You can find the right San Francisco-Bay Area ISEE prep solution for your child with the help of Varsity Tutors. The ISEE is an entrance exam required by many private schools and independent schools. This exam has high stakes, and students can feel the pressure of doing well. Preparing for the ISEE with experienced instructors cannot only allow your child to work on developing the skills that will be evaluated on the exam, but it can also help build their academic confidence. Keep reading to learn more about the various levels of the ISEE and how Varsity Tutors can help you find the right prep solution for your child.
What can San Francisco-Bay Area ISEE prep cover?
San Francisco-Bay Area ISEE prep can cover any of the four levels of the ISEE; Primary, Lower, Middle, or Upper. The Primary Level is subdivided into three individual levels; Primary 2, Primary 3, and Primary 4. These correspond to the grade levels the student is entering. The Lower Level ISEE is for students entering fifth or sixth grade. The Middle Level is for students entering seventh or eighth grade. The Upper Level is for students entering grades nine and above.
The Lower, Middle, and Upper levels of the ISEE all have similar components. There are five sections, which include Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, Reading Comprehension, Math Achievement, and an Essay. Students taking these levels all have the same number of questions and amount of time to complete each section. The skills covered in the sections will be slightly different and appropriate to the associated grade levels.
In the Verbal Reasoning section, students will have 20 minutes to answer 40 questions that evaluate English skills. The Quantitative Reasoning section has 37 questions that assess mathematical thinking, which students have 35 minutes to complete. Reading Comprehension evaluates all of the components related to effective reading comprehension strategies. Your child will have 35 minutes to answer the 36 questions in this portion of the exam. In the Math Achievement section, your child's math operation skills will be evaluated. They will have 40 minutes to answer the 47 questions in this section. The Essay portion of the ISEE gives your child 30 minutes to respond to one writing prompt.
Some of the concepts skills your child may need to review, depending on their grade level, includes parts of speech, synonyms, roots, suffixes, prefixes, comparing and contrasting, inferring, solving equations, measurement, data analysis and probability, numbers and operations, problem-solving, identifying main and supporting ideas, author's intent, solving word problems, working with variables and exponents.algebra, geometry, and various writing skills.
The Primary levels have three sections: Reading, Mathematics, and a Writing Sample. Primary Level 2 also has an Auditory Comprehension section. The times vary by level for these exams, but the Writing Sample is untimed.
Some of the primary skills your child may need to review before their exam include, answering questions based on listening to information, vocabulary, reading comprehension, addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, and core writing skills.
It's important to note that while none of the levels of the ISEE use the Essay portion as part of the scoring process, the essay your child composes will be sent to any schools to which they are applying. Because of this, it is still essential to have your child work on their writing skills so they can display their talent, personality, and creativity for admissions officials.
Professional San Francisco-Bay Area ISEE preparation can help your child maximize their preparation efforts whether your child needs a comprehensive subject area overview, targeted help with specific skills, or a mix of the two.
How can a San Francisco-Bay Area ISEE prep class help my child prepare?
Classes are held in a secure online learning environment. The digital classroom is similar in structure to physical classrooms, which can be reassuring for many students. An instructor will deliver the lesson and may then have students discuss topics or work in groups on projects designed to further their understanding of the material. If your child is confused or needs help with a specific skill, there are opportunities for them to ask questions of an instructor.
Classes are great for students who want a comprehensive overview or who thrive in social situations with peers with which to interact. They are modular in design, which means new sections start each week so you can have your child begin their preparation efforts quickly. You can choose between two week and four-week classes, depending on the duration you feel would be most beneficial for your child.
How is working with a San Francisco-Bay Area ISEE tutor different from taking a course?
There are two striking differences between private ISEE tutoring and taking a prep course; personalized instruction and scheduling flexibility.
In any type of classroom setting, a teacher is limited in the amount of personalized instruction they can provide for each student by their classroom responsibilities. A private tutor faces no such limitations. They are only working with one child at a time, so they can take the time to get to know your child's academic strengths and weaknesses, learning style, and ISEE scoring goals. This information can then be used to customize lessons and focus only on topics relevant to your child's needs.
Scheduling is more flexible with private sessions because courses must be prescheduled so all students can plan to attend. With private tutoring, you are in control of when your child meets for their sessions.
How can I get my child started with San Francisco-Bay Area ISEE prep?
Varsity Tutors can help you quickly get your child started with the right San Francisco-Bay Area ISEE prep course or connect you with a skilled private ISEE tutor depending on your child's needs. We know how important it is to you to provide your child with the support they need to work towards their academic goals. When you partner with educational professionals to provide this support, you are giving your child invaluable academic guidance and yourself peace of mind. Contact Varsity Tutors today to get started.

Jean: San Francisco ISEE test prep instructor
...still influence how I think and learn concepts today. From her, I learned that a meaningful education requires more than just knowing facts and how to find the right answers. A good teacher must help students recognize their individual learning styles, discover any flaws in their foundation knowledge, set reasonable goals, and look for deeper...
Education & Certification
- University of California-Los Angeles - Bachelors, B.S. Mathematics/Economics
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- SAT
- ACT
- College Algebra
- +30 subjects

Jennifer: San Francisco ISEE test prep instructor
...understand the concepts, but I can also explain them using applicable examples. Really, math is like a language; you need to know the basics before you get speaking fluently. Math can be difficult, but it can be even more fun once you get it. To me, chemistry is the perfect blend of science and math,...
Education & Certification
- University of California-Riverside - Bachelor of Science, Chemistry
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- SAT
- SSAT
- SAT Subject Tests
- +107 subjects

Amanda: San Francisco ISEE test prep instructor
...goals. I am a great tutor because I have over a decade of experience teaching children. I work with students to break down information into easy to manage pieces and make sure they are understanding each step as they go along. If students still seem to be struggling, I return to more basic concepts and...
Education & Certification
- SFSU - Bachelors, Education
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- SSAT
- English
- Reading
- +10 subjects

Talia: San Francisco ISEE test prep instructor
...In 2011, I received my California Multiple Subjects Teaching Credential. I have been working in classrooms, providing academic support, since 2004. I have extensive experience working with individuals with special needs, from moderate to severe, and the gifted population. I am highly adept in tailoring education to fit each learner's needs, while maximizing output, motivation,...
Education & Certification
- Williams Collegee - Bachelor in Arts, Psychology & Sociology
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- SSAT
- HSPT
- STAAR
- +43 subjects
Education & Certification
- Murray State College - Associate in Science, Medical Office Assistance
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- GED
- UK A Level
- ACCUPLACER
- +203 subjects

Helene: San Francisco ISEE test prep instructor
...and from 2011 to 2012 I taught French part-time at Bay Languages Academy, an after school program in Alameda. I started working with Varsity Tutors in 2013. I have always loved getting to know all of my students. Every single one has taught me so many things about learning and teaching, and I believe in return...
Education & Certification
- Mills College - Bachelor in Arts, Sociology/Anthropology
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- SSAT
- SAT
- SAT Subject Tests
- +57 subjects

Derek: San Francisco ISEE test prep instructor
...ideas in math because of bad experiences, bad teachers or because they're afraid of math. I hope to change that! I will happily teach anywhere from high school through graduate-level coursework. I can even teach you about research if you're really keen! I love to tutor because (1) I can get to know and help...
Education & Certification
- Brigham Young University - Bachelor of Science, Mathematics
- University of Oxford - Master of Science, Mathematics and Computer Science
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- SAT
- GED
- COMPASS Mathematics
- +43 subjects

Rebecca: San Francisco ISEE test prep instructor
...Psychology with a minor in Religious Studies. I am currently pursuing a masters degree in social work at the University of Chicago's School of Social Service Administration. I am passionate about tutoring because I want everyone to be able to perform academically at their highest possible level. I also think it is important that learning...
Education & Certification
- Northwestern University - Bachelors, Psychology
- University of Chicago SSA - Masters, Social Work
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- ACT
- SSAT
- SAT
- +53 subjects

Kelsey: San Francisco ISEE test prep instructor
...range of subjects through her vast tutoring and editing background; she had worked as a lead tutor at a math-focused center for students ages 5 to 18, had individually tutored numerous students on college entrance exam preparation, and has worked professionally as an editorial assistant for research institutions. Her personal goal is to help students...
Education & Certification
- Cornell University - Bachelor in Arts, Psychology
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- SSAT
- ACT
- SAT
- +79 subjects

Connor: San Francisco ISEE test prep instructor
...to grasp even the most complex of topics, and I have built my tutoring career on this premise. As an experienced tutor, I have continually enjoyed seeing my students achieve lofty goals under my instruction. I specialize in tutoring biology, chemistry, physics, and economics for high school students. In addition to this, I also tutor...
Education & Certification
- Saint Louis University-Main Campus - Bachelor in Arts, Economics
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- SSAT
- HSPT
- STAAR Grades 3-8
- +43 subjects

Yongmao: San Francisco ISEE test prep instructor
...and frequently addressing some questions to them. Whenever my students are struggling, I would make them think of a solution not just tell them the answer. This ensures that my students learn the material. Feedback on assignments as well as learning materials is available to increase understanding and help my students make continuous improvement.... Talk about expectations, short-term and long-term goals, diagnostic tests, and a free-look hour.
Education & Certification
- Nankai University - Bachelor of Science, Chemistry
- Washington University in St Louis - Doctor of Philosophy, Organic Chemistry
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- SAT
- SSAT Prep - Upper Level Class
- UK GCSE
- +178 subjects

Brianna: San Francisco ISEE test prep instructor
...Richmond majoring in Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing Analytics and a minor in Mathematics. I have worked with kids of all ages, ranging from elementary school to college students through various subjects. I have also worked extensively with special needs children, doing everything from teaching special education to one-on-one in-home mentoring. Through my...
Education & Certification
- University of Richmond - Current Undergrad, Business Administration and Management
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- PSAT
- ACT
- Advanced Placement
- +217 subjects

Jonathan: San Francisco ISEE test prep instructor
...who has worked as an international management consultant in Singapore, South Africa, Australia and the United States, I am happy to tutor on any range of subjects in higher education, including all assessment tests and most business school and MBA subjects. As Managing Partner of NashwellCo.work and Managing Director of Linebrand.us, my active roles as...
Education & Certification
- Duke University - Bachelor in Arts, Design and Visual Communications
- Australian School of Business - Masters in Business Administration, Business Administration and Management
- Texas Tech University - Doctor of Philosophy, Business Administration and Management
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- CogAT
- HSPT
- STAAR
- +318 subjects

Samantha: San Francisco ISEE test prep instructor
...of Arts in Political Science and Legal Studies this spring. In the fall, I will begin attending law school at Northwestern Law. For many years, I tutored a wide range of students in Spanish, English literature, and writing. I have also continued to help many high school seniors with college application essays. While I tutor...
Education & Certification
- Northwestern University - Current Undergrad, Political Science & Legal Studies
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- SAT
- ACT
- SSAT
- +36 subjects

Cynthia: San Francisco ISEE test prep instructor
...area. I was a Neuroscience major, and I will be pursuing my PhD in Neuroscience in the fall at Johns Hopkins. I have been tutoring high school students outside of class in college and involved in STEM academics and research mentorship as well as a translation program from and to English outside of class. I...
Education & Certification
- Princeton University - Bachelors, Neuroscience
- Johns Hopkins University - PHD, Neuroscience
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- SAT
- PSAT
- SAT Subject Tests
- +72 subjects

Gregory: San Francisco ISEE test prep instructor
...AP classes as well as no Honors classes. I was projected that engineering would be too difficult for me and that I should pursue something less rigorous. I ended up graduating with a Honors degree in chemical engineering and a minor in mathematics from the Pennsylvania State University. I then received a Ph.D. in chemical...
Education & Certification
- Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus - Bachelor of Science, Chemical Engineering
- Carnegie Mellon University - Doctor of Philosophy, Chemical Engineering
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- ACT 8-Week Prep Class
- ACT
- SAT 4-Week Prep Class
- +326 subjects

James E: San Francisco ISEE test prep instructor
...I utilize current events to clarify course concepts and give students a reference point for those concepts. For me, it is also important that my students not only learn the course concepts for the sake of passing tests and submitting good papers. But, it is equally important that they are motivated beyond my tutoring sessions...
Education & Certification
- Washington and Lee University - Bachelor in Arts, United States Government and Politics
- Washington and Lee University - Juris Doctor, Legal Studies
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- ACT
- CLEP
- PSAT
- +97 subjects

Wendy: San Francisco ISEE test prep instructor
...After working in standardized test preparation design for several years, I earned my PhD in Psychology and World Religion in San Diego, California. I tutor most subjects in psychology and sociology; specializing in essay and thesis editing. I love to tutor literature, writing, religion, culture, anything in the arts or humanities. I work well with...
Education & Certification
- Hofstra University - Bachelor in Arts, Industrial and Organizational Psychology
- Hofstra University - Master of Arts, Clinical Psychology
- University of Southern California - Doctor of Philosophy, Applied Psychology
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- ACT
- ASVAB
- UK GCSE
- +273 subjects

Kaley: San Francisco ISEE test prep instructor
...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 prep subjects and focus...
Education & Certification
- Brown University - Bachelors, Education and Public Policy
- Harvard Graduate School of Education - Masters, Human Development and Psychology
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- PSAT
- ACT
- SSAT
- +35 subjects

Vivek: San Francisco ISEE test prep instructor
...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 various subjects and test prep. As a patient and encouraging...
Education & Certification
- Austin College - Bachelor of Science, Biology, General
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- SAT Subject Tests
- SSAT
- SAT
- +66 subjects