Chicago ISEE Tutoring | Independent School Entrance Exam Prep for Private Schools

If your child is applying to an independent school in Chicago, including Latin School of Chicago, Francis W. Parker School, University of Chicago Laboratory Schools, or North Shore Country Day School, ISEE preparation can make a real difference. Chitown Tutoring offers one-on-one ISEE tutoring in Chicago for students at every level, from the Lower Level through the Upper Level.

Admission to many of Chicago’s most competitive independent and private schools is highly selective. Each year, students apply to academically rigorous schools that use the Independent School Entrance Exam (ISEE) as part of their admissions process.

At Chitown Tutoring, we specialize in ISEE tutoring and private school admissions test preparation for students throughout Chicago. Since 2019, we have helped more than 1,000 students and delivered over 20,000 hours of instruction. Our experienced tutors work one-on-one with students to strengthen academic skills, improve testing confidence, and prepare strategically for private school admissions.

Table of Contents

• What Is the ISEE?
• ISEE Quick Facts
• Why the ISEE Matters
• Who Takes the ISEE?

• Chicago Private Schools That Accept the ISEE
• ISEE SSAT: Which Test Is Right for Your Child?
• ISEE Format, Levels, Sections, and Testing Logistics
• How the ISEE Is Scored
• How to Register for the ISEE
• Why Start Preparing Early?
• How to Prepare for the ISEE
• Common ISEE Mistakes Students Make
• Why Chicago Families Choose ChitownTutoring
• Proudly Serving Students Across Chicago
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Schedule Your Free Consultation

What Is the ISEE?

The Independent School Entrance Exam (ISEE) is one of the most widely accepted admissions tests used by independent and private schools throughout the United States.

The exam is developed by the Educational Records Bureau (ERB) and is designed to help admissions offices evaluate applicants from different schools and academic backgrounds. Unlike many classroom assessments, the ISEE is intended to measure both academic achievement and academic potential. Schools use ISEE scores alongside report cards, teacher recommendations, interviews, essays, and other admissions materials when making admissions decisions.

Students applying to independent schools in Chicago often take the ISEE as part of the admissions process for some of the city’s most competitive private schools.

ISEE Quick Facts

ISEE Levels

Students must register for the level corresponding to the grade they will enter the following academic year.

Why the ISEE Matters

The ISEE is often one of the most important components of a private school application. Admissions offices use ISEE scores to compare applicants from different schools, evaluate academic readiness, assess verbal and quantitative reasoning ability, identify students who may be successful in rigorous academic environments, and support admissions and scholarship decisions.

A strong ISEE score can help strengthen an application and improve competitiveness at highly selective independent schools.

Who Takes the ISEE?

The ISEE is typically taken by students applying to independent schools, private schools, college preparatory schools, and boarding schools. Students commonly take the exam

while applying for elementary school admission, middle school admission, or high school admission.

Many families begin preparing several months before the exam to allow time for skill development, practice testing, and confidence building.

Chicago Private Schools That Accept the ISEE

Many independent and private schools throughout Chicago accept ISEE scores as part of their admissions process. Examples include:

• Latin School of Chicago
• Francis Parker School
• University of Chicago Laboratory Schools
• British International School of Chicago
• Morgan Park Academy
• North Shore Country Day School
• Roycemore School
• The Catherine Cook School
• Chicago City Day School
• Bennett Day School

Because admissions requirements can change, families should always verify testing requirements directly with their target schools.

ISEE vs. SSAT: Which Test Is Right for Your Child?

Many Chicago independent schools accept both the ISEE and the SSAT. Some schools have a preference for one exam over the other, while others accept either test equally.

The ISEE and SSAT differ in structure, scoring, and question style. The ISEE includes a Quantitative Reasoning section that emphasizes mathematical reasoning rather than direct computation, while the SSAT places particularly strong emphasis on vocabulary through synonym and analogy questions.

At Chitown Tutoring, we can help families evaluate which exam may be a better fit for their child’s strengths and target schools. We recommend starting with a diagnostic assessment for both exams before committing to a preparation plan.

To learn more about SSAT preparation, visit our SSAT tutoring page.

ISEE Format, Levels, Sections, and Testing Logistics

One of the most important aspects of preparing for the ISEE is understanding its structure. Unlike many school exams, the ISEE places significant emphasis on reasoning skills in addition to academic achievement. Students must demonstrate strong verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, reading comprehension, and mathematics skills while working under timed conditions.

ISEE Testing Overview

Students should expect to spend approximately three hours at the testing site, including instructions and administrative procedures.

Verbal Reasoning

The Verbal Reasoning section measures vocabulary knowledge and verbal reasoning ability. Common question types include synonyms, sentence completion, vocabulary in context, word relationships, and verbal logic. Because vocabulary plays a significant role in this section, students often benefit from consistent vocabulary-building practice.

Quantitative Reasoning

The Quantitative Reasoning section focuses on mathematical reasoning and problem-solving skills rather than direct computation. Common topics include number sense, quantitative comparisons, number patterns, algebraic thinking, mathematical logic, and problem solving. Students are required to think critically and identify relationships between numbers and mathematical concepts.

Reading Comprehension

The Reading Comprehension section evaluates a student’s ability to understand, analyze, and interpret written passages. Common skills tested include main idea, supporting details, inference, vocabulary in context, author’s purpose, organization and structure, tone, and drawing conclusions. Students should expect both fiction and nonfiction passages.

Mathematics Achievement

The Mathematics Achievement section measures mastery of grade-level mathematics concepts. Common topics include arithmetic, fractions, decimals, percents, ratios and proportions, algebra, geometry, measurement, data analysis, and word problems. Unlike the Quantitative Reasoning section, this portion of the exam focuses more directly on academic mathematics content.

Essay

The ISEE concludes with an essay. Students receive a prompt and have 30 minutes to organize and write a response. The essay is not scored by the ERB. Instead, it is sent directly to admissions offices, where it may be reviewed as part of the application process. Because the essay is reviewed by schools, students should take it seriously even though it does not contribute to their official ISEE score.

Calculator Policy

Calculators are not permitted on any section of the ISEE. Students must complete all mathematics and quantitative reasoning questions without a calculator.

How the ISEE Is Scored

Students do not receive traditional percentage scores. Instead, they receive scaled scores and percentile rankings for each section.

Scaled Scores

Each scored section receives a scaled score ranging from 760‒940. Scaled scores allow admissions offices to compare students who may have taken different versions of the exam.

Percentile Rankings

Stanines

The ISEE also reports stanines, which range from 1 to 9.

What Is a Good ISEE Score?

Private schools evaluate applicants holistically. Strong scores can strengthen an application, but they are only one part of the admissions process.

How to Register for the ISEE

Students can register for the ISEE through the Educational Records Bureau (ERB). The registration process generally follows these steps:

Step 1: Determine the appropriate ISEE level based on the grade the student will enter.

Step 2: Create an ERB account and begin the registration process.

Step 3: Select a testing format — in-person, at-home (when available), or school-based testing.

Step 4: Designate the schools that should receive score reports.

Step 5: Complete the exam on the scheduled testing date.

Step 6: Review score reports, which are typically made available shortly after testing.

Why Start Preparing Early?

For most students, preparation should begin at least three to six months before the exam.

More Time to Strengthen Academic Skills.

Early preparation allows students to improve vocabulary, reading comprehension, mathematical reasoning, problem-solving ability, and writing skills.

Greater Potential for Score Improvement.

Students who begin preparing earlier often have more opportunities to build foundational skills, learn effective strategies, complete practice exams, review mistakes, and improve confidence.

Reduced Test Anxiety.

Preparation helps students become comfortable with the exam format, question types, timing expectations, and testing procedures.

Better Time Management.

The ISEE is a lengthy exam that requires focus and stamina. Students who practice under realistic testing conditions often develop stronger pacing strategies and greater endurance.

How to Prepare for the ISEE

Successful ISEE preparation involves much more than simply completing practice questions. Students who achieve the greatest improvement typically follow a structured preparation plan that combines academic skill development, test-taking strategies, realistic practice, and ongoing feedback.

Begin with a Diagnostic Assessment

to identify academic strengths and weaknesses, testing strengths and weaknesses, timing challenges, and areas requiring immediate attention.

Create a Personalized Study Plan

that accounts for current grade level, target schools, academic strengths and weaknesses, available preparation time, and learning style.

Strengthen Core Academic Skills

across verbal reasoning, reading comprehension, quantitative reasoning, and mathematics achievement.

Practice Under Timed Conditions

to improve pacing, build stamina, and simulate test-day conditions.

Review Mistakes Thoroughly

students should review missed questions, guessed questions, careless mistakes, and recurring weak areas.

Take Full-Length Practice Exams

to measure progress, build endurance, improve timing, and prepare for official test conditions.

Common ISEE Mistakes Students Make

• Starting too late
• Neglecting vocabulary study
• Ignoring the essay
• Not practicing under timed conditions
• Avoiding weak subjects
• Failing to review mistakes
• Underestimating the Quantitative Reasoning section

Why Chicago Families Choose Chitown Tutoring

Since 2019, Chitown Tutoring has helped more than 1,000 students and delivered over 20,000 hours of instruction throughout Chicago.

Personalized Tutoring Plans.

Every student receives a customized tutoring plan based on diagnostic results, academic goals, target schools, and admissions timeline.

Experienced Tutors.

Our tutors are selected based on subject matter expertise, teaching ability, professionalism, and ability to connect with students.

Comprehensive Academic Support.

Our tutoring programs help students strengthen vocabulary, reading comprehension, mathematics, reasoning skills, writing skills, and testing confidence.

Practice Exams and Progress Monitoring.

Students receive ongoing feedback through diagnostic assessments, progress monitoring, timed practice, and full-length practice exams.

Flexible Scheduling.

We offer online tutoring, in-person tutoring, weekday appointments, evening appointments, and weekend appointments.

Proudly Serving Students Across Chicago

Chitown Tutoring proudly serves students and families throughout Chicago, including Lincoln Park, Lakeview, Roscoe Village, North Center, Wicker Park, Bucktown, Logan Square, West Loop, South Loop, Hyde Park, Bronzeville, Kenwood, Beverly, Mount Greenwood, Edison Park, Jefferson Park, Sauganash, and Norwood Park.

Whether your family prefers online tutoring or in-person instruction, our team is committed to helping students throughout Chicago achieve their academic goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the ISEE?

The ISEE is a standardized admissions test used by many independent and private schools throughout the United States.

What subjects are tested on the ISEE?

The ISEE includes Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, Reading Comprehension, Mathematics Achievement, and an unscored Essay.

Is a calculator allowed?

No. Calculators are not permitted on any section of the ISEE.

What is considered a good ISEE score?

Students scoring in the 90th percentile or higher are generally considered highly competitive applicants.

What is the difference between the ISEE and SSAT?

Both the ISEE and SSAT are accepted by many Chicago independent schools. The ISEE is developed by the ERB and includes a Quantitative Reasoning section that emphasizes reasoning over computation. The SSAT places particularly strong emphasis on vocabulary. At Chitown Tutoring, we can help families decide which exam is the better fit.

When should students begin preparing?

Most students benefit from beginning preparation three to six months before their testing date.

Do you offer online ISEE tutoring?

Yes. We offer both online and in-person ISEE tutoring throughout Chicago.

Schedule Your Free Consultation

Preparing for the ISEE can feel overwhelming, but you do not have to navigate the process alone.

At Chitown Tutoring, we have helped more than 1,000 students and delivered over 20,000 hours of instruction to students throughout Chicago. Our personalized approach helps students strengthen academic skills, improve confidence, and prepare strategically for private school admissions.

Whether your child is just beginning the preparation process or looking to gain a competitive advantage before test day, our experienced tutors are ready to help.