Understanding the Primary ISEE in 60 Seconds
A Parent's Guide
Is your child applying to a private or independent school for grades 2, 3 or 4?
Then you’re probably hearing a lot about the Primary ISEE. At Learning Journey, we specialize in making test prep age-appropriate, stress-free, and fun. In this guide, we break down the Primary ISEE Levels 2, 3 and 4, explain what’s on the test, and share expert tips for success.
Overview
The Primary ISEE is a standardized entrance exam used by top private and independent schools across the U.S. It’s designed for younger students applying to grades 2, 3 and 4. Administered on a computer, the test focuses on foundational reading and math skills.
Test Dates
A student may take the Primary ISEE up to three times in a year. The Primary ISEE schedule is divided into three seasons: Fall, Winter, and Spring/Summer. A student may only take the test once per season.
Subjects covered
- Primary ISEE 2
- Auditory Comprehension, Reading Comprehension, & Mathematics
- Primary ISEE 3
- Reading Comprehension & Mathematics
- Primary ISEE 4
- Reading Comprehension & Mathematics
How to Prepare
- Read aloud daily to build listening skills (Primary ISEE 2)
- Read early chapter books together and ask related questions
- Discuss themes, vocabulary, and inferences while reading
- Work on basic problem-solving and data interpretation
- Strengthen skills in addition, subtraction, division, multiplication
- Practice place value, word problems and multistep problems