Test Prep Chicago's 8th grade course prepares students to take the different exams for entrance into Selective Enrollment high schools, private schools, and parochial schools. Students will learn the math and reading comprehension content universal to all three entrance exams.

Our course is the only one in Chicago that prepares students for all three entrance exams. While class content is focused on topics common to all of the exams, homework assignments are personalized to focus on only the exams relevant to each student.

Additionally, our content is special because it is based on exit exams conducted with students who have recently taken the HSEEs, ensuring that our material is up to date and prepares students for the topics seen on all three tests.

Our courses are structured around 3 core learning principles: Teach, Practice, Apply; Building Blocks; and Practice Makes Perfect. Learn more about our philosophy.

Students applying to Chicago's Selective Enrollment (public) high schools will take the CPS High School Admissions Test. Students applying to private/independent schools in Chicago will take the Independent School Entrance Exam (ISEE). Students applying to Chicago's parochial schools will take the High School Placement Exam (HSPT). The ISEE and HSPT are nationally recognized entrance exams, while the CPS HS Admissions Test is specific to Chicago's Selective Enrollment Schools.

The main topics covered on all three exams are very similar: math & reading comprehension. The exams, however, each have some unique features. Number and difficulty of questions vary, as well as the format with which questions are presented. Additionally, the ISEE requires an essay while the HSPT tests language skills through multiply choice questions.

Any 8th grader who is interested in applying to Selective Enrollment high schools, private schools, and parochial schools. The high school admissions process in Chicago is extremely competitive, and our course will give students a competitive advantage for the entrance exams.

None of your child's time will be wasted during our course! All class time will focus on material required on your child's entrance exam. The homework assigned will be tailored to his/her individual needs and the unique features of his/her exam.

Your child can prepare for 2 or 3 different entrance exams with our single course. Class time will focus on the material common to all 3 exams. For homework, your child will have access to the individualized assignments specific to each entrance exam. To reinforce the skills necessary on specific exams, your child will spend time completing homework tailored to each exam.

Your child will receive weekly packets that include worksheets for use in class. These handouts include easy-to-understand teaching notes as well as practice questions. Our materials are designed to facilitate active-learning by striking the right balance between instruction and student participation. Students will also have access to weekly online homework assignments (in our online testing platform) that will allow them to hone the skills learned in class. These online assignments will mimic the format of the CPS HSAT. Students taking the HSPT and/or ISEE will be provided with supplementary handouts and have access to additional online homework assignments.

Students will take an online diagnostic exam (during Session 1) to measure their strengths and weaknesses. An online final exam will be administered (during Session 8) to measure how students have improved during the course. Additionally, graded homework assignments will provide insight into your child's weekly comprehension and improvement.

You will receive weekly emails from your child's teacher detailing what topics were covered in each class. Additionally, parents/students can access practice test results and weekly homework results in our online testing platform. These results include detailed analysis of each subtopic within each section.

Your child will be taught by one of Test Prep Chicago's highly skilled instructors. All Test Prep Chicago instructors have completed our intensive interview and training process.

Our course consists of 8 two-hour sessions offered once a week.

Classes will be held weekdays after school and on weekends. Classes will be taught in your child's middle school or, when necessary, at a nearby school or public classroom. We also offer online courses.

The tuition for our 8th grade courses is $565 (~$35/hour for in-class instruction). This tuition covers all in-class instruction, test prep material, and student feedback.

If you are interested in HSEE prep material but worry about your student’s performance in a course setting, we also provide individual tutoring. Individual sessions include the same material offered in the course, with students taking a diagnostic test prior to the first session, reviewing session packets and supplemental material with the tutor and completing session homework, and ending with a final exam.

Learn more here!