Families considering private or independent schools should start planning about two years ahead, since admissions often include the ISEE (Independent School Entrance Exam) or the High School Placement Test (HSPT). Mathnasium of Center City offers a targeted Test Prep program to help students prepare for admission to schools such as Friends Select, Germantown Friends, St. Joseph’s Prep, and competitive public magnet schools like Masterman, Carver, Palumbo, SLA and Central High School by focusing on the specific areas each student needs to strengthen.
Get Ready for the ISEE/HSTP with Mathnasium of Center City
Targeted Prep. Proven Approach. Long-Term Success.
The ISEE is a nationally recognized admissions exam used by top private schools to assess a student’s readiness in verbal reasoning, reading comprehension, quantitative reasoning, and mathematics. For many families, preparing for this exam is a critical part of the admissions process—and that's where Mathnasium of Center City can help.
At Mathnasium of Center City, we offer a comprehensive three/four-month ISEE/HSPT Test Prep Program specifically designed to strengthen students' math performance on the exam. This is not a generic test prep course. It’s a focused, two-sessions-per-week program (90 minutes each) tailored to your child’s unique skill level and learning needs.
Step 1: Take a Baseline Practice Test
Every student begins by completing a full-length ISEE/HSTP practice test at our center. This assessment gives us a clear picture of their current proficiency and allows us to build a custom learning plan.
Month 1-2: Individualized Math Instruction
Using results from the baseline test and our proprietary curriculum, we spend the first two months addressing gaps and reinforcing key concepts aligned to the ISEE/HSTP’s quantitative and mathematics achievement sections. Our goal during this phase is to ensure the student is confident and fluent in grade-level math—a must for ISEE/HSTP readiness.
Month 3-4: Strategic Practice and Test Simulation
The final two months are focused on full-length practice tests, timing strategies, and targeted review. Students work through real practice questions under test-like conditions to improve accuracy, pacing, and stamina. By test day, they are not only academically prepared but mentally ready for success.
Our ISEE/HSTP program is ideal for students who are already performing at or near grade level in math and are looking to boost their score for admission into competitive schools. While Mathnasium’s core mission is long-term math mastery, we understand the importance of short-term goals like test prep. However, we are not a remediation service for test prep—students more than two grade levels behind should first enroll in our regular Mathnasium program to build foundational skills.
Mathnasium has been trusted by families for decades for one reason: we teach math in a way that makes sense. Our unique curriculum focuses on deep conceptual understanding and building number sense, not rote memorization. We don’t just prepare students for a test—we equip them with the mathematical thinking and problem-solving tools they’ll use for years to come.
Timeline
When students take it: Fall–Winter of Grade 5 or 6
When to start prep: 12–18 months in advance
Grade 3–early Grade 4: Build strong foundations in arithmetic, fractions, word problems, and reading comprehension
Late Grade 4: Introduce ISEE-style questions and test format
Grade 5 (spring–summer): Focused ISEE prep, pacing, and test strategies
Fall/Winter of Grade 5: Take the exam
When students take it: Fall–Winter of Grade 7 or 8
When to start prep: 18–24 months in advance
Grade 5–early Grade 6: Strengthen math fundamentals, ratios, integers, and reading skills
Late Grade 6: Begin exposure to ISEE question types
Grade 7 (spring–summer): Dedicated test prep, timed practice, and strategy work
Fall/Winter of Grade 7: Take the exam
When students take it: Fall–Winter of Grade 8 or 9
When to start prep: 18–24 months in advance
Grade 6–early Grade 7: Solidify pre-algebra, algebra concepts, and advanced word problems
Late Grade 7: Introduce full-length practice and higher-level reasoning
Grade 8 (spring–summer): Intensive ISEE prep, pacing, and confidence building
Fall/Winter of Grade 8: Take the exam
The ISEE tests grade-level mastery plus higher-level reasoning, so long-term preparation allows students to build skills gradually, reduce stress, and perform at their best.
Ready to Get Started?
Step one is to schedule a free Math Skills Assessment at Mathnasium of Center City. Let us evaluate your child’s readiness and determine if the ISEE/HSTP Test Prep Program is the right fit.
Spots for our ISEE/HSTP prep program are limited and fill quickly. Reserve your child’s spot today and give them the confidence and preparation they need to succeed on the ISEE/HSTP.
Mathnasium of Center City
Changing Lives Through Math
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Mathnasium of Center City is a math-only learning center for K-12 students in Philadelphia, PA. Trusted by over a million parents, Mathnasium uses personalized learning plans and the proprietary Mathnasium Method™ to help students catch up, keep up, and get ahead on their math journey.
Our specially trained tutors deliver face-to-face instruction in a supportive and fun small-group environment, working with students to develop a deep understanding of math, build confidence, and improve academic performance.
Schedule Assessment
(215) 358-6284
(215) 358-6284
