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Learn more about the ISEE, SSAT, and other standardized tests for private schools.
Are you a family in Luxembourg seeking a private school education in the U.S. for your child? The journey to admission can be complex, especially for those from abroad. From understanding U.S. private school entrance exams like the SSAT and ISEE to navigating the application process, Luxembourg families need expert guidance. Cardinal Education provides comprehensive, personalized private school test prep for students in Luxembourg, ensuring your child is geared toward success.
Many Luxembourg parents seek the educational opportunities offered by American boarding schools like Phillips Academy Andover, Phillips Exeter Academy, Choate Rosemary Hall, or elite day schools, such as Harvard-Westlake School, Horace Mann, and other top-tier schools. These institutions are renowned for their:
However, gaining admission requires more than just good grades. It demands strong performance on standardized tests and a compelling application. That’s where Cardinal Education can help you!
The Secondary School Admission Test (SSAT) and the Independent School Entrance Examination (ISEE) are crucial components of the U.S. private school application. These tests assess verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, reading comprehension, and mathematics achievement. For non-native English speakers, the TOEFL or Duolingo English Test may also be required.


Our expert tutors understand the nuances of the SSAT, from its Pacific question formats to effective test-taking strategies. We offer:
Tailored instruction that matches your child’s strengths and weaknesses.
Identify areas for improvement and track progress.
Mastering vocabulary and critical reading.
Building Confidence in Quantitative Sections
Crafting Compelling Responses
The ISEE can be particularly challenging, especially for younger students. Our ISEE programs focus on:
Customized content based on your child’s target grade.
Developing core competencies.
Improving speed and accuracy.
Strengthening mathematical foundations.
Managing time and minimizing test anxiety.
The High School Placement Test (HSPT) is often required by Catholic private high schools. Our HSPT preparation focuses on its unique format and content:
Covering all sections: Verbal, Quantitative, Reading, Mathematics, and Language.
Familiarization with the fast-paced, multiple-choice format.
Enhancing foundational abilities.
Targeting key areas for success.

An increasing number of US private schools, especially those with test-optional policies, require a proctored writing sample. This assesses a student’s ability to think critically and express themselves clearly under timed conditions. We provide:
Understanding expectations for content, structure, and style.
Simulating the actual proctored environment.
Refining writing skills for impact.
Developing versatile writing approaches.
While not typically an “admissions test,” strong performance on the Star Assessment can reinforce a child’s academic profile. We provide:
Boosting literacy skills.
Strengthening numerical abilities.
Reducing anxiety and improving performance.
Developing skills based on Star Assessment concepts.
Cardinal Education understands that test scores and writing samples are just one piece of the puzzle. Our services extend to comprehensive
Expert, personalized guidance for international families relocating and enrolling in the U.S.
Improve grades with personalized learning to achieve academic excellence.
Craft compelling essays, personal statements, and resumes that highlight your uniqueness.
Overcome academic challenges by learning the tools to perform well in school.
Don’t let the complexities of private school admissions deter your child’s dreams. Cardinal Education is here to provide the expert private school test prep that Luxembourg families trust.
Ready to give your child the competitive edge?
Limited availability for new clients in Luxembourg. Early application is highly recommended to maximize your child’s chances of success at top U.S. private schools.
The SSAT, ISEE, and HSPT are all standardized entrance exams for private schools in the U.S., but different schools prefer different tests. The SSAT (Secondary School Admission Test) is widely used by independent and often boarding schools. It has sections on verbal, quantitative, reading, math, and an unscored essay, and here’s a heads-up: there’s a penalty for wrong answers, which means strategic guessing is key. The ISEE (Independent School Entrance Examination) is also popular with independent schools, including many day schools. It covers similar subjects but doesn’t penalize incorrect answers, so students are encouraged to answer every question. The ISEE also comes in different levels (Lower, Middle, Upper) depending on the grade your child is applying for. Lastly, the HSPT (High School Placement Test) is primarily used by Catholic high schools. It’s known for being very fast-paced with a lot of questions in a short time, covering verbal, quantitative, reading, math, and language skills. The best way to know which one your child should take is to check the specific requirements of the schools you’re interested in – they’ll always specify their preferred test!
When it comes to test prep, starting early is almost always a good idea, but “how early” really depends on your child and their goals. For most students, we recommend beginning dedicated preparation about six to twelve months before their target application deadlines. This is to avoid cramming and additional stress on your child. It’s about a consistent, manageable pace that allows for skill-building and confidence growth without overwhelming them. We usually kick things off with a diagnostic test to figure out your child’s current strengths and where they might need a little extra support. This helps us create a personalized plan. If your child is aiming for a highly competitive school or needs to make significant academic gains, starting closer to the 12-month mark gives us ample time to really dig deep into the material and refine those test-taking strategies. Think of it like training for a marathon, not a sprint – steady progress over time yields the best results and keeps stress levels down.
We totally understand that time zones can be a concern, but modern online tutoring platforms are incredibly flexible and effective. We work closely with Luxembourg families to find convenient session times that fit into your child’s schedule, whether that’s early mornings in Luxembourg (which might be late evenings for our U.S.-based tutors) or other arrangements. Our virtual classrooms are super interactive – think live video, shared digital whiteboards where both student and tutor can write, and screen sharing for going over practice problems or essays. All sessions can be recorded, too, so your child can review them anytime. This setup means your child gets the same high-quality, personalized instruction they’d receive in person, but with the added convenience of learning from home. It eliminates travel time, makes scheduling easier, and ensures consistent progress regardless of geographical distance. We’ve successfully helped many students across different time zones, so we’re pros at making it work seamlessly for you.
A proctored writing sample is essentially a timed essay that your child writes under supervision, often online with a live proctor monitoring the session. Unlike essays submitted as part of the main application, where students might have more time or external help, the proctored writing sample gives admissions committees a truly authentic look at your child’s raw writing skills, critical thinking abilities, and how they perform under pressure. It’s a chance for schools to see your child’s original voice, their ability to organize thoughts logically, and their command of grammar and spelling without any outside assistance. It’s become particularly important for schools that have adopted “test-optional” policies, as it provides valuable insight into a student’s academic readiness that might otherwise be gleaned from standardized test scores. We help students practice for these, focusing on brainstorming quickly, structuring arguments, and expressing ideas clearly and concisely, so they feel confident and prepared when it’s time to shine
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.