One-on-One ISEE & SSAT Prep in Brooklyn and Manhattan
Schedule a Free ConsultationFor Brooklyn and Manhattan families navigating independent school admissions, the ISEE and SSAT are the gateway exams. Strong scores can make a meaningful difference, and thorough preparation is one of the best investments you can make in the process. We offer private, one-on-one ISEE and SSAT tutoring for students at every level—whether they're applying to Packer Collegiate, Poly Prep, Berkeley Carroll, Brooklyn Friends, Saint Ann's, Dalton, Trinity, or other independent schools across Brooklyn Heights, Park Slope, Cobble Hill, the Upper East Side, and the Upper West Side.
Every student begins with a diagnostic exam so we can identify strengths, target weaknesses, and build a study plan around what they actually need. From there, our private tutoring sessions focus on the specific skills and strategies that will move the needle on test day.
Verbal Reasoning & Reading Comprehension
The ISEE's Verbal Reasoning section tests vocabulary through synonyms and sentence completions, while Reading Comprehension assesses a student's ability to analyze passages and draw inferences. Our private tutoring approach builds both skills in tandem—expanding vocabulary through context and practice while developing the close-reading strategies that lead to accurate, efficient answers.
Quantitative Reasoning & Math Achievement
The ISEE includes two math sections: Quantitative Reasoning (which emphasizes logical thinking and problem-solving) and Mathematics Achievement (which tests grade-level content). Our tutors identify gaps in content knowledge and work through them systematically, while also teaching the reasoning strategies that help students tackle unfamiliar problem types with confidence.
Essay Preparation
The ISEE includes a timed essay that's sent directly to admissions offices—unscored but closely read. We help students understand what admissions readers are looking for, practice brainstorming and outlining under time pressure, and develop clear, well-organized responses that reflect their voice.
Top NYC Private Schools That Require the ISEE
Many of the most competitive independent schools in New York City require the ISEE as part of their admissions process. Some schools accept either the ISEE or the SSAT, so it's worth confirming each school's policy early in the application cycle.
Brooklyn
- Packer Collegiate Institute
- Poly Prep Country Day School
- Berkeley Carroll School
- Brooklyn Friends School
- Saint Ann's School
- Basis Independent Brooklyn
Manhattan
- Dalton School
- Trinity School
- Brearley School
- Horace Mann School
- Riverdale Country School
- Fieldston School
- Ethical Culture Fieldston School
- Collegiate School
- Spence School
- Chapin School
- Nightingale-Bamford School
Understanding ISEE Scores
The ISEE reports results using stanine scores, a standardized scale from 1 to 9 with 5 as the mean. Scores are normed against other students at the same grade level who have taken the test in the past three years.
- Stanine 7–9: Above average to very high. These scores are competitive for the most selective independent schools in NYC.
- Stanine 5–6: Average. May be competitive for some schools depending on the strength of the full application.
- Stanine 1–4: Below average. Typically not competitive for selective independent schools.
The most selective NYC independent schools—such as Dalton, Trinity, and Horace Mann—generally expect stanine scores of 7 or above across sections. That said, admissions decisions are holistic, and schools weigh grades, recommendations, interviews, and essays alongside test scores.
Test Strategy & Mock Tests
Knowing the material is only part of the equation. Our tutoring program emphasizes pacing, question triage, and strategic guessing—skills that help students manage time and avoid common pitfalls. We also administer full-length mock tests under realistic conditions, giving students the reps they need to build stamina and confidence before test day.
ISEE vs SSAT: What's the Difference?
Both the ISEE and the SSAT are used for independent school admissions, but there are important differences families should understand before choosing which test to prepare for.
The ISEE is administered by the Educational Records Bureau (ERB). It includes five sections: Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, Reading Comprehension, Mathematics Achievement, and an Essay. Students may only take the ISEE once per testing season (fall, winter, and spring/summer). There is no penalty for wrong answers, so students should answer every question.
The SSAT is administered by the Enrollment Management Association (EMA). It includes Verbal, two Quantitative sections, Reading, and a Writing Sample. Unlike the ISEE, the SSAT can be taken multiple times, but it does have a wrong-answer penalty: a quarter-point deduction for each incorrect response. This means guessing strategy matters more on the SSAT.
Not sure which test is right for your child? We can help you decide during a free consultation.
We tutor for both the ISEE and SSAT — contact us to discuss which test is right for your child. If your child is also considering NYC's specialized high schools, we offer SHSAT tutoring as well.
2026 ISEE Test Dates
The ISEE is offered in three testing seasons throughout the year:
- Fall: August through November
- Winter: December through March
- Spring/Summer: April through July
Students may take the ISEE once per testing season. ERB offers the ISEE at designated test sites throughout New York City, as well as at many independent schools that administer the test on-site for applicants.
We recommend taking the ISEE in the fall testing window if your child is applying for the following school year. This gives families time to receive scores, retake in the winter window if needed, and submit applications before most deadlines.
In-Person and Online Tutoring
We know Brooklyn and Manhattan families are balancing school, extracurriculars, and everything else. That's why we offer both in-person tutoring and online tutoring, seven days a week. Whether you prefer a tutor to come to your home in Brooklyn Heights, Park Slope, the Upper East Side, the Upper West Side, or anywhere else in the city, or you'd rather meet over video call, we'll work around your schedule.
No Packages Required
We don't require you to purchase a bundle of hours upfront. Schedule private tutoring sessions as you need them—weekly, twice a week, or intensively before the test. You're never locked in, and you only pay for what you use.
What Parents Say
“Honors Prep did a great job working with my son. They were engaging, positive, and ‘excellent at explaining everything,’ according to my son. I highly recommend them based on the results and their strong ability to connect with kids and make the preparation more effective and pleasant.”
— Evelyn Z.
“My son worked with Honors Prep for test prep. He felt super confident during the test and really enjoyed working with his tutor. I highly recommend them.”
— Andrea M.
“My daughter thoroughly loved the experience. Very professional, great teaching environment.”
— Leshawn A.
“Sam was very helpful and Grace was a great tutor to my son who was taking the ISEE.”
— Sandra I.
FAQs
What is the ISEE?
The ISEE (Independent School Entrance Examination) is a standardized test used by independent and private schools in NYC and beyond to evaluate applicants. There are four levels: Primary (grades 2–4), Lower (grades 5–6), Middle (grades 7–8), and Upper (grades 9–12). The test is administered by the Educational Records Bureau (ERB).
When should my child start test prep?
Most families begin ISEE prep about four to six months before their target test date. This allows time for a diagnostic exam, steady skill-building, and several mock tests before the real thing. That said, we've worked with students on shorter timelines when needed.
What's a good ISEE score?
The ISEE reports stanine scores from 1 to 9 for each section. A stanine of 7, 8, or 9 is generally considered strong. Keep in mind that score expectations vary by school, and admissions offices consider the full application—not just test scores.
Do I have to commit to a package?
No. Our private tutoring is pay-as-you-go. Schedule as many or as few sessions as you need, and adjust as your child's test date approaches.
Which NYC schools accept the ISEE?
Many of the top independent schools in Brooklyn and Manhattan require the ISEE for admissions. In Brooklyn, these include Packer Collegiate Institute, Poly Prep Country Day School, Berkeley Carroll School, Brooklyn Friends School, Saint Ann's School, and Basis Independent Brooklyn. In Manhattan, schools such as the Dalton School, Trinity School, Brearley School, Horace Mann School, Riverdale Country School, Fieldston School, Collegiate School, Spence School, Chapin School, and Nightingale-Bamford School accept the ISEE. Some schools accept either the ISEE or the SSAT.
Can my child take the ISEE more than once?
Yes, but only once per testing season. The ISEE has three testing seasons: Fall (August through November), Winter (December through March), and Spring/Summer (April through July). If your child wants to retake the test, they must wait until the next testing season. This is one reason we recommend thorough preparation before the first attempt.
Our Tutors
Sam M.
FOUNDER
Born and raised in New York City, Sam attended Stuyvesant High School before graduating cum laude from Middlebury College with departmental honors in English. As a native New Yorker with years of tutoring experience, Sam has applied the lessons he learned both as a student and as a tutor to create Honors Prep.
Charlie M.
TUTOR
Charlie is a PhD candidate in Computer Science at Stanford University. Before his PhD, Charlie graduated magna cum laude from Haverford College, double majoring with highest honors in both Computer Science and Mathematics. He brings with him six years of experience tutoring at the high school, college, and post-graduate level.
Grace G.
TUTOR
Grace is a dedicated tutor with 7+ years of experience in test prep, college admissions, math, and Spanish. She's helped 70+ students reach top schools with her personalized, stress-free approach. When she's not tutoring, she produces comedy in Brooklyn. Grace graduated summa cum laude from UPenn with a degree in Urban Studies and English.
William S.
TUTOR
William is a playwright in Brooklyn. He graduated from Columbia University with a BA in English and a concentration in physics. He specializes in teaching math, physics, the SAT, and the SHSAT.
Stephanie T.
TUTOR
Stephanie has a BA from Boston University and is currently working towards her Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Northwestern University. As a therapist-in-training, she emphasizes her work in child and adolescent development. With 5+ years of tutoring experience, Stephanie works with a range of students to highlight their existing strengths. Together, they set achievable goals to build academic confidence and knowledge, while reaching those desired scores.
Elianna K.
TUTOR
Elianna holds a BA in Literary Studies from Middlebury College and an MA in Literature from the Bread Loaf School of English. She has taught creative writing and literary translation at Middlebury College and Columbia University, where she also serves as an MFA thesis advisor. Elianna offers writing coaching, intensive reading seminars, and Spanish tutoring.
Alex S.
TUTOR
Alex is a magna cum laude graduate from Columbia University, where he studied English Literature. For the past five years, he has mentored high-achieving students from middle school to college, specializing in standardized test preparation, essay writing, and homework management. Outside of teaching, Alex pursues his passions for writing and independent filmmaking.
Emily F.
TUTOR
Emily holds a BA in Government and French from Georgetown University and has over six years of tutoring experience. She specializes in math, English, history, French, and Spanish, and has helped many students prepare for the SHSAT, SAT, and college admissions with a focus on building confidence and mastery.
Devin B.
TUTOR
Devin earned a BS in Chemistry from Purdue University and is completing an MD/PhD program at NYU, with a PhD in Cell Biology. With 10+ years of experience, he tutors chemistry, biology, physics, and math. His approach focuses on identifying strengths and weaknesses to build mastery and test strategies.