The Independent School Entrance Exam (ISEE) is a rigorous standardized test used by many of the country’s most competitive independent schools as part of the admissions process. Comprising five sections — Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, Reading Comprehension, Mathematics Achievement, and an unscored personal essay — the test is designed to challenge students’ breadth and depth of knowledge, their analytical thinking, and their ability to perform under time constraints.

At Grey Eyed Owl, we treat ISEE preparation as more than a checklist of drills and diagnostics — it’s a long-form academic journey, one that sharpens both intellect and character. Our ISEE prep typically begins in the winter of 7th grade, giving students ample time to build foundational skills, internalize strategies, and cultivate the confidence needed for fall test dates in October and November of 8th grade.

Throughout their preparation, students move through three distinct phases: a diagnostic and fundamentals stage, a strategy and enrichment phase, and a final sprint toward mastery and timing. We emphasize skill-building over shortcuts, anchoring vocabulary through the Owl’s Master List, strengthening grammar through sentence-level study, and approaching math conceptually — not just computationally. Even the essay is treated with intention, helping students find a clear, confident voice that reflects their intellect and creativity.

At Grey Eyed Owl, we view the ISEE not as a hurdle, but as an invitation — an opportunity for students to sharpen their minds, refine their skills, and step into a more self-assured academic identity. The test is rigorous, yes, but with time, patience, and guidance, our students learn to meet it with clarity, curiosity, and command. By the time test day arrives, they are not only prepared — they are transformed.