Do Dallas private schools require entrance exams?

In many cases, yes. If you’re applying to middle or high school, expect to meet the ISEE or SSAT. These standardized tests help admissions teams get a snapshot of your child’s academic readiness. But don’t panic if your kid isn’t a testing superstar. Some schools, especially those for younger grades, skip the formal tests and go for in-house evaluations, play-based assessments, or good old-fashioned interviews. A few even go test-optional. The bottom line? Every school has its own process, but most are looking for more than just scores. They want curious minds, kind hearts, and kids who’ll dive into their community like it’s their second home.