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, reading comprehension and language content universal to all three entrance exams and the science material specific to the PreACT 9.

Our course is the only one in Chicago that prepares students for all three entrance exams. While the majority of class content is focused on topics common to all of the exams (class time will be spent on the science section on the PreACT 9), homework assignments are personalized to focus on only the exams relevant to each student.

Test Prep Chicago is a Licensed Provider of Official ACT® Content, and our material includes Officially Licensed ACT® Content. Test Prep Chicago is a licensed participant in the NTPA ACT Affiliate Tutor Program.

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 PreACT 9 Secure. 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). All three exams are nationally recognized entrance exams.

Many of the main topics covered on all three exams are very similar: math, reading comprehension and language (grammar skills). 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 PreACT 9 includes a science section and students are allowed to use a calculator on the math section. The ISEE includes an essay. Many parochial high schools have also begun requiring students to complete an essay after taking the HSPT.

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.

If your student is taking the PreACT 9, this course is a good fit. If your student is taking the PreACT 9 + the HSPT and/or the ISEE, this course is a good fit. If your student is only taking the HSPT and/or the ISEE, then we recommend you pursue individual tutoring. We will offer HSPT specific test prep courses in October and November leading up to the HSPT test date on Saturday, 12/5.

If your student is taking the PreACT 9 + the HSPT and/or the ISEE, this course is a good fit. If your student is only taking the HSPT and the ISEE, then we recommend you pursue individual tutoring. Class time will focus on the material common to the PreACT 9 and HSPT/ISEE. Students will receive supplemental material for the HSPT and/or ISEE if a student is taking one of those exams in addition to the PreACT 9. Additionally, students will have access to HSPT and ISEE specific homework assignments in addition to homework assignments designed for the PreACT 9.

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 PreACT 9. 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 is 16 hours. The course consists of 8 two-hour sessions or 4 four-hour sessions.

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 $575 (~$36/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!