When should my child start preparing for the ISEE in Los Angeles?

In Los Angeles, where competition for top private schools is fierce, early preparation can make all the difference. We recommend starting ISEE prep at least 4 to 6 months before your child’s test date. Why? Because the ISEE isn’t just a knowledge test—it’s a time crunch.

Students need to get comfortable with the format, master pacing, and sharpen their skills across multiple subjects. Starting early means we can create a smart study plan that works around school, sports, and everything else LA kids have going on.

It also allows time for full-length diagnostic testing, skill-building in reading, math, and vocabulary, and mental prep to stay calm under pressure. If you’re aiming for schools like Harvard-Westlake or Brentwood, you don’t want to cram. You want a strategy, and that starts with getting ahead of the curve.