High School Entrance Exams

The Critical Thinking Child specializes in preparing 8th grade students for a variety of high school entrance exams, paving the way for success and a perfect school fit. With personalized instruction from our certified tutors, students receive the support and guidance they need to succeed on even the most competitive high school admissions test.

This includes:

  • CPS High School Admissions Test (HSAT)
  • High School Placement Test (HSPT)
  • The Secondary School Admission Test (SSAT)
  • Upper Independent School Entrance Exam (ISEE).

Chicago Public School

8th Grade High School Admissions Test (HSAT) Prep

For students applying to 9th Grade

We offer expert test prep for the CPS selective enrollment High School Admissions Test (HSAT). Our services include virtual test prep group classes and 1:1 tutoring for 8th graders.

What’s Included in Our HSAT Test Prep

  • Personalized Live instruction with online tutors
  • Reading, Math and vocabulary skills practice
  • 60-minute test format simulation
  • Unlimited retakes for mastery
  • Mock Practice and assessments

Recommended Test Prep Timeline.

This is a high-stakes test. For effective studying, start 3-6 months before the test date. We recommend beginning prep during the spring/summer before 8th grade. This test is typically administered in mid-October for CPS students and early November for non-CPS students.

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Catholic School

High School Placement Test (HSPT) Prep

For students applying to 9th Grade

We offer families nationwide expert test prep for the High School Placement Test (HSPT). Our services include virtual group classes and 1:1 tutoring for 8th graders.

What’s Included in Our HSPT Test Prep

  • Live instruction with online tutors
  • Practice in Verbal Skills, Quantitative Skills, Reading, Mathematics, Language, and Science
  • Full-length practice tests and assessments
  • Personalized feedback and support
  • Unlimited retakes for mastery

Recommended Test Prep Timeline

If your student is not familiar with algebra or needs extra support, we recommend starting test preparation early, ideally 3-6 months before the test date. This allows for a gentle learning curve and optimal preparation for the HSPT

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Private School

SSAT Entrance Exam Prep

For students applying to grades 9-12

The Secondary School Admission Test (SSAT) is an admissions test used for many of the best private and independent schools nationwide. The Upper Level SSAT test includes math, verbal, reading, and writing sections.

Virtual Test Prep Option

  • We offer online one-on-one SSAT test prep sessions to help middle school students achieve their best scores, build confidence, and master strategies for success.
  • Our virtual sessions provide the most convenient and flexible option, allowing your child to prepare from anywhere.
  • Sessions are available in packages of 4, 8, or 12 to fit your child’s needs.
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Independent School

ISEE Entrance Exam Prep

For student applying to grade 9-12

The Independent School Entrance Exam (ISEE) is used in the admissions process for many independent schools. The Upper Level Exam is given to students applying for entrance to ninth, tenth, eleventh, or twelfth grade.

The test consists of 5 sections Each section has a specific format, question type, and time limit, testing various skills such as verbal reasoning, math calculation, and reading comprehension

We provide online one-on-one test prep for all grade levels to help students achieve qualifying scores.

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Preparing for a different level? Check our test prep for PreK/Kindergarten, Elementary and Middle School.