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 51Թ. 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, 51Թ 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.
Ariela: Chicago ISEE course instructor
...and enthusiasm about learning. I understand that sometimes, the way you package and organize information is the most important part of teaching it to someone else, and that understanding someone's method of processing this information is the easiest way to get it to stick. Like I do backstage, I am excited about solving the puzzle...
Education & Certification
- University of Chicago - Current Undergrad, Theater & Performance Studies
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- Advanced Placement
- SAT
- PSAT
- +50 subjects
Alex: Chicago ISEE course instructor
...of Southern California. My business school classmates and I took pride in offering group tutoring in subjects such as stats, economics, finance, etc., and I still feel ardently that the best way to fully understand a subject is to teach it! I have years of experience teaching algebra I & II, economics and Spanish, but...
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
- ACT
- SSAT
- SAT
- +88 subjects
Samantha: Chicago ISEE course instructor
...am currently a senior at Northwestern University and I will be receiving a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Legal Studies this spring. In the fall, I will begin attending law school at Northwestern Law. For many years, I tutored a wide range of students in Spanish, English literature, and writing. I have also...
Education & Certification
- Northwestern University - Current Undergrad, Political Science & Legal Studies
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- ACT
- SSAT
- SAT
- +36 subjects
Bryson: Chicago ISEE course instructor
...enjoy and can help with nearly all content areas. When I was in school, I was (and still am!) a self-described "nerd" who really enjoyed expanding my knowledge base and taking on academic challenges. I hope to impart the idea that tackling new concepts can be fun and rewarding at the same time. Additionally, as...
Education & Certification
- New York University - Bachelor in Arts, Spanish
- Loyola Marymount University - Master of Arts, Urban Education and Leadership
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- SAT
- ACT
- PSAT
- +51 subjects
Brian: Chicago ISEE course instructor
...earned my undergraduate degree at Marquette University in Mechanical Engineering. My focus was in thermal sciences, specifically combustion and heat transfer. While at Marquette I did research on thermal transfer in turbulent flow. While at Marquette, I spent a summer at Northwestern University doing research in bandgap theory and kinetic energy harvesters. I moved back...
Education & Certification
- Marquette University - Bachelor of Science, Physics
- Illinois Institute of Technology - Master of Engineering, Mechanical Engineering
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- ACT
- SAT Subject Tests
- IB Physics
- +45 subjects
Katie: Chicago ISEE course instructor
...received my bachelor's degree from the University of Notre Dame in 2009 and my master's degree from the University of Connecticut in 2013. I have spent the past six years in education: teaching English in Japan for two years, coordinating a mentor program for first year college students, working as an academic advisor, and teaching...
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
- GED
- PSAT
- SAT
- +40 subjects
Stephen: Chicago ISEE course instructor
...While I tutor a number of subjects, I particularly enjoy helping students with standardized test strategy and following their scores as they increase towards their goal. When I tutor, I aim to lead students to an answer by example so that they can see the reasoning involved themselves, rather than me just telling them the...
Education & Certification
- Grinnell College - Bachelor in Arts, Computer Science
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- SSAT
- ACT
- TOEFL
- +71 subjects
Kandice: Chicago ISEE course instructor
...am a graduate of the University of Chicago. I received my Bachelor's in Psychology and a Master's degree in Teaching. I have over 14 years of experience working with children aged infant to high school in a multitude of settings. I have taught PreK-4th grade students in schools located in Sacramento and Chicago using the...
Education & Certification
- University of Chicago - Bachelor in Arts, Pyschology
- University of Chicago - Master of Arts, Teaching
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- SSAT
- English
- Writing
- +19 subjects
Gregory: Chicago ISEE course instructor
empty... Relaxed and accommodating, but direct and impact-driven.... Get to know their background and the best way they retain information.... Provide self-prep materials, and evaluate their performance.... Show impact of results and progress.... Find alternative approaches, and practice.... Help them practice reading and understand main concepts.... Give them effective instruction, but also time.... Provide fun examples or real-life applications.
Education & Certification
- University of Chicago - Bachelors, Economics
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- SAT Subject Tests
- ACT
- HSPT
- +38 subjects
Pam: Chicago ISEE course instructor
...am a graduate of National Louis University. I received a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education and have a minor in Biological Sciences. Since graduation, I have been teaching Middle School Math, Pre-Algebra and Algebra at a school in Waukegan. I have a passion for teaching, nothing I enjoy more is seeing the look on...
Education & Certification
- National Louis University - Bachelor in Arts, Elementary Education
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- SSAT
- HSPT
- ACT
- +28 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
- SAT
- ACT
- ISAT
- +33 subjects
Nora: Chicago ISEE course instructor
...am a sophomore at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, where I am focusing on fashion design and experimenting with photography, fibers, sculpture, and ceramics. In my free time I love to read; be outdoors; hike; play with my two dogs, Skippy and Lily, and my cat, Gracie; and watch crime shows and...
Education & Certification
- School of the Art Institute of Chicago - Current Undergrad, Fashion Design
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- SSAT
- PSAT
- ACT
- +29 subjects
Brian: Chicago ISEE course instructor
...graduated from UIC with a BA in Hispanic Linguistics. I am a graduate student at UMB studying Applied Linguistics with a concentration in Foreign Language Pedagogy/Language Acquisition. I aspire to be a university professor some day. I have worked hard to be able to earn 4.0 cumulative GPAs at both COD and UIC and have...
Education & Certification
- College of DuPage - Current Undergrad, Spanish and Italian
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- CLEP
- GED
- SSAT
- +111 subjects
Adrianna: Chicago ISEE course instructor
...am a 7th grade English/Language Arts teacher at Gary Comer College Prep Middle School in the Greater Grand Crossing neighborhood of Chicago, IL. I have also taught math in self-contained and remedial setting. I really love to help students find their voice in writing. I found that for me, as soon as I began to...
Education & Certification
- Rice University - Bachelor in Arts, Sociology and Policy Studies
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- SAT Subject Tests
- PSAT
- SAT
- +74 subjects
Daniel: Chicago ISEE course instructor
...very important to involve myself in some of type of leadership or volunteer role in which I serve the community that allows me to grow, enhance my skill set and present myself as a role model to individuals of similar age. I have tacked this goal by leading a small group of young professionals in...
Education & Certification
- Lake Forest College - Bachelor in Arts, Education and History
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- SAT
- SSAT
- ACT
- +52 subjects
Susan: Chicago ISEE course instructor
...the opportunity to deeply differentiate to my students' specific needs. I have experience teaching students with dyslexia and dysgraphia. As I create lessons, the focal point that drives such planning revolves around the needs of my students. If you are interested in working with me, I'll make sure to fully hear your students needs to...
Education & Certification
- Eastern Illinois University - Bachelor in Arts, Elementary Education
- Saint Xavier University - Master of Science, Teaching and Leadership
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- PARCC
- SSAT
- AIMS
- +88 subjects
Evan: Chicago ISEE course instructor
...name is Evan and I am a graduate of Pomona College, one of the Claremont Colleges located in east Los Angeles. At Pomona I studied Cognitive Science and Psychology, played varsity basketball, and worked as a Teacher's Assistant in the Linguistics and Cognitive Science department. I've worked for 51Թ since moving back to Seattle...
Education & Certification
- Pomona College - Bachelor in Arts, Cognitive Science (Psychology Focus)
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- HSPT
- ACT
- SAT
- +34 subjects
Pete: Chicago ISEE course instructor
...through the Public School System in Elmhurst, IL and graduate from The University of Wisconsin in Madison, I understand the gap that can form between teachers and students first hand. Combining a relational teaching style, and a strong value of education, I believe that the unique needs of every student deserve consideration and that it...
Education & Certification
- University of Wisconsin-Madison - Bachelors, Honors English Literature and Mathematics Minor
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- ACT
- SAT
- CLEP
- +80 subjects
Lisa: Chicago ISEE course instructor
...am a graduate of the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy and the University of Illinois at Chicago. This past year, I received a Bachelor of Science in Biology on the pre-medical track. Throughout my undergraduate career, I served as a Peer Mentor which included providing formal tutoring services and academic advice to peers. While I...
Education & Certification
- University of Illinois at Chicago - Bachelor of Science, Biological Sciences
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- SAT
- PSAT
- ACT
- +49 subjects
Grace: Chicago ISEE course instructor
...from sunny California, Grace is a teacher and performer currently working in Chicago. She graduated magna cum laude from Northwestern University with a degree in English Literature and Theatre, with a concentration in Theatre for Young Audiences. You can find a portion of her honors thesis on Virginia Woolf's last novel published in the next...
Education & Certification
- Northwestern University - Bachelors, English Literature & Theatre
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- PSAT
- Advanced Placement
- SAT Subject Tests
- +39 subjects