If your child is applying to top private schools in Washington, D.C., we recommend starting SSAT prep about 4 to 6 months before the test date. That might sound early, but in the world of competitive admissions, early prep is like early boarding—you get the best seat. Starting early gives your child time to build familiarity with the exam structure, sharpen skills section by section, and grow confidence along the way.

D.C. students are often juggling APs, honors classes, violin practice, debate tournaments, and maybe even Model UN, so last-minute cramming is rarely the move. Our approach spreads out the workload to make prep more manageable and less panic-inducing. It also leaves room for mock tests, review sessions, and reinforcement in areas that need extra love (hello, math section). The earlier you start, the less stressful it becomes—and the better the results.

Yes—and no. It depends on where you’re applying and what the rest of your application looks like. For many top private schools in D.C., like Sidwell Friends, Georgetown Day, and Maret, the SSAT is still considered a key data point in the admissions process. Even if a school says it’s “test-optional,” a great SSAT score can absolutely give your application a boost, especially in a highly competitive applicant pool.

The SSAT gives admissions teams something standardized to compare across students from very different schools and curricula. That said, it’s not the only piece of the puzzle. A weak SSAT score can be offset by strong grades, essays, and recommendations—but a strong SSAT score paired with all of those? That’s gold. So yes, the SSAT is still a major player, and we treat it like one. But we also know how to position it wisely as part of a broader admissions strategy.

Glad you asked! Our SSAT prep program is not a one-size-fits-all workbook marathon. It’s a personalized, strategic plan designed to help your child master the test with confidence, clarity, and just the right amount of challenge. We begin with a full-length diagnostic exam to see where your child stands. From there, we build a custom plan that targets weaknesses, reinforces strengths, and builds real test-day stamina.

Our sessions include one-on-one tutoring in verbal, reading, and quantitative reasoning, plus the all-important writing sample. We also run full-length, timed mock exams so students know exactly what the real test will feel like—no surprises, just strategy. Our tutors are experts not only in SSAT content but also in the art of keeping students engaged (no eye-roll-inducing lectures here). Think of it as prep with personality, precision, and a track record of top scores.

We’re not your average tutoring company, and this isn’t your average test prep. At Cardinal Education, we don’t believe in cookie-cutter plans or drill-and-kill sessions. We build custom prep plans based on your child’s goals, academic background, and dream schools. Whether your student attends a top D.C. school or is coming from a less traditional background, we meet them where they are—and elevate them from there.

Our tutors are handpicked for their expertise, trained to teach with strategy and empathy, and equipped with proprietary materials you won’t find on bookstore shelves. We focus on smart prep, not just hard prep. That means building test-taking strategies, managing pacing, and boosting confidence, not just memorizing vocab lists and reviewing math formulas. Families across D.C. choose us because we don’t just help students pass—we help them shine. And when test day rolls around, they’re not just prepared—they’re ready to impress.