Private school admissions in Calabasas often hinge on a carefully prepared application — and for many families, standardized entrance testing is among the most consequential elements of that process. ISEE and HSPT prep in Calabasas has become an important priority for families considering independent schools such as Viewpoint School on Mulholland Highway, as well as other private institutions throughout the greater Los Angeles area. This guide explains how each test works, when to begin preparation, and what to look for in a qualified prep tutor.
The Two Primary Private School Entrance Tests
The ISEE: Independent School Entrance Exam
The ISEE (Independent School Entrance Exam) is administered by ERB (Educational Records Bureau) and is used by many independent schools in the United States. It is offered at four levels:
- Primary Level (applying to Grades 2–4): Covers reading and mathematics; total time approximately 53–60 minutes depending on level
- Lower Level (applying to Grades 5–6): Four scored sections — Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, Reading Comprehension, and Mathematics Achievement — plus an unscored essay; total time approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes
- Middle Level (applying to Grades 7–8): Same four sections as Lower Level, plus an essay; total time approximately 2 hours and 40 minutes
- Upper Level (applying to Grades 9–12): Same structure as Middle Level
A student's testing level is determined by the grade they are applying to enter, not their current grade. The essay portion is not scored by ERB but is sent directly to schools, where it may be reviewed as part of the admissions process.
Each scored section on the Lower, Middle, and Upper levels contains both standard multiple-choice questions and a set of questions that do not count toward the score (used for research purposes) — students cannot distinguish these from scored questions and should approach all of them consistently.
The HSPT: High School Placement Test
The HSPT (High School Placement Test) is administered by Scholastic Testing Service (STS) and is used primarily by Catholic high schools and some other private secondary schools. It consists of five subtests:
- Verbal Skills: 60 questions covering synonyms, antonyms, analogies, verbal classifications, and logical reasoning
- Quantitative Skills: 52 questions covering number series, number manipulations, and quantitative comparisons
- Reading: 62 questions assessing reading comprehension, main idea recognition, and vocabulary in context
- Mathematics: 64 questions covering computation, problem-solving, and math concepts including algebra, geometry, and statistics
- Language: 60 questions evaluating punctuation, capitalization, spelling, grammar, and composition
Students receive subscores for each section as well as composite scores. There is no penalty for incorrect answers. An optional test (typically Science or Catholic Religion) may be added at the administering school's discretion.
Key Differences Between the ISEE and HSPT
| Feature | ISEE | HSPT |
|---|---|---|
| Administering body | ERB | Scholastic Testing Service |
| Primary users | Independent secular schools | Catholic and select private high schools |
| Levels | Primary, Lower, Middle, Upper | One standard form (aimed at 8th graders) |
| Essay | Yes (unscored by ERB) | No |
| Reasoning sections | Verbal and Quantitative Reasoning | Verbal and Quantitative Skills |
Most families in Calabasas will encounter the ISEE for independent school admissions and the HSPT when applying to Catholic high schools. Some schools accept both; check each school's specific requirements before beginning prep.
Why These Tests Matter in Private School Admissions
Entrance exam scores are one of several components in a private school application, alongside transcripts, teacher recommendations, interviews, and student essays or portfolios. However, strong scores can meaningfully strengthen an application, particularly for selective schools with competitive applicant pools.
The reasoning sections of the ISEE — Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning — are designed to assess analytical potential rather than solely academic achievement. This means preparation involves more than reviewing school content: it requires building familiarity with specific question types that students rarely encounter in a traditional classroom setting.
When to Begin ISEE or HSPT Prep
For Middle School Admissions (ISEE Lower Level)
Students applying to private schools for grades 5 or 6 typically take the ISEE Lower Level. Many families begin structured preparation four to six months before the intended test date. Given that private school application deadlines often fall in December or January of the year of entry, that means beginning prep in late spring or summer of the preceding year.
For High School Admissions (ISEE Upper/Middle Level or HSPT)
Students applying to private high schools in Los Angeles — including Viewpoint School — typically test in the fall or winter of 8th grade. Beginning prep in the summer before 8th grade, or no later than September, allows for thorough preparation without the stress of compressed timelines.
Scheduling and Retakes
The ISEE can be taken up to three times per testing year (August–July cycle), with a minimum of six months between the first and second testing and three months between the second and third. Families should plan testing dates with retakes in mind — one initial test date with the option for a second date if needed.
What Effective ISEE and HSPT Prep Includes
Familiarization with Question Types
Many of the question formats on the ISEE and HSPT are unfamiliar to students who have only taken school-based assessments. Sentence completions, synonym identification, number series, and quantitative comparison questions all require specific practice. A good prep tutor will spend meaningful time on these question formats before moving into timed practice.
Vocabulary Development
Both the ISEE and HSPT reward strong vocabulary. Students should build academic and literary vocabulary over the months of preparation — not simply try to memorize lists in the week before the test. A tutor can incorporate vocabulary practice into each session in ways that make retention more durable.
Math Review
The math sections of both tests draw on content that students may not have fully covered in their current school curriculum. This is especially relevant for younger students (Lower Level) who are tested on concepts that appear later in the standard sequence. A tutor familiar with the test's math scope will know which areas to prioritize.
Practice Under Timed Conditions
Both tests are timed, and pacing is a real challenge for many students. Incorporating timed section practice — and eventually full-length timed tests — is essential. Managing time while maintaining accuracy is a skill that develops through repeated practice, not just test-taking confidence.
Supporting Your Child Through the Admissions Process
Private school admissions can be a stressful experience for children, even when parents approach it with appropriate perspective. A few principles that support a healthy process:
- Frame the test as a skill-building exercise, not a measure of intelligence or worth
- Maintain regular routines during the prep period — sleep, physical activity, and downtime matter
- Keep preparation manageable: two to three focused sessions per week, sustained over several months, is more effective than intensive last-minute cramming
- Acknowledge progress, not just scores
Children who enter the testing room having prepared consistently, and whose parents have modeled calm about the process, tend to perform closer to their actual potential.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the ISEE, and which schools use it?
The ISEE (Independent School Entrance Exam) is an admissions test administered by ERB used by many independent private schools in the United States. In the Calabasas and greater Los Angeles area, schools including Viewpoint School and numerous other independent institutions use the ISEE as part of their admissions review. Families should confirm each target school's testing requirements before registering.
What is the HSPT, and is it different from the ISEE?
The HSPT (High School Placement Test) is a separate admissions test used primarily by Catholic high schools and some private secondary schools. Unlike the ISEE, the HSPT does not include an essay section, uses a single standardized form (aimed at students entering 9th grade), and measures five distinct skill areas: Verbal Skills, Quantitative Skills, Reading, Mathematics, and Language. The two tests are different in purpose and format; each school specifies which test it requires.
When should my child take the ISEE?
The timing depends on the grade your child is applying to enter and the application deadlines of target schools. For most high school admissions, the ISEE is taken in the fall or early winter of 8th grade. Registration for the ISEE opens through the ERB website, and families should register well in advance of preferred test dates.
Can my child take both the ISEE and the HSPT?
Yes. If your family is applying to schools that use both tests, your child can prepare for and take both. They cover overlapping content, and preparation for one builds relevant skills for the other. A tutor familiar with both tests can provide guidance on where to focus.
How much does ISEE or HSPT prep cost?
Private one-on-one test prep in the Calabasas market typically ranges from $90 to $175 per hour, depending on the tutor's experience and the depth of preparation. Families beginning preparation four to six months in advance generally invest in fewer total hours than those who start late and require intensive catch-up.
Working with Willow Kids
Willow Kids supports Calabasas families navigating private school admissions with careful, personalized ISEE and HSPT preparation. Our tutors are familiar with the specific structure and question types of each test and will match your child with a prep specialist suited to their grade level and target schools. We begin with an honest assessment of where your child stands and build a preparation plan that is realistic and sustainable. If you are beginning the private school admissions process, we welcome a conversation about how to approach testing thoughtfully.