The ISEE is a standardized test that is used by many private schools as a part of their admissions process. If you are interested in having your student attend a private school, it may be in their best interest to have you enroll them in a San Diego ISEE class by contacting Varsity Tutors.
The ISEE is broken down into four different levels based on grade level. Students who are entering 9th grade or above can take the Upper Level test, students who are entering 7th or 8th grade can take the Middle Level test, students entering 5th or 6th grade can take the Lower Level test, and students entering 2nd through 4th grade can take the Primary Level. The number of questions involved and the amount of time provided for each section is the same for the Lower, Middle, and Upper Levels.
What can a San Diego ISEE class help my student review?
The Lower, Middle, and Upper Levels of the ISEE all contain five sections, which include Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, Math Achievement, Reading Comprehension, and an Essay. While each section has the same number of questions, each level covers different topics within those sections. What follows is a breakdown of the five sections and the type of material your student can expect on each section and each level.
Quantitative Reasoning
The Quantitative Reasoning Section takes 35 minutes to complete and contains 37 questions. Across all three levels, this section examines mathematical skills. At the Upper Level, this section measures students' skills in working with exponents and variables, their ability to make inferences about a data set, and their ability to solve equations. Overall, this level is more about mathematical thinking than mathematical operations.
At the Middle Level, this section is more focused on numbers and operations, geometry, and data analysis. It may be helpful for students to know how to use the distributive property, to understand square roots, and to be able to calculate measurements. At the Lower Level, this section focuses on more basic math such as subtraction and addition.
Verbal Reasoning
The Verbal Reasoning Section takes 20 minutes and contains 40 questions. This section is more focused on English language skills. At the Upper Level, this section asks students to answer questions about high school-level vocabulary, synonyms, and suffixes. At the Middle Level, this section contains middle and high school-level vocabulary and asks questions about the parts of speech. Finally, at the Lower Level, this section covers elementary school-level vocabulary and asks students to complete sentences based on context.
Math Achievement
The Math Achievement Sections takes 40 minutes and there are 47 questions. This section also covers math-related topics. At the Upper Level, this section requires students to solve word problems, solve equations, and to work with variables and exponents. At the Middle Level, this section looks at quadrilaterals and triangles, fractions, and relatively prime numbers, to name a few concepts. Finally, the Lower Level test requires students to be knowledgeable about decimals, percentages, and estimation.
Reading Comprehension
The Reading Comprehension takes 35 minutes and contains 36 questions. It is primarily concerned with reading comprehension across all three levels. At the Upper Level, this section requires students to read a passage and answer questions about it. These questions could involve comparing and contrasting, cause and effect, and the relationships about different literary genres.
The Middle Level has students read through passages and has students answer questions about the information contained within the passage. This can include language use that is both figurative and literal and information that may not be explicitly stated in the passage. Finally, the Lower Level test has students focus on identifying the main ideas presented in the passage.
Essay
The Essay section takes 30 minutes and only has one prompt. This section requires students to write an essay about a topic that is of interest to a student at their specific grade level. These essays are not graded, but they are designed to give their potential school a better idea of who they are. It is also an opportunity for students to showcase their writing skills.
Primary Level ISEE
While the Lower, Middle, and Upper Level tests are similar when it comes to sections, the Primary Level test is a bit different. Students in 2nd grade have a unique section, which is known as the Auditory Comprehension Section. This section contains 6 questions and students have 7 minutes to finish it. This section requires students to listen to various passages and answer questions about them. Topics can be either nonfiction or fiction.
Students in 2nd through 4th grades take a test with a Reading, Math, and Writing section. The Math Section is multiple choice and has questions about basic math operations. The Reading Section has questions about grade-appropriate vocabulary, and the Writing Section has students write a story about a picture that is provided on the test.
How can a San Diego ISEE course help my student prepare?
There are many different ways in which a San Diego ISEE course can help your student prepare. One of the main benefits of enrolling your student in an ISEE course is that the course is designed to be similar to a traditional classroom setting. Your student will have an instructor who can help them review the various topics and subject areas that could be on the test. Furthermore, your student will have the opportunity to collaborate with other students. This can be valuable for some students because it gives them a chance to work in groups. This breaks up the time spent listening to the instructor, which can help in terms of staying focused.
Another benefit to enrolling your student in an ISEE class is the fact that the class takes place online. You don't have to worry about getting your child to yet another activity because they can simply take the class online within your house.
How can I enroll my student in a San Diego ISEE prep course?
Enrolling your student in a San Diego ISEE prep course is as easy as contacting Varsity Tutors either online or over the phone at your convenience. Feel free to sign your student up for either a four-week or two-week session based on their needs.

Hugo: San Diego ISEE course instructor
I am a Structural Engineering graduate from UCSD. I specialize in tutoring Math, Science, and test prep (SAT, AP, etc.), though I feel confident tutoring in a wide-range of subject areas. Some of my hobbies include sports (football and soccer) and video games. I look forward to working with you!
Education & Certification
- University of California-San Diego - Bachelor of Science, Structural Engineering
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- HSPT
- STAAR
- SSAT
- +51 subjects

Kristie: San Diego ISEE course instructor
...in Communications. In college, I was fortunate enough to hold several research positions with one of the foremost scholars of Child Development and Education Studies, Professor Olga Vasquez. Under Professor Vasquez, I studied the 25 year old program "La Clase Magica", which integrated UCSD students with ethnically diverse, low income communities and youth all over...
Education & Certification
- UC- San Diego - Bachelor in Arts, Communications
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- SSAT
- STAAR
- STAAR Grades 3-8
- +28 subjects

Ellen: San Diego ISEE course instructor
...favorite subjects to study were history and social theory, which helped me earn a BA in International Development with a focus on Latin America. My interest in the culture of our southern neighbors aligned nicely with my teaching experience. After college I was placed in Nashville, TN through Teach for America where I taught 5th...
Education & Certification
- University of California-Berkeley - Bachelors, International Development Studies
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- GED
- PSAT
- Advanced Placement
- +43 subjects

Chi-Sun: San Diego ISEE course instructor
...truly understand the concepts and reasoning behind math, and not just learn how to apply formulas and do well on tests. Although they may get good grades, this will be useless later in life. In my teaching experience, when students actually learn the concepts and logic, not only does their math vastly improve, but they...
Education & Certification
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology - Bachelor of Science, Computer Science
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- SAT
- GED
- ACT
- +112 subjects

Matt: San Diego ISEE course instructor
...far in my life. I was a Korean translator in the US Army for eight years. After serving in the Army, I went to Riverside Community College and then San Diego State, where I majored in English and minored in Asian Studies. I've since earned a teaching credential and Master's in Education from National University,...
Education & Certification
- San Diego State University - Bachelors, English
- National University - Masters, Teaching
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- ACT
- TOEFL
- CAHSEE
- +60 subjects

Colin: San Diego ISEE course instructor
...Bachelor of Arts degree in Early Childhood Education. I am certified to teach grades pre-K - 5th in both New Jersey as well as California. While studying in college, I also worked as a Site Director at a before and after school care program. The program consisted of over 60 students in the AM and...
Education & Certification
- William Paterson University of New Jersey - Bachelor in Arts, Early Childhood Education
- State Certified Teacher
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- HSPT
- SSAT
- Middle School Math
- +19 subjects

Ruth: San Diego ISEE course instructor
...elementary school and tutoring Chemistry to college students. I graduated from UCSD in 2011 and am applying to graduate school to study Molecular Biology. In the meantime, I enjoy working in science and sharing my passion for science to budding students. I love helping students understand how to approach difficult math and science problems without...
Education & Certification
- University of California-San Diego - Bachelor of Science, Biology, General
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- SAT
- ACT
- SSAT
- +34 subjects

Aleksandra: San Diego ISEE course instructor
...have taught both 6th grade and 4th grade. In each grade level I taught math, reading, writing, and social studies. I have also taught 4th grade science. I really enjoy working one on one with students and in small groups. I have taught an after school class for a few years to help students in...
Education & Certification
- Arizona State University - Bachelors, Elementary Education
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- SSAT
- Test Prep
- High School English
- +22 subjects

Juanita: San Diego ISEE course instructor
...full time elementary teacher looking to tutor part time. I am experienced in working with a variety of students at all ability levels. I would ensure that I am prepared to tutor my student in any subject by doing any necessary research or reviews. My goal is to help students achieve independence and mastery of...
Education & Certification
- San DIego State Univeristy - Bachelor in Arts, Political Science and Government
- National University - Master of Arts, Cross-cultural Education
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- CAHSEE
- ACT
- SSAT
- +70 subjects

Viraj: San Diego ISEE course instructor
...major in Political Science and a minor in Management Science (which attempts to draw empirical conclusions from economic data). I recently submitted my applications to a number of law schools, and I plan to accept admission for this Fall. Until then, I will be working as a tutor in the San Diego area. In high...
Education & Certification
- University of California-San Diego - Bachelor in Arts, Political Science and Government
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- SAT Subject Tests
- PSAT
- SAT
- +66 subjects

Kevin: San Diego ISEE course instructor
...education degree (K-6). Shortly thereafter, I took the Praxis II exam for social studies (economics, history, civics and geography). What do I bring to the table? I bring leadership, motivation, humor, and a unique perspective. I served in the United States Army for over twenty years. I was responsible for teaching and training during most...
Education & Certification
- Wilmington University - Bachelor of Science, General Studies
- Wilmington University - Master of Arts, Education
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- SSAT
- HSPT
- Social Studies
- +23 subjects

Paul: San Diego ISEE course instructor
...Biology and National University with a BS in Math. I am a retired math teacher from San Diego Unified School District where I taught primarily 6th grade through 8th grade math. I tutor lower level math to Algebra. My favorite subject to teach/tutor is Pre-Algebra since it is the gateway to the upper level math...
Education & Certification
- National University - Bachelor in Arts, Math
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- SSAT
- Biology
- ISEE- Lower Level
- +15 subjects

Daniel: San Diego ISEE course instructor
...a B.S. in Mathematics. From an early age I always loved math and, unlike many of my classmates, took a great pleasure in being introduced to new topics. I like to describe math as a sort of puzzle. Each piece builds off of something else, creating a more complete picture. It's therefore always important to...
Education & Certification
- University of California-San Diego - Bachelor of Science, Mathematics
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- ACT
- SAT
- ACT Math
- +28 subjects

Aaron: San Diego ISEE course instructor
I just recently graduated from San Diego State University with a bachelor's degree in kinesiology and a minor in chemistry. I am in the process of applying to medical school. I enjoy teaching others what I have learned. In my free time I like to watch sports and spend time with friends and family.
Education & Certification
- San Diego State University - Bachelor of Science, Exercise Science
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- SAT
- SSAT
- REGENTS
- +26 subjects

Katelyn: San Diego ISEE course instructor
...in elementary school for four years. I've taught second and third grade. I love teaching students and seeing how much they can grow academically. I love teaching students math and reading. I like to use a lot of manipulatives while teaching math so that the students can see the "why" in math problems.
Education & Certification
- Texas Tech University - Bachelor in Arts, Russian
- Western Governors University - Masters in Education, Education
- State Certified Teacher
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- STAAR Grades 3-8
- SSAT
- MAP
- +26 subjects

Jacqueline: San Diego ISEE course instructor
...my Bachelor of Arts in Comparative Literature, as well as, my CA Multiple Subject Teaching Credential. I have many years of experience with children of all ages. Starting in high school, I volunteered at various places including a daycare, a library, and multiple classrooms. I thoroughly enjoyed leading and assisting children in a variety of...
Education & Certification
- San Diego State University - Bachelor in Arts, Literature
- State Certified Teacher
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- Comparative Literature
- Elementary Math
- Essay Editing
- +16 subjects

Alex: San Diego ISEE course instructor
...I have had tutoring experience with middle school through college students in Math and Science. My tutoring philosophy is not only to help students solve a problem but also to help them understand the thought process of how a certain method is chosen to solve a problem. Higher levels of math and science are built...
Education & Certification
- University of California-San Diego - Bachelor of Science, Bioengineering
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- Advanced Placement
- HSPT
- SSAT
- +20 subjects
Education & Certification
- K N T University of Technology - Bachelor of Science, Electrical Engineering
- University of Massachusetts Amherst - Doctor of Philosophy, Electrical Engineering
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- CLEP
- GED
- SAT Subject Tests
- +115 subjects

Kaley: San Diego ISEE course instructor
...high school. I have experience both as a classroom teacher and a tutor and in these roles I look for ways to make learning fun and rewarding. I especially love teaching reading and writing and I have taught or tutored these subjects to students ranging from kindergarten through adults. I also have experience tutoring test...
Education & Certification
- Brown University - Bachelors, Education and Public Policy
- Harvard Graduate School of Education - Masters, Human Development and Psychology
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- SAT
- ACT
- PSAT
- +35 subjects

Kelsey: San Diego ISEE course instructor
...for education and problem solving. After receiving her B.A. in Psychology from Cornell University in 2013, where she earned Distinction in All Subjects, she earned a Master of Science degree in Nutrition and Food Science at Montclair State University before going on to study her Master's of Business & Science in Analytics at Rutgers University....
Education & Certification
- Cornell University - Bachelor in Arts, Psychology
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- PSAT
- HSPT
- ACT
- +79 subjects