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Support to excel on the ISEE.

Get matched with your ideal tutor. Enjoy personalized sessions and engaging tools. Then, gain the confidence to ace the ISEE.

Prepare them for the ISEE.

The ISEE is an important admissions test for selective middle and high schools. It's administered in levels: Lower (students in grades 4 and 5), Middle (students in grades 6 and 7) and Upper (students in grades 8 - 11). Students receive a scaled score (760 to 940), percentile (1 to 99), and stanine score (1 to 9) for each section. Our tutors are experts at nurturing and challenging young test takers so they feel confident and ready to obtain their best results.

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+130
Average point spike
working with Applerouth.

Test prep your way.

We offer private ISEE tutoring for that one-on-one, personal touch. Our expert tutors will work to customize the techniques and approaches that are the most effective for your learning needs.

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Hours

The hours you need. No more, no less.

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Tutors

Select the level of your tutor.

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Flexible

Anywhere.
Any time.

What's the format like?

There’s a lot of content to get through, but the test-makers didn’t design this exam as a race against the clock. Keep timing in the back of your mind, focus on what’s in front of you, guess when you’re not sure — there’s no penalty! — and you’ll make it through.

Synonyms & sentence completions.

40 questions.

20
Minutes
40
Questions

Word problems & quantitative comparisons.

37 questions.

35
Minutes
37
Questions
Break
10 Min

Reading comprehension.

35 minutes, 6 passages, 36 questions.

35
Minutes
36
Questions

Math achievement.

47 questions.

40
Minutes
47
Questions
Break
10 Min

Essay.

1 question.

30
Minutes
1
Question

Applerouth's Process

From advisement to post-service follow up, we come alongside you on your journey.

1. Craft a plan.

Schedule an appointment with a Program Director to discuss which of our learning experiences would work best for you.

2. Tutor matching.

Get matched to the perfect tutor for you, based on learning needs, personality, and educational goals.

3. Start learning.

Make leaps and bounds in whatever it is you need help with the most - and then some. Get ready to feel more confident by the end.

Meet Some of Our Amazing Tutors

They all bring something unique to the table meaning there's a good match for every student. What they all have in common? An insatiable drive to help your student succeed.

Jenna Berk

Jenna Berk

Areas of Expertise:

Test Prep: SAT, ACT, SSAT, ISEE, HSPT
Academic: Algebra, English, Geometry, PreCalculus, Writing
Executive Function Coaching

About
Jenna Berk

Jenna, the IEC Account Manager for DC, Maryland, and Virginia, joined Applerouth in 2012, bringing a dynamic mix of creativity and rigor. An Echols Scholar at the University of Virginia, Jenna earned a B.A. in English (with distinction) and a minor in Theatre, blending her love of storytelling with a supportive and motivating teaching style. Known for her encouraging and reassuring approach, Jenna reminds students, "Don't let the test get inside your head - and remember, it's always simpler than you think." In her downtime,  Jenna enjoys reading, rooting for the Nationals, and spending time with her dog.

Parent Praise

“Jenna is the best! She really understood my son’s needs and tailored her approach to support him. She was patient and understanding. My son’s SAT scores improved and working with Jenna was an all-around great experience.”

John Cadenhead

John Cadenhead

Areas of Expertise:

Test Prep: SAT, ACT
Executive Function Coaching

About
John Cadenhead

A triple-major graduate of Emory University in Religion, History, and Art, John holds an MA in Religious Studies and an MAT in Teaching with a focus on Social Studies. Since joining Applerouth in 2009, John has become a sought-after Executive Functioning coach and a stand-out tutor, known for helping students build systems for success and think like test writers. He explains, “The difference between a high score and a perfect score is the difference between thinking like a test-taker and a test-writer.” As Applerouth’s Director of Training, John develops programs and trains educators nationwide on using Appleruth’s curriculum and methods. Outside of work, he enjoys writing comics, studying pedagogy, and spending time with his family.

Parent Praise

“My son received his ACT scores today and finally got that 35! He did especially well in English, the section he focused on most with you. Thanks again for all of your time and expertise with the test prep. We’ll be sending our other son your way in a few years!”

Shara-Sue Crump

Shara-Sue Crump

Areas of Expertise:

Test Prep: SAT, ACT, SSAT
AP: Studio Art
Academic: Algebra, English, French, Geometry, PreCalculus, Writing

About
Shara-Sue Crump

With degrees in Art Marketing and Art Education from Georgia universities, Shara-Sue joined Applerouth in 2014, bringing eight years of experience teaching Special Education, Math, and Visual Art at the middle and high school levels. As a Senior Tutor Manager, her lively, adaptive, and energetic style empowers students to build confidence and conquer test anxiety to be fully prepared for test day. Known for her dedication and willingness to go the extra mile for students and families, Shara-Sue creates a supportive and engaging learning environment. When not tutoring, Shara-Sue enjoys creating art, traveling, and exploring Atlanta’s vibrant cultural scene.

Parent Praise

"Shara-Sue is the most incredible tutor! We are so appreciative of Applerouth for matching us with her. We are thrilled with the help and leadership she has provided to our daughters, who adore her. She is truly wonderful."

Eric Garbe

Eric Garbe

Areas of Expertise:

Test Prep: SAT, ACT, SSAT, ISEE, SHSAT
AP: Algebra 1 & 2, Calculus, Calculus AB & BC, Comparative Government & Politics, English Language, English Literature, PreCalculus
Academic: Geometry, Physics, PreCalculus

About
Eric Garbe

Eric is a transformative educator known for helping students master even the most challenging concepts. A National Merit Scholar and graduate of the University of Georgia, Eric joined Applerouth in 2015 and also serves as a Tutor Manager, mentoring other Applerouth tutors. He employs a scaffolding approach to learning, offering structured support and step-by-step guidance that helps students build confidence and independence. Eric explains, "I focus on building, starting with areas of strength or familiarity and using those concepts to build confidence and bridge into new ideas." Outside of tutoring, Eric enjoys reading and cooking.

Parent Praise

“While my son started his tutoring sessions reluctantly, he has been pleasantly surprised by how helpful they’ve been. He enjoys learning new concepts and test strategies from Eric.  Just the other day, my son mentioned that he wishes Eric were his teacher at school.”

Lynda Ratmeyer

Lynda Ratmeyer

Areas of Expertise:

Test Prep: SAT, ACT, SSAT, ISEE, SHSAT
AP: Biology, Calculus AB, Chemistry
Academic: Algebra, Biology, Chemistry, PreCalculus, Trigonometry

About
Lynda Ratmeyer

Lynda joined Applerouth in 2016, bringing over 20 years of experience as a Montessori high school math and science teacher. With a BS in Biology and a PhD in Biophysical Chemistry from Georgia State University, Lynda combines deep expertise with a patient, reassuring approach. She describes her tutoring style as student-centered and adaptive: "I excel when I work one-on-one, adjusting to each student's learning style." Inspired by her children, Lynda left science research to pursue teaching. Outside of work, she enjoys hiking, yoga, drawing, and gardening, and as an ordained Zen Buddhist monk, she values balance and inspiration in her life.

Parent Praise

“Lynda, I just wanted to reach out and share what an impact you are having on my daughter’s academic success this semester. She is getting a ‘super A’ in AP Pre-Calculus and feels confident about her upcoming SAT test.”

Chelsea Benoit

Chelsea Benoit

Areas of Expertise:

Test Prep: SAT, ACT, SSAT, ISEE
AP: Biology
Academic: Biology, Chemistry

About
Chelsea Benoit

Chelsea, the Seattle-area Tutor Manager, joined Applerouth in 2016 with a strong background as a college-level science instructor. A former International Baccalaureate student, she earned a Bachelor’s in Biological Science and dual Master’s degrees in Biology and Science Education from Florida State University, where she also conducted lab research and taught undergraduates. Chelsea takes a student-led approach to tutoring, saying, “I don’t give direct answers; instead, I ask questions to guide students toward a problem-solving process they can use in the future.” Outside of work, she enjoys rock climbing, cooking, and playing bass guitar.

Parent Praise

“Our daughter is so fortunate to have Chelsea as her tutor. She was struggling last semester, but with Chelsea’s help, she improved significantly this semester. She had more than 10 tutors before, and Chelsea is the best tutor she has ever had. She ROCKS!”

Matt Kiesner

Matt Kiesner

Areas of Expertise:

Test Prep: SAT, ACT, SSAT, ISEE

About
Matt Kiesner

Matt joined Applerouth in 2011 and quickly became a key curriculum designer, developing numerous lessons and practice tests, while serving as the primary author of the SSAT and writing guides. With a BA from UC Santa Barbara and an MA from Emory University, where he taught for nearly a decade, Matt’s creative teaching style helps students build strong academic foundations. He is praised by many families for his engaging approach, good sense of humor, and proven success. Outside of work, Matt enjoys watching movies, making music, and cooking.

Parent Praise

“My daughter got her test scores this morning and we are on Cloud 9! She got her best scores in both R/W and Math for a 1530 total. Matt, I am certain her ability to understand the test and to have confidence in her own abilities is a direct reflection on her time spent tutoring with you.”

Sarah Fletcher

Sarah Fletcher

Areas of Expertise:

Test Prep: SAT, ACT, SSAT, ISEE

About
Sarah Fletcher

A Harvey Mudd College graduate with advanced studies in Mathematics and Theoretical Computer Science from Georgia Tech, Sarah has been with Applerouth since 2013. As the company’s Math Specialist, she shapes SAT/ACT math content and oversees the curriculum department while also excelling as a math and science tutor. Sarah’s tutoring philosophy is rooted in simplifying complex problems: “It’s good to keep the big picture in mind, but the best approach to almost any problem is to take things one step at a time.” In her free time, she enjoys knitting, baking, and singing in her choir.

Parent Praise

“My daughter likes Sarah’s style and how she helps break things into manageable pieces. She feels Sarah is already helping her better understand the concepts.”

ISEE Test and Registration Dates

The ISEE follows 3 testing seasons per year -- Winter (December-March), Spring/Summer (April-July), and Fall (August-November). Students can take the exam once per testing season. It’s smart to sit for the ISEE a few times. It takes the pressure off, and allows students to find their rhythm in the testing arena.

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Aug-Nov
Fall
Dec-Mar
Winter
Apr-July
Spring

Explore What's Happening

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Jed Applerouth, PhD
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Making the Move: A First-Timer’s Guide to Private School Admissions

A first-timer's guide to private school admissions, this article clarifies the differences between the SSAT and ISEE standardized tests. It answers common questions about test preparation, scoring, and how schools use these exams to evaluate applicants.

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October 3, 2025

Parents, Phones, and the Anxious Generation

Cell phones and social media have been identified as a major factor in the decline of teen mental health and focus in the classroom. In response, schools nationwide are implementing strict phone bans to improve learning environments and encourage human connection. This article explores the movement’s momentum, its critics, and what’s ahead for families.

Jed Applerouth, PhD
September 3, 2025

Scaffold Less, Support Smarter with EF Coaching: How to Help Your Teen Build Independence Before the College Transition

If your teen’s college transition is here, now’s the time to help them step confidently into independence. Executive Function coaching builds organization, focus, and self-management skills for life beyond home. A few targeted sessions now can smooth this big leap and set them up for lasting success.

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September 3, 2025
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Want the ISEE in a nutshell?

We’re way ahead of you – and we have just the thing. Download our one-pager for the perfect visual guide.

Schedule an appointment with a Program Director.

Questions? Need some advice? We're here to help.

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