One-on-One ISEE & SSAT Prep
in Brooklyn and Manhattan
The ISEE and SSAT are the primary entrance exams for independent schools in New York City, and strong scores can make a meaningful difference in the admissions process. We offer private, one-on-one ISEE and SSAT tutoring for students at every level—whether they're applying to Packer, Poly Prep, Berkeley Carroll, Brooklyn Friends, Dalton, or other independent schools in Brooklyn and Manhattan.
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.
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.
We Also Offer SSAT Prep
Some independent schools accept the SSAT (Secondary School Admission Test) instead of—or in addition to—the ISEE. The two exams are similar in structure and content, and our private tutoring adapts to whichever test your child is taking. If you're unsure which exam to prepare for, we're happy to help you decide.
If your child is also considering NYC's specialized high schools, we offer SHSAT tutoring as well.
In-Person and Online Tutoring
We know 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 or Manhattan, 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.
FAQs
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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).
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Jonah N.
TUTOR
Jonah holds a BFA in Theatre and a minor in Child and Adolescent Mental Health from NYU. With experience in childcare, special education, and life coaching, he specializes in offering instructional and behavioral support to students. Jonah is also adept in test prep strategies.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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![Devin B.]()
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.
