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Cracking the HSPT isn’t just about knowing the material. It’s about knowing how to play the game—and play it well. That’s where we come in. At Cardinal Education, we help Dallas families tackle the HSPT with personalized tutoring, smart study plans, and practice tests that actually feel like test day.
Whether your child needs help with reading skills, math sections, or just managing those pre-test butterflies, we’ll make sure they walk in confident, calm, and ready to impress the admissions team.
The High School Placement Test—HSPT, if you like to keep things snappy—is the go-to admissions test for many Catholic high schools across the U.S. In Dallas, it’s a big deal. Unlike the SSAT or ISEE, you only get one shot per admissions cycle. That’s right. No retakes. No second chances. Just one golden opportunity to show what your kid’s made of. So yep, it matters. A lot.
The test covers five main areas:
If you’ve got your sights set on the top Catholic schools in Dallas, starting early is the name of the game. Full-length practice tests and focused tutoring can make all the difference, helping your child walk into test day confident and walk out smiling like they just aced it—because they probably did.
When it comes to HSPT prep, one-size-fits-none; this is why Dallas parents come to us. We don’t do cookie-cutter lessons or dusty old worksheets. Instead, we build a prep plan around your child’s unique strengths, quirks, and Catholic school dreams.
No surprises on test day? Yes, please. Our practice tests mirror the real HSPT in timing, format, and scoring, so your child knows exactly what’s coming when it counts. It’s like a dress rehearsal, but with pencils.
We kick things off with a full-length diagnostic test to find out what your child already rocks and where we need to dig in. It’s not just a test, it’s the blueprint for a smarter, saner prep plan.
We don’t just go over the material. We teach your child how to outsmart it. From pacing to process of elimination, we build skills, sharpen strategy, and make sure they can stay cool when the clock is ticking.
One and done? Not here. Our students take multiple full-length practice tests to measure progress, adjust the plan, and rack up wins along the way. It’s practice with a purpose, and yes, we celebrate every victory.
Whether you’re carpooling through Highland Park or managing homework marathons in Plano, we’ve got you. Our HSPT tutoring is available both in person and online, built to fit your family’s schedule without turning your week into a stress fest.
We work with families all over the Dallas area—from Preston Hollow to Lakewood to Frisco and beyond. If your neighborhood has a coffee shop and a Catholic school on your radar, chances are we’re already helping someone nearby.
The HSPT usually makes its big debut in January, but if you want your child to feel cool, calm, and ready to crush it, the real magic starts months before. Early prep means more confidence, fewer freakouts, and a much smoother ride to test day.
Getting a jump on HSPT prep means more time to learn the material, tackle test nerves, and squeeze in those all-important practice runs. Think of it like training for a marathon—cramming the night before is not the move.
Fell behind? Busy schedule? Totally get it. Our intensive prep programs are made for families who need to play catch-up fast. We focus on the biggest score-boosters and the must-know skills so your child can walk into test day ready for action.
Your child’s future starts now. Let Cardinal Education give them the tools and confidence to conquer the HSPT and stand out in the competitive Catholic school admissions process.
The HSPT usually pops up on calendars around early to mid-January, just after the holiday lights come down and the school applications heat up. Each Catholic high school sets its own date, so don’t assume they’re all the same. Some schools offer just one testing day, while others give you a couple of options. The key is to check directly with your target schools and mark that date in permanent marker. Pro tip: register early, because spots can fill fast. If your child’s schedule is packed, try not to wait until the last minute. This isn’t a test you want to cram for with cookie crumbs and crossed fingers the night before.
Registration usually happens through the school where your child plans to take the test. Some Dallas Catholic high schools offer online sign-ups directly through their websites, while others ask you to fill out a form or email the admissions office. There’s no central HSPT registration site, so it’s kind of a DIY situation. If your child is applying to more than one Catholic school, you’ll want to ask each one if they’ll share scores or require separate tests. Have your calendar ready, double-check deadlines, and keep snacks nearby—you’ll feel like you’re booking a concert ticket. But with a bit of planning, it’s a pretty smooth process.
Great question—and unfortunately, there’s no magic number. The HSPT doesn’t have a single universal “passing” score. Instead, it uses percentiles. A score in the 85th percentile or higher is generally considered strong for top-tier Dallas Catholic high schools like Ursuline Academy or Bishop Lynch. But schools also look at more than just scores. They’ll consider your child’s grades, teacher recommendations, interviews, and sometimes a personal essay. So while a high score helps, it’s not the whole show. Think of it as a really strong first impression. And yes, that means showing up to test day with some confidence, a good breakfast, and a brain that’s ready to work.
Most do, but not all. The HSPT is the go-to entrance exam for many Catholic high schools in the Dallas area, especially the well-known ones. Schools like Bishop Lynch and Ursuline Academy typically require it for 9th-grade applicants. But there are exceptions, and a few schools may use different assessments or waive the test entirely depending on your child’s academic background. Some might even accept ISEE scores instead. The best move? Check each school’s admissions page or give them a quick call. It’s way easier than guessing and way less stressful than finding out last minute that you signed up for the wrong test.
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.
