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The HSPT isn’t just about knowing the answers. It’s about knowing how to take the test without melting down. At Cardinal Education, we help San Diego families crack the HSPT with one-on-one tutoring, smart study plans, and mock tests that feel just like the real thing.
Whether your child needs help brushing up on reading, math, or just calming the butterflies, we make sure they walk in cool, confident, and ready to wow the admissions team.
The High School Placement Test, or HSPT if you’re not into long names, is what many Catholic and parochial high schools use to size up applicants. In San Diego, it matters a lot. The twist? You only get one shot per admissions cycle. No take-twos. No makeups. It’s a one-and-done situation, so you want to get it right the first time.
The test covers five main areas:
If you’ve got your sights set on San Diego’s top Catholic schools, the smartest move is to start early. Full-length practice tests and focused tutoring can turn nerves into confidence and help your child walk into test day smiling like it’s summer break.
When it comes to HSPT prep, there’s no such thing as one-size-fits-all. That’s why San Diego parents come to us. We skip the boring worksheets and ditch the bare minimum approach. Instead, we craft a prep plan that’s built around your child’s strengths, struggles, and big Catholic school dreams.
No pop quizzes. No gotchas. Our practice tests mirror the actual HSPT in timing, format, and scoring, so your child walks into test day feeling like it’s just another run-through.
We start with a full-length diagnostic test to see what your child already rocks and what needs a little extra love. From there, we build a plan that actually makes sense—not just one that looks good on paper.
We go beyond drills. Our coaching covers the test material and how to play it smart. That means pacing, educated guessing, and staying calm when the clock’s ticking.
Practice makes progress. We keep the momentum going with regular full-length tests that help us fine-tune the plan, track growth, and high-five every improvement along the way.
Whether you’re navigating carpool in La Jolla or squeezing in study time between surf sessions in Encinitas, we’ve got you. Our HSPT prep works around your life, offering both in-person and online options that actually fit your family’s schedule.
We work with families all over San Diego, from Del Mar to Mission Hills to wherever students are dreaming big about Catholic school. If your neighborhood has a beach, a burrito spot, or a decent Wi-Fi signal, we’re probably already there.
The HSPT usually shows up in January, but the real magic happens way before that. Starting a few months early means less stress, more confidence, and a much better shot at those top schools.
A little early prep goes a long way. Starting ahead gives your child time to really learn the material, chill out about the test, and squeeze in those crucial practice runs.
Got a late start? Totally fine. Life happens. Our crash-course style programs are built for families who need results, fast. We focus on the must-know stuff and smart strategies that give your child the biggest boost in the shortest time.
Big dreams start with a strong plan. We’ll give your child the tools, strategies, and confidence to tackle the HSPT and stand out in San Diego’s competitive Catholic school admissions scene. Let’s make test day their time to shine.
In San Diego, the HSPT usually makes its grand entrance in January, right after the holiday season. Most Catholic high schools follow this timeline, though a few may offer alternate dates in December or February. Each school sets its own test date, so it’s important to check directly with the admissions office or school website.
Early registration is your friend here. It gives you time to prepare, secure a spot, and avoid last-minute scrambles. Starting prep 4 to 6 months in advance is ideal. That way, your child walks into the testing room feeling calm, confident, and totally ready. Think of it as training for a big game. You wouldn’t want to wing it the night before.
The HSPT is like that serious cousin who only visits once but expects to be remembered forever. Unlike the SSAT or ISEE, which allow multiple test attempts, the HSPT gives students one shot per admissions season. No retakes. No second chances. It’s also created specifically for Catholic high school admissions, while the SSAT and ISEE are used more widely by private and independent schools.
The HSPT includes five sections: verbal skills, quantitative reasoning, reading, math, and language. There’s no writing section, which is a nice break for kids who dread essays. It’s a fast-paced, multiple-choice test, and the format is consistent across schools. So while all three are tough, the HSPT has its own style and strategy.
Unfortunately, the HSPT is a one-and-done deal. Students are only allowed to take it once per admissions cycle, which makes every question count. This isn’t like the SAT or ACT where you can retest and superscore. With the HSPT, what your child earns on test day is the final word. That’s why it’s so important to prepare ahead of time.
We recommend taking a full-length diagnostic test early in the process, following it up with a personalized study plan, and working through multiple practice tests to build confidence and speed. The good news? With the right prep, one shot is all your child needs. And no, trying to sneak in a second test at another school won’t work.
There’s no single national sign-up site for the HSPT. Instead, registration happens through the Catholic high school where your child plans to take the test. Most schools in San Diego offer the HSPT on-site and include a registration link on their admissions page. The process is usually pretty simple: fill out a form, pay a small testing fee, and indicate which other Catholic schools should receive your child’s scores.
Some schools may require you to create an online account or submit additional documents before confirming your spot. Space can be limited, so don’t wait too long. Mark your calendar, set a reminder, and double-check that confirmation email. A smooth sign-up now means one less thing to stress about later.
DISCLAIMER
Cardinal Education is an independent educational consulting company. We are not affiliated with or endorsed by any private school, including those mentioned on this website. All school names and trademarks are the property of their respective owners and are used here for descriptive purposes only.
