Great question. “Test-optional” might sound like a pass, but here’s the fine print: Optional does not mean unnecessary. At many top Washington, D.C. private schools, like Sidwell Friends, Georgetown Day, and Gonzaga, test scores are still considered, and they still help. If your child doesn’t submit a score, admissions teams will lean more heavily on […]

Welcome to one of the most common D.C. parent puzzles. The short answer? It depends on the schools you’re applying to. The SSAT is accepted by a wide range of independent schools and is the go-to for many selective institutions. The ISEE is more common among schools with a broader academic evaluation approach, and the […]

Plenty of test prep programs offer flashcards and formula sheets. We offer something a little more powerful—strategy, customization, and real results. At Cardinal Education, we don’t just teach your child how to answer test questions. We teach them how to approach the test strategically, manage their timing, and develop the confidence to perform under pressure. […]

Sooner than you think. Many D.C. families wait until fall of their child’s application year to begin prep—but by then, test dates are filling up, schoolwork is ramping up, and the stress is already setting in. The best time to start? Late spring or early summer, before the application year begins. Starting early gives your […]