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SSAT, ISEE, HSPT Upper and Middle Levels Reading and Verbal Test Prep

Through targeted reading comprehension lessons, customized test strategies, essay writing practice, and repeated review, your student becomes the hero of their journey, gaining confidence and skills to succeed in private school admissions.
Miss Sue MA MLIS
Average rating:
5.0
Number of reviews:
(14)
Rising Star
Class
Play

What's included

Meets on Demand
schedule meetings as needed
50 mins
per session
Teacher support
Assignments
2-4 hours per week. Time outside of class will be spent in daily reading of classic literature, learning new vocabulary words each day, completing exercises in the test prep work book, and planning for the writing section of the test.
Certificate of Completion
Scores of practice tests.

Class Experience

US Grade 5 - 8
Advanced Level
Ace Your Test with Expert One-on-One Tutoring
(Personalized Preparation for SSAT, ISEE, HSPT, & SAT Success!)

The Challenge:
You know you need a strong score to get into the right school, but test prep can feel overwhelming. With tricky verbal reasoning questions, challenging reading passages, and time pressure, it’s easy to feel stuck or unsure.

The Guide:
That’s where I come in. As an experienced test prep tutor, I break down the toughest test sections into clear, manageable strategies. With engaging lessons, real test simulations, and expert feedback, I’ll help you tackle the test with confidence.

The Plan:
Master Verbal & Reading Skills – Learn proven techniques to decode complex texts, expand your vocabulary, and spot tricky answer traps.
Develop Test-Taking Strategies – Gain insider tips on pacing, guessing strategies, and handling tough questions under pressure.
Practice Like It’s the Real Test – Weekly practice exams and in-depth reviews ensure you’re ready for test day.

The Experience:
Every session is interactive, engaging, and tailored to your learning style. With humor, relatable examples, and a supportive environment, I make test prep less stressful and more effective. 

Expect:
✅ Direct instruction & live modeling of reading strategies
✅ Interactive practice & real test-style questions
✅ Personalized feedback & strategy refinement
✅ A customized approach based on your strengths & areas for improvement

The Result:
By test day, you’ll feel prepared, confident, and ready to succeed. With the right strategies and consistent practice, you’ll not only improve your score—you’ll walk into the test knowing you can conquer it.

Please start 6 to 3 months before the test date. Fewer than 10-13 sessions are not enough to adequately prepare for these very challenging tests. 

Are you ready to master your test and open doors to your future? Let’s get started!

Learning Goals

Analyze complex excerpts from classic fiction, non-fiction, and poetry to identify themes, tone, and author’s intent.
Apply effective strategies to solve analogy questions by recognizing relationships between words and concepts.
learning goal

Other Details

Pre-Requisites
Students are most successful who are taking advanced ELA classes, are avid readers, have an above-grade vocabulary, and are diligent in their study of literature and analogies during the 3-6 month test prep. No Lower Level SSAT or ISEE.
Supply List
Students must have the required test prep book at the first meeting. If international family, please allow time for shipment of the book which can be over a month from time of order.

These are the books I use. You are welcome to purchase other workbooks for individual use, but these are the only ones I will reference and assign homework and practice tests. Must have one of the books listed below by the first class. 

Success on the Middle Level SSAT, Christa Abbott
The SSAT Official Study Guide for the Middle level SSAT
Mometrix Middle Level SSAT

The SSAT Official Study Guide for the Upper Level SSAT
Mometrix SSAT Upper Level Prep Book 
Test Prep Books SSAT Upper Level
Tutorverse Upper Level SSAT

Barron's Strategies and Practice HSPT 

Mometrix ISEE Middle Level Secrets Study Guide 
Tutorverse ISEE Middle Level 1000+ Practice Questions
 
Mometrix Upper Level ISEE 

No Elementary or Lower Level Test Prep available. 

Buying the practice tests from SSAT.org and subscribing to TestInnovators and Membean are highly recommended for independent work.
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Joined May, 2024
5.0
14reviews
Rising Star
Profile
Teacher expertise and credentials
Washington Teaching Certificate in Secondary Education
Master's Degree in Information Technology from University of Washington
Master's Degree in Theatre Arts from University of Washington
Bachelor's Degree in Education from University of Washington
For years, I’ve helped students navigate the challenges of independent school entrance exams, empowering them to achieve the scores needed to open doors to their dream schools. My proven track record of success comes from more than just effective test preparation—it’s about building a relationship of trust and encouragement. Parents and students often share how my personalized approach and supportive guidance ease their stress, boost their confidence, and help them face test day with strength and determination, even when it feels overwhelming.

Let’s unlock your student’s full potential! Here are some testimonials. 

Parent, Cincinnati Country Day
"Sue is an excellent tutor! Her thoughtful, insightful approach goes above and beyond in creative writing, drama, literature, and academic writing. Fabulous experience!"

Parent, SSAT Prep
"Miss Sue helped my son raise his SSAT score from 1490 to 1941 in just five months! Her dedication and expertise got him into his preferred school. Highly recommend!"

Teacher, Seattle Children's Hospital School
"Sue, thank you for sharing your expertise and dedication! You truly bring out each student's strengths and motivations."

Washington, D.C. Student
"Ms. Sue helped me go from below average to advanced in reading and writing! She made learning fun and gave me confidence for middle school. I wouldn’t be here without her!"

Texas Student
"Ms. Sue helped me go from struggling to confident in reading. I felt ready for the STAAR test and love how kind and fun she is!"

Reviews

Live 1-on-1 Lessons
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$115

per session

Meets on demand
50 min
Completed by 23 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 12-15

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