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Before anything else, we give your child a short placement test to understand their current skill level. This helps us identify their strengths, challenges, and areas that need the most attention.
Expert-Led ISEE Tutoring in New Jersey
With ISEE tutoring near you in New Jersey, we make test prep simple, flexible and focused on what your child needs to succeed.
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Score Higher With Trusted ISEE Tutoring in New Jersey
If your child is preparing for the ISEE, we're here to make things simpler and less overwhelming. At Genie Academy, our ISEE tutoring in New Jersey and nearby areas is built around your child's needs because no two learners are the same.
Our tutors take the time to explain concepts clearly and focus on helping your child truly understand the material, not just memorize it. With a flexible approach and supportive guidance, we help students gain the confidence they need to tackle the test.
No matter where you're located, Genie Academy offers ISEE tutoring across New Jersey, both in-person and online. From Piscataway, Princeton, and everywhere in between, we're here to support your child's success with a calm, encouraging approach.
How Does Genie Academy ISEE Tutoring Work?
Personalized Learning Plan
Using the assessment results, we build a custom ISEE prep plan customized to your child's needs, test level, and learning style.
ISEE Tutoring Starts
Our tutors work with your child in a supportive environment, either online or in person. We explain tricky concepts in simple ways, keep sessions engaging, and make sure your child fully understands the material.
Monitor Progress
We track your child's growth with regular check-ins and practice sessions. You'll receive progress updates, and we'll adjust the learning plan as they improve.
ISEE Levels
Primary Level ISEE
The Primary Level ISEE is for the youngest students applying to grades 2 through 4. It's a gentle introduction to standardized testing.
Who is it for?
Younger students getting ready to enter grades 2–4.
What's on the test?
- Reading – Basic reading comprehension using short passages and picture-based questions.
- Mathematics – Foundational math concepts such as addition, subtraction, and number sense.
- Auditory Comprehension – Only for Level 2. Students listen to a passage and answer related questions.
- No writing sample – the Primary Levels do not include an essay or writing portion.
How long is it?
About 53 to 60 minutes total, depending on the level, plus one 10-minute break.
What to expect
Age-appropriate and student-friendly. It assesses basic literacy and math skills in a low-stress environment, with breaks between sections and a supportive, encouraging tone.
Lower Level ISEE
The Lower Level ISEE is for students applying to grades 5 and 6, typically taken while they're in grades 4 or 5.
Who is it for?
Students currently in 4th or 5th grade applying to 5th or 6th grade at private or independent schools.
What's on the test?
- Verbal Reasoning – Tests vocabulary through synonyms and sentence completion.
- Quantitative Reasoning – Logic and problem-solving using basic math concepts.
- Reading Comprehension – Short passages with understanding-check questions.
- Math Achievement – Arithmetic, simple geometry, and word problems.
- Essay – A short prompt (not scored but sent to schools to review writing skills).
How long is it?
About 2 hours and 20 minutes, plus two 10-minute breaks.
What to expect
Focuses on fundamental academic skills, not trick questions — assessing how well a student can understand, apply, and reason through subjects they've already been learning.
Middle Level ISEE
The Middle Level ISEE is for students applying to grades 7 and 8.
Who is it for?
Students currently in grades 6 or 7 applying to grades 7 or 8 at independent or private schools.
What's on the test?
- Verbal Reasoning – Advanced synonyms and analogies testing vocabulary depth and logical word relationships.
- Quantitative Reasoning – Problem-solving and critical thinking using algebraic reasoning, proportions, decimals, and percentages.
- Reading Comprehension – Longer passages from literature, science, history, and social studies, testing inference, tone, main idea, and supporting detail.
- Math Achievement – Multi-step word problems, geometry basics, data interpretation, and pre-algebra concepts.
- Essay – A single written prompt (not scored but sent to schools as a writing sample).
How long is it?
About 2 hours and 40 minutes, plus two 10-minute breaks.
What to expect
Requires students to think critically and manage their time — a great opportunity to demonstrate academic readiness and writing ability to selective schools.
Upper Level ISEE
The Upper Level ISEE is the most advanced version of the exam, designed for students applying to grades 9 through 12.
Who is it for?
Students currently in grades 8–11 applying to grades 9–12 at private or independent schools.
What's on the test?
- Verbal Reasoning – Advanced vocabulary through challenging synonyms and complex analogies.
- Quantitative Reasoning – Algebra, exponents, word problems, probability, and geometry.
- Reading Comprehension – Longer, more sophisticated passages testing tone, purpose, inference, and evidence.
- Math Achievement – Multi-step algebraic equations, data analysis, geometry, and early-high-school concepts.
- Essay – A single essay prompt (not scored but sent to schools to assess writing ability).
How long is it?
About 2 hours and 40 minutes, not including short breaks.
What to expect
A comprehensive test reflecting the academic readiness of students entering competitive high schools — evaluating subject knowledge and how students think.
ISEE at a Glance: Levels, Sections, and Timing
Your child's ISEE level is set by the grade they are applying to, not the grade they are in now. Online and paper versions have the same number of questions, the same timing, and the same chance to change answers.
| ISEE Level | For Students Applying To | Sections | Testing Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary 2 | Grade 2 | Reading (with a few Auditory Comprehension questions read aloud) and Mathematics | 53 minutes + one 10-minute break |
| Primary 3 | Grade 3 | Reading and Mathematics | 54 minutes + one 10-minute break |
| Primary 4 | Grade 4 | Reading and Mathematics | 60 minutes + one 10-minute break |
| Lower | Grades 5–6 | Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, Reading Comprehension, Mathematics Achievement, unscored Essay | 2 hours 20 minutes + two 10-minute breaks |
| Middle | Grades 7–8 | Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, Reading Comprehension, Mathematics Achievement, unscored Essay | 2 hours 40 minutes + two 10-minute breaks |
| Upper | Grades 9–12 | Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, Reading Comprehension, Mathematics Achievement, unscored Essay | 2 hours 40 minutes + two 10-minute breaks |
What Each Section Measures (Lower, Middle, and Upper Levels)
The two reasoning sections show how a student thinks through new problems. The two achievement sections show specific strengths and gaps in what they have already learned. The Middle and Upper Levels use the same number of questions and the same timing.
| Section | Lower Level | Middle & Upper Levels | What It Covers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Verbal Reasoning | 34 questions · 20 min | 40 questions · 20 min | Vocabulary and word relationships. A reasoning section: it looks at how a student thinks, not just what they have been taught. |
| Quantitative Reasoning | 38 questions · 35 min | 37 questions · 35 min | Math reasoning and problem solving. Also a reasoning section, so it rewards understanding over memorized steps. |
| Reading Comprehension | 25 questions · 25 min | 36 questions · 35 min | Passages drawn from the sciences and humanities. An achievement section that shows reading strengths and gaps. |
| Mathematics Achievement | 30 questions · 30 min | 47 questions · 40 min | The math your child has learned in school. An achievement section that shows specific math strengths and gaps. |
| Essay | 1 prompt · 30 min | 1 prompt · 30 min | Not scored. A copy goes to every school on your score-recipient list, and families do not receive a copy. |
Question counts and timing per the official ISEE Quick Facts Guide 2026–2027. The ISEE is now provided by E3n, the nonprofit formed through the merger of ERB (Educational Records Bureau) and the Enrollment Management Association.
How ISEE Scoring Works
Scores are based only on correct answers. Wrong answers are not subtracted, so your child should answer every question. Each section is reported four ways:
Scaled score (760–940)
Converted from the number of correct answers so that a score means the same thing no matter which version of the test your child took. On its own, the number says little; the percentile and stanine give it meaning.
Percentile rank (1–99)
Not the percent of questions answered correctly. A 70 means your child scored the same as or higher than 70% of students in the same grade who took the ISEE over the past three years. Your child is only compared with students applying to the same grade.
Stanine (1–9)
A simpler nine-point scale built from percentiles. Stanines 4, 5, and 6 cover the middle 54 percentile points; stanines 1–3 and 7–9 cover the bottom and top 23 percentile points.
Stanine analysis
Compares the reasoning sections with the achievement sections. Each stanine is shown as a shaded band of plus or minus one (a 5 shows as 4–6), because a student's score can shift a little on a retest.
Online test scores are usually posted within three to five days. Paper test scores take five to ten days for grades 5–12 and seven to fourteen days for grades 2–4. There is no single passing score; each school decides what it is looking for.
ISEE Testing Seasons and How Often Your Child Can Test
The ISEE has no single national test date. Instead, students may register once per testing season, and there are three seasons. Score reports do not show how many times a student has tested.
Fall
August – November
Winter
December – March
Spring / Summer
April – July
For example, a student who tests in September has to wait for the Winter season, which starts in December, to test again. Registration is first come, first served, so book early, and check each school's score deadline before you pick a date.
Where Your Child Can Take the ISEE
The test itself is the same at every location. What changes is the setting, the format offered, and the fee.
At a member school
Many independent schools host the ISEE for local families, on paper or online depending on the school.
At an ISEE testing office
Small-group testing, with individual testing available for students with approved accommodations.
At a Prometric test center
Online only, for students applying to grades 5–12. Other people may be testing in the same room, and a parent or guardian must stay at the center for the whole test.
At home
Online only. A parent or guardian must be home for the entire test, and you will need to download the testing app, connect a second camera and complete a practice check-in at least three days before test day.
Students with a documented disability can receive testing accommodations. Apply for them and get a decision before you register; approvals last 24 months and are not flagged on the score report. Families who need financial help can ask the schools they are applying to about a fee waiver.
The ISEE and New Jersey Private Schools
Many New Jersey independent schools ask applicants for an entrance exam score, and the rules differ from school to school and even from grade to grade. Some accept either the ISEE or the SSAT, some prefer one, and some accept other tests for certain grades. Princeton Day School, for example, asks all Upper School applicants for SSAT or ISEE scores (applicants to 10th or 11th grade may send PSAT scores instead), asks Middle School applicants for SSAT (or ISEE) scores, and lists a January 15 deadline for receiving scores.
Before your child registers, check each school's admissions page for three things: which tests it accepts, which test level fits the grade your child is applying to, and the date scores must arrive. Then work backward. Testing early in the season leaves time for a second attempt in the next season if your child wants one.
If your schools accept both tests, the choice usually comes down to format and your child's strengths. Our SSAT tutoring page explains how that test is built, and our New Jersey test prep page covers all of our test prep programs.
Why Choose Genie Academy For ISEE Tutoring
Experienced ISEE Tutors
Our tutors know the ISEE inside and out. They're not just subject experts—they're skilled at teaching in ways that connect with each student's learning style.
Personalized Learning Plans
We start with a diagnostic assessment and build a prep plan around your child's strengths, needs, and ISEE test level (Primary, Lower, Middle, or Upper).
Flexible Scheduling
Busy schedule? No problem. We offer both in-person and online sessions across New Jersey, so tutoring works around your routine, not the other way around.
Progress You Can See
We provide regular updates, track improvements, and adjust plans as needed—so you always know where your child stands and how they're growing.
ISEE Tutoring Near You
With locations in East Brunswick, Hillsborough, Plainsboro, Marlboro, South Plainfield, and South Brunswick, and more, quality ISEE tutoring is always within reach in New Jersey.
Test Prep Options at Genie Academy Learning Center
Discover Our Success Stories
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Kindergartner Kosi is doing 2nd grade Math and 1st grade reading!
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Online student and 6th grader James gets placed in 9th grade math.
Kindergartener and abacus student Rishva gets into Somerset, NJ's Gifted and Talented Program.
Writing Genie student Hei Lui wins Talent in Writing Award.
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Online student Pranav gets into Plainsboro, NJ's Gifted and Talented Program.
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Zoe has improved her long term memory, raised her grades, and even has dreams to be a lawyer.
5th grader Chiranshi gets into the Accelerated Math Program.
Abacus student Michael gets into Marlboro, NJ's Accelerated Math Program.
Abacus student Gio gets accepted into East Brunswick's Gifted and Talented Program.
2nd grader Ryan went from hating Math to placing 3rd in Math competition.
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Jaynaly places Top 5 at a national writing competition and publishes a literary masterpiece.
Abacus graduate Angelina gets into the Gifted and Talented Program.
After a year of struggling, Matthew skyrocketed to the Honors list and won the award for best male student in class!
Long-time Genie Academy graduate stays ahead in accelerated math programs for 4 years and counting.
5th grader Zunaira gets into the prestigious Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth Program.
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4th grader Nikhil gets into the Gifted and Talented Program.
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7th grader Kirthna will be doing 9th grade Algebra 1 after passing the Honors exam.
5th grader Joshua gets into South Brunswick NJ's Double Advanced Math Program.
Rishi gets into South Brunswick's Accelerated Math Program for two years in a row.
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4th grader Meghana skips two grade levels in Math!
5th grader Grishmaa achieved a level 5 score on the PARCC Assessments!
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Abacus graduate Dara receives prestigious President's Award for Educational Excellence!
2nd grader Katherine goes from struggling academically to scoring in the 99th percentile of the Iowa Assessments.
Abacus student Anish gets selected for Math Olympiad and makes honor roll two years in a row!
Longtime Genie Academy student Tyler gets into East Brunswick's Gifted and Talented Program.
3rd grader Alex gets into Marlboro, NJ's Honors Math and Language Arts Program.
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4th grader Arnav gets into North Brunswick NJ's Gifted and Talented Program.
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Meet Our Team
Our experienced coaches are dedicated, passionate, and committed to uncovering your student's genius — and to making learning fun.
Mohit S Jain
My goal is to stop the wasted potential and help students learn to their full potential.
Naina Jain
I believe geniuses are not born, they are trained.
Angela Dias
The highest education is that which does not merely give us information but makes our life in harmony with all existence."by Rabindranath Tagore
Fatima Mir
What you learn, will never leave you!
Paola Ramirez
Education is empowerment!
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Rima Ray
Never let the fear of striking out stop you from playing the game.
Mya Balis
Learning is the key to unlocking success.
Takuma Fukuzumi
Practice makes habits; educators are here to teach the right ones!
Alexandra Mossinghoff
A love of learning will take you far!
Ana Geraldes
The more you learn, the more you grow — the more you grow, the further you’ll go!
Bhavya Kandra
Learning is an adventure!
Cassie Starek
The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you'll go.” - Dr. Seuss
Frequently Asked Questions
Who should take the ISEE?
The ISEE (Independent School Entrance Exam) is designed for students applying to private or independent schools for grades 2–12. It helps schools evaluate academic readiness and is commonly required as part of the admissions process.
Should students take the ISEE or the SSAT?
It depends on the school. Some accept both, while others prefer one over the other. If your target school accepts either, we can help you choose based on your child's strengths, as the tests differ in format and question style.
How is the ISEE scored?
Students receive scaled scores (760–940), percentile rankings, and stanines (1–9) for each section. Schools use these results to compare applicants across a wide range of grade levels and regions.
How early should my child start preparing for the ISEE?
We typically recommend starting 3–6 months in advance, depending on your child's current skill level and confidence. Starting early gives plenty of time to build strong test strategies and reduce test-day stress.
How many times can my child take the ISEE?
Students may register for the ISEE once per testing season. There are three seasons: Fall (August–November), Winter (December–March), and Spring/Summer (April–July), so a student can test up to three times across those seasons. Score reports do not show how many times a student has tested.
Can my child take the ISEE at home?
Yes. At-home testing is offered in the online format only. A parent or guardian must be home for the whole test, and families complete a practice check-in with a second camera at least three days before test day. Students can also test at a member school, an ISEE testing office, or (for grades 5–12) a Prometric test center.
Is the ISEE essay scored?
No. The essay on the Lower, Middle, and Upper Levels is not scored. A copy is sent to each school that receives your scores, so it still matters. The Primary Levels (grades 2–4) have no writing portion.
We Love Hearing How We've Helped Change Families' Lives
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"The reading tutor, Ms. Ana, was very helpful in improving my child's vocabulary. She was patient and understanding. I would recommend Genie Academy to friends and family. This is a good after-school program for children to receive extra support in school."
"So far so good it’s been only couple of weeks, the coach has been helpful and willing to come up with a strategy to help my kids excel in school"
"Coach Kim is an exceptional teacher who is thorough and attentive. She is very transparent with my child’s progress and what needs to be done. She is someone who I would recommend as a coach."
"Even my son started to go from last year and I see the improvement in his math and he is ending with honor all in math in 8th grade so I am so proud of him as well his math teacher Mr Takuma and advisor Ms Fatima"
"Hi, My son Ashwin is going to Genie academy. It is very good. He is doing well. He is going to 4th grade. His coach is Ana . She teaches well and he enjoys going to genie academy."
"Coach Siya has been good and very patient with me daughter she loves her and loves going to genie academy"
"My two preschoolers are enrolled. Ms. Sydney has been very helpful and insightful. This has really helped me at home with their progress."
"Coach Sydney has been very helpful and supportive. Our daughter is making progress and we are excited for her to continue to grow her skills and confidence."
"Highly recommend for parents looking for good tutoring classes for their kids. Coach Ana for reading & writing and Coach Takuma for Math are wonderful!"
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