We Teach Thinking, Not Test Tricks
ISEE prep that builds reasoning skills — not just test scores.
Your child doesn't need flash cards. They need to learn how to think through problems they've never seen before.
The Reality Check
Most ISEE Prep Doesn't Work.
Here's Why.
The ISEE doesn't test what your child memorized.
It tests whether they can reason through problems they've never seen before.
Drill books can't teach that.
"The students who score highest aren't the ones who practiced the most problems. They're the ones who know what to do when they're stuck."
— Sean Kivi, Founder
❌ Workbooks that drill the same problem type 50 times
❌ Vocabulary lists with no context or strategy
❌ "Test tricks" that fall apart on unfamiliar questions
❌ Group classes where no one checks if your child understood
What the ISEE Actually Tests
127 questions across four scored sections, plus an essay. Here's what your child needs to be ready for.
ISEE Lower Level
Test Format
For students entering grades 5-6 · 2 hours 20 minutes total
| Section | Questions | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Verbal Reasoning | 34 | 20 min |
| Quantitative Reasoning | 38 | 35 min |
| Reading Comprehension | 25 | 25 min |
| Mathematics Achievement | 30 | 30 min |
| Essay | 1 prompt | 30 min |
No penalty for wrong answers. Stanine 7+ expected at competitive schools.
The Real Challenge
The ISEE Tests Thinking.
Most Prep Teaches Memorizing.
A typical ISEE prep course teaches your child to recognize problem types and apply formulas.
But the ISEE is designed to ask questions your child hasn't practiced. That means they need to:
- Break down unfamiliar word problems
- Use context clues for vocabulary they haven't memorized
- Find evidence in reading passages — not guess from memory
- Manage time across 127 questions under pressure
Flash cards teach recognition.
We teach what to do when the answer isn't obvious.
What You'll Get
We combine the best materials with the coaching piece no workbook can replace.
Beast Academy
Builds mathematical reasoning — not just computation. Your child learns to think about why math works, which is exactly what ISEE Quantitative Reasoning tests.
Covers: Quantitative Reasoning · Mathematics Achievement
Wordly Wise
Builds vocabulary systematically through context — not memorization. Words are learned in families and patterns, so your child can figure out new words on test day.
Covers: Verbal Reasoning · Reading Comprehension
Metacognitive Coaching
This is what separates us. We teach your child what to do when they're stuck — the thinking process behind every answer. No workbook teaches this.
Covers: All sections · Essay strategy · Time management
What a Typical Session Looks Like
We Know the Schools Your Child Is Applying To
Every school has different expectations. We prepare your child for the specific school they want to attend.
American Heritage Schools
Plantation & Delray Beach
#1 Private K-12 in Florida · $43,825/year · Stanine 7+ expected
Pine Crest School
Fort Lauderdale & Boca Raton
Blue Ribbon School · Highly competitive admissions
Ransom Everglades
Coconut Grove
Top-tier college placement · Stanine 7-9 expected
Gulliver Preparatory
Pinecrest
30+ AP courses · Strong STEM and arts programs
Palmer Trinity School
Palmetto Bay
37 countries represented · Episcopal tradition
NSU University School
Davie
Strong STEM focus · University partnership advantages
Also serving families applying to Saint Andrew's (Boca Raton), Miami Country Day, and other Florida private schools requiring the ISEE.
Why Us
We Don't Just Prep for Tests.
We Teach How to Think.
Metacognitive approach
We teach your child what to do when they don't know the answer — the thinking process behind solving unfamiliar problems. This transfers to every subject, not just the ISEE.
One-on-one only
No group classes. Every session is tailored to where your child is right now and what they need next. We see the gap in real time and address it immediately.
Research-based methods
Our methods come from Cognitively Guided Instruction — the same framework used in top academic settings to teach reasoning, not memorization.
Sean Kivi
Founder, LU English
Is This Right for Your Child?
This IS for your child if...
They're applying to a competitive private school that requires the ISEE
They're smart but freeze on unfamiliar problem types
You want them to build real skills, not just learn test tricks
They need individual attention — not a one-size-fits-all group course
You want a tutor who explains what your child needs — not just assigns problems
This is NOT for your child if...
You're looking for the cheapest option available
You want someone to just give your child answer keys
Your child won't do practice between sessions
You need in-person sessions (we are 100% online)
The test is next week (we recommend starting 3-6 months before)
Frequently Asked Questions
Start with a Diagnostic
Find out exactly where your child stands — and what to focus on.
What's Included in the $50 Diagnostic:
One-time diagnostic · Ongoing sessions $50/hour
Have questions before booking?
Send Us a MessageReady to Get Started?
$50 diagnostic tells you exactly what your child needs.