Middle School Entrance Exams 

The Critical Thinking Child prepares middle school students for required admissions tests for selective enrollment public, private, parochial, and independent schools, helping them build the skills and confidence to achieve their best scores and secure a spot at their top-choice school.

Get test prep for:

  • All SEES and Gifted and Talented tests, plus Academic Center Entrance Exam for 7th/8th grade entry
  • The Secondary School Admission Test (SSAT) and
  • Middle Level Independent School Entrance Exam (ISEE).

Additionally, we specialize in preparing students for standardized tests, NWEA, i-Ready, STAR 360, and more.

Chicago Public School

Academic Centers Entrance Exam Prep

For students applying to grades 7-8

We offer test prep courses for the CPS Academic Center Admissions Test (Regional Gifted Center exam). Our experienced tutors will guide your child to excel on the exam, a critical component of the admissions process.

Virtual Test Prep Options

  • Private Virtual Test Prep: One-on-one online instruction tailored to your child’s needs.
  • Small Group Virtual Test Prep: Interactive 6-week online learning with a small group of students.

In-Person Summer Options

In-Person Small Group Tutoring: Summer months only, join a small group of students for in-person instruction in the Chicago area.

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Private School

SSAT Entrance Exam Prep

For students applying to grades 5-7

The Secondary School Admission Test (SSAT) is an admissions test used for many of the best private and independent schools nationwide. The Middle 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 7 or 8

The Independent School Entrance Exam (ISEE) is used in the admissions process for many independent schools. The Middle Level ISEE is designed for students entering 7th or 8th 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 High School.