. Tech-wise, the only social media I ever utilize is Pinterest, because I pin a lot of things like quotes and student-related stuff for study skills and learning how to jump a hurdle without lifting your legs for a metaphor.
Education & Certification
- Ohio State University - Bachelors, Education
- Kent State University at Kent - Masters, Child Psychology
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- ACT
- PSAT
- GED
- +76 subjects

Rhonda: Indianapolis ISEE course instructor
...TO TEACH!! I advocate for student success by boosting their confidence through improved classroom performance. Consequently, my students' grades have soared from C's and D's to A's in as little as one grading period. This is what changes participant's attitudes from one of 'tolerating' school to 'enjoying' school. Working cooperatively with teachers helps to ensure...
Education & Certification
- Indiana University-Purdue University-Indianapolis - Bachelors, Industrial Psychology
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- SSAT
- SSAT- Elementary Level
- Test Prep
- +11 subjects

Folami: Indianapolis ISEE course instructor
...I have also been a teacher for a number of years, and I love teaching science and math. I received my degree in physics and biology from Xavier University. I have minors in chemistry and math. Additionally, I recently received my graduate degree in molecular biology. I also do well on standardized tests, recently receiving...
Education & Certification
- Xavier University of Louisiana - Bachelors, Biology and Physics
- St John's University-New York - Masters, Biology, General
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- SAT Subject Tests
- SAT
- ACT
- +43 subjects

Kaylie: Indianapolis ISEE course instructor
...I am enrolled in a master's program for teaching and instruction, and plan to continue indulging my passion for education upon graduation. Outside of academia, I am currently in the process of publishing my first book. I also enjoy writing short stories, and playing piano in my folk and bluegrass band. At the end of...
Education & Certification
- University of Indianapolis - Bachelor in Arts, Political Science and Government
- University of San Francisco - Current Grad Student, Writing, General
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- ACT
- SAT Subject Tests
- PSAT
- +138 subjects

Christie: Indianapolis ISEE course instructor
...or world, provides an identity and moral understanding. I find it exciting when students move beyond parroting what I say or what the readings say to draw their conclusions and back up their statements with facts. By examining the past, students learn so much more about the present, as well as develop the abilities to...
Education & Certification
- Manchester College - Bachelor of Science, Art Teacher Education
- Butler University - Master of Arts, History
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- SAT Subject Tests
- STAAR Grades 3-8
- TOEFL
- +95 subjects

Lauren: Indianapolis ISEE course instructor
...mission, as an educator, is to help inspire students to develop a passion for lifelong learning. I believe that every student can learn and strive to help them achieve their personal academic best each and every day. I believe students thrive in a structured environment with clear expectations with a standards based data driven curriculum.
Education & Certification
- Indiana University-Purdue University-Indianapolis - Bachelor of Science, Elementary School Teaching
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- ACCUPLACER
- HSPT
- Elementary School Science
- +24 subjects

Andrew: Indianapolis ISEE course instructor
...school, and now that I'm finally out of academia, I can relax and share my experience with others. When I engage in an hour of private tutoring I tend to go over-time by around fifteen minutes if I need to do so to wrap up whatever we were working on. Teaching is a passion, a...
Education & Certification
- University of Louisville - Bachelor of Science, Mathematics
- University of Louisville - Master of Arts, Mathematics
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- PSAT
- ACT
- SSAT
- +95 subjects

Sueann: Indianapolis ISEE course instructor
...candidates and I am also a data analyst for a small business. I believe every student can learn and I strive to find relevant and real-world examples to teach concepts. My toolbox is full of teaching strategies with engaging lessons and hands-on manipulatives. My strengths are all K-6 academic subjects, math up through Algebra, remedial...
Education & Certification
- Purdue University-Main Campus - Bachelor in Arts, Russian Studies
- Marian University - Master of Arts, Urban Education and Leadership
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- GED
- STAAR EOC
- ACT
- +60 subjects

Katerina: Indianapolis ISEE course instructor
...Butler University. Since my senior year of high school, I have been tutoring High School English and Writing. I wanted to continue tutoring after high school because I am passionate about English and helping students. The best part about tutoring is when I can see a concept "click" for a student. In my spare time,...
Education & Certification
- Butler University - Bachelor of Science, International Business
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- High School English
- Elementary School English
- Admissions
- +23 subjects

Megan: Indianapolis ISEE course instructor
...math. It is my strong belief as an educator, as well as a stakeholder in the public school system, that every child can learn. It is my job to facilitate that learning and to help each child reach their optimum potential by differentiating my instruction and inspiring students to get excited about the content they...
Education & Certification
- Indiana University-Bloomington - Bachelors, Elementary Education
- Ball State University - Current Grad Student, Special Education
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- SSAT
- Science
- ISEE-Lower Level Writing
- +27 subjects
Education & Certification
- NED University of Engineering and Technology Karachi Pakistan - Bachelor of Engineering, Mechanical Engineering
- Universit Claude Bernard Lyon 1 France - Doctor of Philosophy, Mechanical Engineering
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- GED
- ISEE-Lower Level Mathematics Achievement
- Trigonometry
- +23 subjects

Tracie: Indianapolis ISEE course instructor
...also see a improvement in behavior and their social environment. I want students to not only be successful in their subject, test, but and more importantly gain their own ability to be successful in life. I believe in open communication and feedback from parents and caregivers. I see every new interaction I have with a...
Education & Certification
- Indiana University-Purdue University-Indianapolis - Current Undergrad Student, Social Psychology
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- ACT
- CLEP
- PSAT
- +195 subjects

Angel: Indianapolis ISEE course instructor
I believe that students deserve to learn in the style and speed that fits their personality. I have been in the education field for over 11 years and I know from personal experience that patience, building self- esteem and understanding is the best way to help students learn. And I love helping students learn.
Education & Certification
- Liberty University - Bachelor of Science, Psychology
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- ACT
- SAT
- PSAT
- +37 subjects