Private Middle and High School ISEE & SSAT Test Prep Classes in Boston, MA
90% of ISEE A+ students are admitted to their top private schools
SSAT A+ Students score in 99% percentile
Through our ISEE and SSAT tutoring program in Boston, MA, our trained teachers show students how to apply strategies proven to increase their test scores. The in-class reviews keep students engaged while the materials and practice exams improve their understanding of the most important skills, concepts, and test-taking strategies. The overall experience in our ISEE and SSAT tutoring program gives every student the confidence they need to be in that top 10!
Whether you’re seeking an experienced teacher to guide your child through SSAT or ISEE prep classes, our teachers will create personalized lesson plans to help students learn the material they need to know to ace the private middle school entrance exam or the entrance exam for their top-choice private high school. Our ISEE and SSAT test prep classes are open to students in Boston, MA, and the following communities:
- Allston
- Andover
- Belmont
- Boston
- Braintree
- Brighton
- Brookline
- Cambridge
- Charlestown
- Chestnut Hill
- Dorchester
- East Boston
- Lexington
- Malden
- Newton
- Newton Center
- Newton Highlands
- Newtonville
- Quincy
- Roxbury Crossing
- Sharon
- South Boston
- West Newton
- West Roxbury
- Winchester
“A+ has taught me many new things that will prepare me for a better future. It prepared me for the ISEE by teaching me about the format and by giving me test-taking skills and strategies to face the exam with confidence.” ~Serena Cai (Woodward School, Grade 8).
Private Middle and High School Entrance Exam Prep Programs in Boston, MA
The ISEE or SSAT exam may be your child’s first encounter with a major standardized test. It can be intimidating, and if they head into the test with a lack of confidence, they may not be able to put their best foot forward. You can give your child the best chance at excelling on the test and in their high school career with our SSAT or ISEE tutoring for private schools. Our tutors will help build each student’s knowledge, skills, and confidence for the private school entrance exam.
ISEE Prep Classes in Boston, MA
The ISEE exam is only the beginning of your 4th-to-8th-grade child’s middle or high school journey. This test can prove they are the perfect match for a particular private school, as well as pinpoint the areas in which your child needs a little more practice. By signing them up for ISEE prep classes for private schools, you set them on the road to success, even beyond the entrance exam.
During our ISEE tutoring sessions, your child will learn basic and advanced math, reading, and writing skills. They will also learn valuable techniques and strategies for proper studying and test-taking. These skills will give them the confidence they need to not only earn a great score on the entrance exam for their private high school or middle school but also on other standardized tests they will have to take in the future.
In addition to learning critical test-taking skills, students will also have the opportunity to participate in ISEE test practices. During these sessions, they will take a proctored practice exam in an environment similar to the one in which they will take their ISEE test. By doing this, they will feel less nervous going into the real test and will perform to the best of their ability. The ISEE test practices are included with the costs of the test prep tutoring.
SSAT Test Prep Classes in Boston, MA
Whether you’re hoping your 5th-to-8th-grade child will be accepted into a private secondary school or a prestigious boarding school, you may have learned they need to take the Secondary Schools Admissions Test (SSAT). To ensure they are 100% ready to sit down for the test, consider enrolling them in SSAT test prep classes.
During our SSAT tutoring sessions, students will be exposed to material relevant to the exam, effective test-taking strategies, and proctored practice tests. Whether your child will be taking the middle- or upper-level SSAT, we will ensure they have a solid understanding of math, reading comprehension, synonyms and analogies, and essay writing.
As your child’s SSAT exam prep progresses, we will use their scores from the practice tests to pinpoint strengths and weaknesses. From there, we will personalize their tutoring to ensure they are learning in a way that matches their learning style. By adjusting the program as they go along, we are able to effectively address any problems and ensure they can boost their test scores.
Communities We Serve
We offer ISEE and SSAT test prep classes for all levels on select Saturdays throughout the year and specific weeks during the summer. Our ISEE/SSAT test prep programs are open to students in Boston, MA, and the surrounding areas, including Allston, Andover, Belmont, Boston, Braintree, Brighton, Brookline, Cambridge, Charlestown, Chestnut Hill, Dorchester, East Boston, Lexington, Malden, Newton, Newton Center, Newton Highlands, Newtonville, Quincy, Roxbury Crossing, Sharon, South Boston, West Newton, West Roxbury, and Winchester.
Excel at Private School Entrance Exams With ISEE & SSAT Tutoring in Boston, MA
Help your child conquer their fears of standardized testing with our ISEE and SSAT test prep classes for private schools. Our highly trained teachers will equip them with the knowledge and tools they need to perform their best on the entrance exams for their private middle or high school.
Get in touch with our team to learn more about our ISEE/SSAT test prep classes or one of our other programs:
Fees and Schedules
| Classes are held in three 8-week sessions during the school year. | ||
|---|---|---|
| Starting dates for each session | ||
| Fall Session | Sept | 9/14-11/2/2024 |
| Nov (Essay Writing) | 11/16/2024-12/21/2025 | |
| Spring Session | Feb | 2/8-3/29/2025 |
| Apr | 4/12-5/31/2025 | |
| Class times | ||
| Middle Level ISEE for 5-6th Grade
(for students taking an exam to enter private middle school) |
9AM – 12PM | |
| BLS(Boston Latin School) Test Prep for 5-6th Grade
(for students taking the entrance exam to middle school program) |
9AM – 12PM | |
| Upper Level ISEE/SSAT for 7-8th Grade
(for students taking the exam to enter private high school) |
1PM – 4PM | |
| BLS(Boston Latin School) Test Prep for 7-8th Grade
(for students taking the entrance exam to enter high school program) |
1PM – 4PM | |
| Tuition | ||
| For students in middle-level ISEE
(Grade 5-6) |
$1240 per 16-week session; material and book fee $120
$620 per 8-week term; material and book fee $60 |
|
| For students in upper-level ISEE/SSAT
(Grade 7-8) |
$1300 per 16-week session; material and book fee $120
$650 per 8-week session; material and book fee $60 |
|
- Complete the application form and email it to us (aplusinfo@ascenglish.com) or mail to us. We will get in touch with you within one business day.
- Application fee $30 for new students, and it will be waived when five students or more apply at once.
- Book fee will be charged separately.
- Students who register for four sessions at once will receive a materials fee waiver for one session.
Questions? Call 617-730-3705, 617-451-8988 or e-mail info@aplusprogram.com
What is the SSAT?
The Secondary School Admission Test, or SSAT, is a standardized exam often required for admission into various independent schools worldwide. The test is designed to assess students from grades 3 to 11, and its structure is divided into three levels:
- Elementary Level (for grade 3 and 4 students)
- Middle Level (for grade 5 to 7 students)
- Upper Level (for grade 8 to 11 students)
The SSAT evaluates students on verbal, quantitative, and reading skills and, uniquely, focuses on their problem-solving and critical thinking abilities. While it’s essential to note that the SSAT does not measure qualities such as determination or creativity, it does form a baseline for assessing students’ academic skills across various backgrounds and learning stages.
The Importance of SSAT for Private School Admissions
When it comes to private school admissions, standardized tests like the SSAT play a significant role. However, they are not the only factors considered by admission committees. The SSAT serves as a comprehensive tool for evaluating students’ verbal, quantitative math, reading, and writing abilities. Notably, the written portion of the SSAT, although ungraded, is critically reviewed during admissions, allowing students to showcase their written communication and argumentative skills. Success in the SSAT demonstrates a student’s readiness for the rigors of private school education.
Learn About The Structure of SSAT
The SSAT is nearly all multiple-choice, except for one free-response writing exercise to assess students’ written expression. For the Elementary Level, the SSAT is structured into four sections: Quantitative (Math), Verbal, Reading, and Writing. The Middle and Upper Level tests follow a similar structure but include an additional quantitative section, making a total of five sections.
- Quantitative Section(s): These sections test a student’s mathematical reasoning abilities. Topics covered include arithmetic, geometry, algebra, and data analysis.
- Verbal Section: The verbal section assesses vocabulary, verbal reasoning, and ability to relate ideas logically.
- Reading Section: This section tests reading comprehension, including the ability to understand and analyze various types of writing.
- Writing Sample: In this section, students are asked to write a short story or essay based on a given prompt. This is not included in the final score but is sent to schools for evaluation.
Scoring System of SSAT
The SSAT employs a norm-referenced scoring system. This means that students receive a scaled score and a percentile ranking. The scaled score corresponds to the number of questions answered correctly (the raw score), adjusted according to the difficulty of the test version. The percentile rank, on the other hand, shows how the student’s performance compares to other test-takers of the same grade who took the SSAT for the first time in the last three years. Understanding this scoring system is beneficial for both students and parents as they navigate their SSAT preparation journey.
Overall, whether your child is just starting their SSAT journey or seeking to improve their scores, it is crucial to familiarize oneself with the structure, scoring system, and importance of SSAT. With the right preparation and study plan, your child can excel in the SSAT and move a step closer to their desired school admission. Remember, the journey to mastery is not a sprint, but a marathon, and each step taken is a step towards success.
Setting a Study Schedule
When preparing for the SSAT, it is crucial to set a regular study schedule to guide your learning process. This step serves as your roadmap to success, ensuring you cover all necessary material and have ample time to revisit difficult areas. It’s recommended to start your preparation three months before the test, allowing a comfortable buffer to accommodate your learning pace and schedule. Here are key steps to setting an effective study schedule:
- Start by taking a practice test to identify your strengths and weaknesses. This helps you decide on the areas to prioritize and the length of time you need to dedicate to each subject.
- Your study schedule should then reflect your areas of weakness, with more time dedicated to the areas you find more challenging. Don’t forget to also schedule time for regular practice tests, ideally every three weeks, to gauge your improvement and familiarize yourself with the test structure.
- Your study sessions should ideally be shorter, say, 30 to 60 minutes a day, for 3 to 5 days a week. Shorter, more frequent sessions have been found more effective than longer, less frequent ones.
- Lastly, build in breaks in your schedule. These breaks are important to prevent burnout and to allow time for your brain to consolidate the information it’s learned.
Exploring Study Materials For SSAT
To make the most of your preparation, you’ll need to use the right study materials. Our Official SSAT Guide is an indispensable resource during your preparation. It offers relevant material that mirrors the actual test experience, helping you to become more comfortable with the test structure. Moreover, make use of other resources online, such as:
- Sample test questions to help improve understanding of exam questions and how best to answer them.
- Full practice tests that simulate the actual test day environment, increasing your comfort level with the exam.
- Educational websites offer additional materials and strategies for test preparation.
- Look for options like tutoring or join a study group. As part of our SSAT preparation program at A+ Program, we offer small group instructions focusing on the strategies needed for each SSAT section, supplementing student’s self-study and practice.
Finding your Strengths and Weaknesses
To effectively prepare for the SSAT, you must identify your strengths and weaknesses. Understanding your academic strengths can help you exploit them to your advantage, while knowing your weak points can help you work on areas that need improvement. The following are ways to find your strengths and weaknesses:
- Take a practice test early in your study process. This provides a raw measure of your current standing and helps to identify areas that need improvement before the actual test.
- As you go through your studies, note which concepts or subject areas you’re finding more difficult. This awareness can guide your study process and prevent you from spending too much time on areas you already excel at.
- Never shy away from seeking help. Ask teachers, tutors, or classmates for their opinions on your work. They may be able to provide valuable insights into areas you hadn’t considered.
Practicing with Sample Questions For SSAT
One of the most effective ways to prepare for the SSAT is to practice with sample questions. Practice blurs the line between studying and test-taking, helping you apply what you’ve learned in an exam-like context. Here’s how practicing with sample questions can help:
- Sample practice questions help you familiarize yourself with the test format and the types of questions you will be asked.
- Through practice, you can learn to manage your time effectively, a critical skill in test-taking.
- It’s also an opportunity to apply various test-taking strategies and discover what works best for you.
- Furthermore, as you gain comfort with the test structure through practice, your confidence will increase, reducing test-related anxiety.
Remember, the journey to SSAT success is not to be rushed but walked through methodically, making strides with each day of intentional study, practice, and rest. With the right preparation, we at A+ Program are convinced that you will excel at the SSAT and secure your spot in your dream school.
Post-Test Reflection & Performance Review
Analyzing Test Performance
After completing the SSAT exam, it’s imperative to review your test performance. Begin with a critical evaluation of each section — Verbal, Quantitative, Reading, and Writing.
Determine the number of questions you answered correctly and identify the ones you skipped or answered incorrectly. This analysis will give you insights into your strengths and weaknesses in each section. Consider how well you managed your time. Did you, perhaps, rush through some sections, leading to avoidable errors? Or did you spend too much time on a few complex questions, resulting in less time for simpler ones?
Keep in mind, your performance is not a measure of your intelligence or potential, but a reflection of your preparedness for this particular test. Always bear in mind that there is a learning opportunity in every performance, good or bad.
Identifying Areas for Improvement
Based on the analysis of your test performance, identify the areas where you fell short. Focus on sections where you made the most errors or felt the most challenged. These areas might need additional practice and preparation for future SSAT tests.
Improving your vocabulary can boost your performance in the verbal and reading sections. Similarly, enhancing your current mathematical concepts can improve your quantitative section’s performance. Remember to practice essay writing as well, even though it doesn’t contribute to your overall SSAT score, as your writing sample is sent to schools along with your scores.
Take note of these areas in a journal or a notebook, so you have a clear picture of what to focus on in your preparation journey. Never hesitate to seek help from an expert or join a prep class if you need additional assistance in improving your skills.
Celebrating Achievements
While it’s essential to identify areas for improvement, it’s equally critical to celebrate your achievements. Whether it’s the improvement in your vocabulary, a better understanding of mathematical concepts, or an enhanced ability to manage time, all advancements deserve to be celebrated.
Applaud yourself for not just your successes but also your effort and determination. Celebrate your progress, no matter how small, because every step forward is a move towards success.
Planning Next Steps if Necessary
If your SSAT score does not meet your expectations or the requirements of your preferred schools, don’t worry. Middle and Upper level students can take the SSAT up to three times on a computer, and up to eight times with a paper version. Remember, your score is likely to improve with each attempt.
As you plan your next steps, consider retaking the SSAT. Utilize the insights from your test performance analysis and aim your preparation efforts towards the identified areas of improvement. Perhaps involve a tutor or join a prep class if you haven’t done so already.
If you performed well and are satisfied with your score, think about your next steps in the admission process. Work on other areas of your application: enhance your grades, participate in extracurricular activities, or volunteer in your community, for instance. For a smoother process, it might be helpful to use a college counseling service.
Remember that the SSAT is just one aspect of your application and while it’s important, it’s equally crucial to show your comprehensive skills and abilities to the admissions committee. Keep your chin up and continue to put your best foot forward. As you progress, always remember that at A+ Program, we are committed to your success and are always here to assist you along your academic journey.
