At Capitol Teachers, our test preparation program is both flexible and personalized, led by experienced educators who focus on building academic skills and effective test-taking strategies—so students feel confident and prepared on test day. Every child comes to us with a unique set of strengths, and it’s our job to meet them where they are and support them in reaching their full potential.

 

Step 1: Initial Consultation

We begin with a phone consultation with your family to ensure the best possible start. During this conversation, we will:

 

Identify the Ideal Testing Timeline
We help you determine when your child should take the ISEE, SSAT, or HSPT based on school application deadlines, academic readiness, and comfort with the test content. Timing is key to ensuring your student feels confident and well-prepared. Since all of these tests measure student vocabulary very heavily, and learning vocabulary requires a longer timeline than developing reading or testing strategies, we recommend an early start on preparation.

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Match Your Child with the Right Tutor
Using your child’s baseline scores (if available), personality, and learning preferences, we carefully match them with the most compatible tutor. Our certified, experienced teachers bring subject-matter and test-taking strategy expertise and excel at building supportive, motivating relationships with students.

 

Step 2: Personalized Plan for Your Child

Our entrance exam prep program is designed to be both effective and adaptable:

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In-Person or Online Sessions
Sessions can take place at home, a library, or online—wherever your child learns best. Our online tutors are adept at using interactive tools like digital whiteboards, practice portals, and skill-building platforms to keep sessions engaging and focused.

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Baseline Assessment
We create a customized learning plan based on any available prior test scores or by administering a full-length, proctored ISEE, SSAT, or HSPT practice exam to assess current strengths and areas for growth.

 

Step 3: Launch the Tailored Program

We work with your family to customize the schedule, pacing, and duration to meet your child’s goals and availability.

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Timeline
While each student’s journey is different, many families opt for an 8 to 10-week preparation timeline.

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Structure
A typical weekly structure includes 2 hours of instruction with a subject expert.  Their teacher will have a deep understanding of the specific content and format of entrance exams:

• 1 hour with an English/Verbal teacher
   

• 1 hour with a math teacher
   

Daily Practice
Students receive personalized homework plans to reinforce weekly lessons. 

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Progress Monitoring

Tutors track real-time data from assignments and practice tests to continuously adapt instruction, ensuring your child gets exactly what they need to grow and succeed.

 

Preparing for the Admissions Interview

 

The individual student interview is a critical part of the private high school application process, and our tutors can also help your student be ready, relaxed and confident when the big day arrives.  We share insights about the types of questions they will be asked, help them pre-prepare an outline of ideas to highlight what is amazing about their character, experiences, and achievements, and provide tips on putting their best foot forward.  This important preparation is always a part of our work with our students, reducing anxiety before the interview, and ensuring that, afterward, they feel great about the way they presented themselves to the admissions staff.