If your student's test prep could use a boost, enroll them in our Dallas Fort Worth ISEE prep course today to help them reach for academic success. The Independent School Entrance Examination, or ISEE, is a standardized test used by independent and magnet schools across the country as one factor in the application process. The test may be taken by students entering second grade or over, and it's split into four levels (Primary, Lower, Middle, and Upper) to provide a fair academic challenge to every student. The Primary ISEE is for students entering grades 2-4, Lower 5-6, Middle 7-8, and Upper 9+.
Taking a Dallas Fort Worth ISEE class may prove beneficial no matter which level of the exam your student is taking. Each class provides a comprehensive look into not only the academic skills needed on test day, but also test-taking tips that may help increase a test-taker's confidence. Keep reading to learn more about how we may be able to help you.
What are some of the subjects covered by a Dallas Fort Worth ISEE course?
The Primary Level ISEE is divided into three separate examinations as an acknowledgment that a lot of learning takes place between second grade and fourth grade, each signified by a numeral corresponding to the grade level a test-taker is entering. For example, Primary 2 is taken by students entering second grade. Each Primary ISEE contains multiple-choice Reading and Math sections that measure age-appropriate academic skills, and Primary 2 also has an Auditory Comprehension section based on listening packages. Each Primary Level ISEE concludes with a picture-based writing prompt that allows test-takers to share their personality with schools.
The Lower, Middle, and Upper ISEEs all share the same basic format. There are five sections: Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, Reading Comprehension, Math Achievement, and Essay. Here is a closer look at what students can expect to see on each one:
1. Verbal Reasoning
The Verbal Reasoning section always consists of 40 multiple-choice items over a 20-minute testing session. Questions are structured as either sentence completions or synonyms, assessing a student's vocab skills. It's virtually impossible to try to memorize every word in the English language, so students might want to study Greek and Latin roots, prefixes, suffixes, and the parts of speech to help decipher what an unfamiliar term means. Reading can also provide a student with valuable experience using context to figure out what a word means.
2. Quantitative Reasoning
The Quantitative Reasoning section contains 37 multiple-choice questions over 35 minutes on all three levels. This section measures a student's mathematical thinking skills, saving operations for a different portion of the exam. Some possible topics include multiplication and long division on the Lower Level ISEE, fractions and decimals on the Middle Level exam, and introductory statistics and exponents on the Upper Level test.
3. Reading Comprehension
The Reading Comprehension section involves 36 multiple-choice questions over 35 minutes. Every question is based on a reading passage, measuring how well students retain what they read. Test-takers at all levels must determine an author's intent, the main idea and its supporting details, and how a passage's structure influences its point. Students taking the Middle Level ISEE also need to draw inferences based on what they've read and compare/contrast multiple passages. Students taking the Upper Level exam need to do all of that across literary genres, making it more challenging. If your student could retain more of the information they read, active reading skills such as note-taking should be a focal point in their test prep.
4. Math Achievement
The Math Achievement section has 47 multiple-choice questions in 40 minutes. It emphasizes quantitative problem-solving skills, filling in the gaps of the Quantitative Reasoning section above. Some possible topics include decimals and percentages on the Lower Level ISEE, the geometry of triangles and quadrilaterals on the Middle Level ISEE, and algebraic equations and coordinate grids on the Upper Level ISEE.
5. Writing
The ISEE Writing section is not scored but photocopied and sent to each school a student applies to, allowing admissions departments to assess a student's written communication skills for themselves. It is structured as an introduction, but factors such as grammar and syntactic variety are also considered by most institutions. If your student gets intimidated by essays, learning how to outline them beforehand may help them seem more approachable.
Why should I choose a Dallas Fort Worth ISEE course provided by Varsity Tutors?
Every Dallas Fort Worth ISEE class we provide is taught by a knowledgeable instructor with great communication skills. It'll also take place on a live virtual platform that makes online instruction feel as intuitive as attending a class in person, without the usual logistical nightmare of going someplace.
Students can also interact with their peers while they study, allowing everybody to work together to establish a collaborative learning environment that may expedite the learning process. For example, hearing a friend explain something can help it feel more relatable than a teacher's perspective on the topic. Similarly, the student who does the explaining inadvertently reinforces their own knowledge of the material by teaching it to somebody else.
Studying as a group also allows multiple people to split the corresponding bill, making a Dallas Fort Worth ISEE class more affordable than you might think. If your student seems to be falling behind their new friends, you also have the right to set aside private study time outside of your student's scheduled class sessions to go over any concept they may need to.
Varsity Tutors also tries to make studying as convenient as we can. We launch new classes every week, so it's always a good time to get started. Similarly, two and four-week classes are available to make it easier to find something for nearly any schedule.
Can I sign my student up for a Dallas Fort Worth ISEE course right now?
Absolutely. Use the contact info provided on this page to reach out to a knowledgeable educational consultant for more information about each Dallas Fort Worth ISEE course option Varsity Tutors provides or to get the enrollment process started. We look forward to hearing from you!

David: Dallas ISEE course instructor
...scientist. I hold graduate degrees from Columbia University and the University of Chicago and earned my bachelor's at the University of Texas at Austin. In addition to teaching at the undergraduate level, I research ways the natural sciences can be used to advance the study of anthropology and history. I am currently completing my PhD.
Education & Certification
- The University of Texas at Austin - Bachelors, History, Computer science
- Columbia University in the City of New York - Masters, Sociology
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- GED
- SAT Subject Tests
- ACT
- +105 subjects

Laurie: Dallas ISEE course instructor
...a proven record helping students succeed on standardized test by preparing them with knowledge and test taking strategies. I help my students learn by teaching in a style that fits the individual student's best learning style and make it meaningful and fun. In my spare time I like to read a good book, spend time...
Education & Certification
- Texas Tech University - Bachelor in Business Administration, Marketing
- State Certified Teacher
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- Elementary School Math
- Test Prep
- College English
- +7 subjects

Nici: Dallas ISEE course instructor
Hard work and dedication is the key to your success.... Build that relationship. Get to know my scholar first, to understand how they grow.... By teaching good study habits, organizational skills, and self advocacy.... By instilling self-esteem and determination. Also, by making learning fun and meaningful.... Continuous practice is what is needed. The more you practice a skill, the better you become at that skill.
Education & Certification
- Wiley College - Bachelors, Biology, General
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- CLEP
- Algebra 2
- Math
- +20 subjects

Marie: Dallas ISEE course instructor
...with Dallas ISD as a data analyst. I intend to eventually go back to get my Masters in Education and possibly Statistics to continue my career in education policy. I tutor pretty much all elementary and lower middle school subjects, as well as the subjects I tutored in college such as Public Speaking, Psychology and...
Education & Certification
- Harvard University - Bachelor in Arts, Sociology and Government
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- ACT
- SAT Subject Tests
- SAT
- +66 subjects

Iselee: Dallas ISEE course instructor
...academic goals. Previously, I've taught 3rd grade bilingual courses including English and Spanish literacy and grammar as well as math, science, and social studies. I have also tutored high school and university writing and math. I have extensive writing and editing experience as well as lesson planning, curriculum assessment, and critical evaluation ability. A lifelong...
Education & Certification
- Loyola Marymount University - Bachelors, Spanish
- Johns Hopkins University - Current Grad Student, Digital Communication
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- STAAR
- SAT Subject Tests
- SAT
- +72 subjects

Britni: Dallas ISEE course instructor
...a tremendous amount of success with seeing them grow academically. I celebrate all growth with my students. I believe that in order to be successful and to continue being successful, as students and adults it is important to celebrate any amount of individual growth we receive. Whether it be academic or in our personal lives!...
Education & Certification
- University of North Texas - Bachelors, Sociology
- Texas A & M University-Commerce - Masters, Curriculum and Instruction
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- CogAT
- Other
- Math
- +23 subjects

Adriana: Dallas ISEE course instructor
...with almost 30 years of experience in the classroom and library. A large part of my classroom instruction involved tutoring in all core subject areas in grades K-5. As a librarian, I had the pleasure of working with middle school teens as a resource and mentor in academic competitions and other activities. My teaching philosophy...
Education & Certification
- Southern Methodist University - Bachelors, Broadcast Film
- Southern Methodist University - Masters, Bilingual Education
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- ASVAB
- STAAR Grades 3-8
- ACT
- +65 subjects

Connor: Dallas ISEE course instructor
...under my instruction. I specialize in tutoring biology, chemistry, physics, and economics for high school students. In addition to this, I also tutor students in college level general chemistry, general biology, organic chemistry, introductory physics, economics and for the MCAT exam. I excelled in undergraduate coursework pertaining to these subjects and have prior experience in...
Education & Certification
- Saint Louis University-Main Campus - Bachelor in Arts, Economics
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- SSAT
- HSPT
- STAAR
- +43 subjects

Jamila: Dallas ISEE course instructor
...passion for teaching and individualized instruction. I have taught a range of courses, including English II, English II Pre-AP, English III AP, English IV, and a College and Career Readiness Course. Additionally, I've had the privilege of working with adults seeking their GED, helping them build the literacy skills necessary to achieve their educational goals...
Education & Certification
- Huston Tillotson University - Bachelor in Arts, English
- Concordia University-Ann Arbor - Masters in Education, Educational Administration
- State Certified Teacher
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- PSAT
- GED
- Advanced Placement
- +51 subjects

Muhammad Salik: Dallas ISEE course instructor
...from ACT and SAT for high school students as well as AP Exams and AP Subject Tests. I try to maintain the interest of my students by making learning both enjoyable and interesting. I have been tutoring for 6 + years as an K-12th grade tutor as well as college. I have tutored for AP...
Education & Certification
- The University of Texas at Dallas - Current Undergrad, Electrical Engineering
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- STAAR EOC
- STAAR
- SAT Subject Tests
- +105 subjects

Mercedes: Dallas ISEE course instructor
I specialize in writing but also excel in other areas such as elementary math. I am very personable and enjoy communicating as well as interacting with students to aid in their learning process. I look forward to working with you!... For me, the most important thing is teaching a student to work independently. Far too often, students expect to be given the answer, which will not effectively prepare them for higher-level work.
Education & Certification
- The Richard Stockton College of New Jersey - Bachelors, Communications
- Full Sail University - Masters, Creative Writing
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- SSAT
- 5th Grade Math
- 7th Grade Writing
- +49 subjects

Rachelle: Dallas ISEE course instructor
...my Elementary Education degree and I am so anxious to put what I learned to work. I also love being outdoors and being active. My favorite experiences growing up were going to camp, and I still love trying new things and being adventurous. I am a Kansas native but love to travel around the USA...
Education & Certification
- Wichita State University - Bachelor in Arts, Elementary Education
- State Certified Teacher
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- STAAR
- Test Prep
- Middle School Math
- +20 subjects

Ronda: Dallas ISEE course instructor
...Reading teacher, I am most passionate about teaching Reading, Writing, and Math. I am a firm proponent of education and truly believe all children can learn given the proper instruction and guidance. The most rewarding and fulfilling experience as an educator is helping struggling students see their own potential. In my spare time, I enjoy...
Education & Certification
- Arizona State University - Bachelor in Arts, Elementary Education
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- SSAT
- HSPT
- Test Prep
- +15 subjects

Tiffany: Dallas ISEE course instructor
...I hope to be the same for students. I received my bachelor's of arts from the University of Central Florida in English with Creative Writing. This degree qualifies me to tutor and teach grammar, spelling, writing, creative writing, and anything English related. On top on my bachelor's, currently, I am obtaining my master's degree at...
Education & Certification
- University of Central Florida - Bachelor in Arts, English
- The University of Alabama - Master of Arts, English
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- ACT
- SAT
- HSPT
- +109 subjects

Nilay: Dallas ISEE course instructor
...to continue with my teaching endeavors in future. Although, my first exposure to classroom teaching was when I served as a Guest Lecturer in NIPER, Hajipur, India (2007-2010) during my PhD, but my voyage as a teacher stems way back into my Undergraduate days where I used to tutor high school students for Biology and...
Education & Certification
- University of Calcutta - Bachelor of Science, Chemistry
- University of Calcutta - Master of Science, Biochemistry
- Jadavpur University - Doctor of Philosophy, Pharmacy
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- ACT
- SSAT
- UK A Level
- +67 subjects

Jessica: Dallas ISEE course instructor
...for education continues when I am not at school teaching. I enjoy working with students one-on-one to help then master the content that they are working on. I thrive on coming up with different ways to help a struggling student succeed. Building relationships is another part of tutoring that I love. It is great to...
Education & Certification
- Western Governors University - Bachelor in Arts, Elementary Education
- Western Governors University - Master of Science, Special Education
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- STAAR
- SSAT
- Other
- +20 subjects

Haani: Dallas ISEE course instructor
...in 3 years and securing my Master's just a year later, I'm well versed in navigating the education system and getting the most from it. Since high school, I've been tutoring. Friends, family, personally, and professionally, I've run the gamut. While I have tutored almost every subject, I specialize in STEM and Standardized Testing. In...
Education & Certification
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill - Bachelor in Arts, Economics
- North Carolina State University at Raleigh - Master of Science, Statistics
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- ASVAB
- STAAR Grades 3-8
- SAT
- +125 subjects

Alesha: Dallas ISEE course instructor
...pass the STAAR test. I love helping students find a new strategy or tool they can use to help them understand something they are missing. I also know how to push students to a level higher to expand their thinking and find connections to make it relevant to them. Teaching is my passion and I...
Education & Certification
- Texas AM University- Commerce - Bachelor of Science, Elementary School Teaching
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- STAAR Grades 3-8
- HSPT
- SSAT
- +14 subjects

Vivek: Dallas ISEE course instructor
...at Austin College. I am a biology major and neuroscience minor. Science has been my passion from a young age. I like tutoring because I sincerely enjoy helping others and being able to impart my knowledge and experience. Along with being strong in my curricular classes, I have experience helping and tutoring younger students in...
Education & Certification
- Austin College - Bachelor of Science, Biology, General
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- TOEFL
- SAT
- ACT
- +66 subjects

Emily: Dallas ISEE course instructor
I recently graduated from the Master of Education in Counseling program at the University of Houston and is working towards becoming a Licensed Professional Counselor. I majored in Psychology and Sociology, and minored in Women's and Gender Studies in undergraduate. I speak and write fluent English, Mandarin, and Malay.
Education & Certification
- University of Nebraska-Lincoln - Bachelor in Arts, Psychology
- University of Houston - Masters in Education, Mental Health Counseling
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- HSPT
- UK A Level
- WPPSI
- +63 subjects