SSAT | ISEE Test Prep Tutoring

The SSAT and ISEE are key standardized tests for admission to independent day and boarding schools. For many students, these exams mark their first experience with high-stakes testing. We understand the stress and anxiety that can come with preparing for these tests, and we’re here to help every step of the way.

Expert Guidance, Personalized for Your Student

A strong SSAT/ISEE testing plan is tailored to each student’s unique needs, ensuring their well-being remains a top priority while balancing schoolwork. Our tutoring sessions focus on the content and strategies that will help students achieve their score goals. To support this, our Program Directors work closely with families to develop a thoughtful, individualized testing plan.

Our tutors are experienced, supportive, and skilled at working with this age group. They help students build their vocabulary, strengthen reading comprehension, refine writing skills, and enhance problem-solving and computational abilities—often giving them an academic edge in the classroom.

“My son's tutor quickly figured out his academic weaknesses. He helped him to develop strategies to deal with them when taking the SSAT. Good tutor, good teacher, nice guy. I highly recommend him.”

Miriam J., Parent

“My daughter's tutor was very good. She explained the materials in a thorough and understandable way. She had my daughter fully prepared for her first shot at the SSAT, as demonstrated by her 90%.”

Lisa F., Parent

“Our tutor connected with my daughter beautifully and kept her on track and learning. Even at late hours of the night. My daughter really felt good about her ability to learn.”

Julianne P., Parent

“My daughter's tutor was really patient, calm, and experienced. She always gave my daughter the feeling of being more relaxed and less stressed. My daughter went to Derby, but was also accepted at Thayer and Tabor! Thank you.”

Cristina F., Parent

How to Get Started

Step 1: Take a Free, Proctored Practice Test

Sign up for a free, full-length practice test that simulates the official exam experience. This gives students valuable exposure to test pacing, question types, and format. Afterward, you and your student will receive a detailed score report, providing a clear benchmark and identifying key areas for growth.

Step 2: Schedule a Free Consultation

Once your student completes their practice test, you’ll meet with one of our expert Program Directors for a personalized consultation. Together, they’ll review the results, highlight your student’s strengths, and create a customized tutoring plan tailored to their specific needs—ensuring they build confidence and maximize their potential.

Meet Some of Our Top Tutors

Lily Gordon
Lily Gordon

A Summit tutor since 2020, Lily creates a supportive and encouraging environment while challenging students to reach their full potential. She earned her B.A. in Literature from Williams College and is a fluent Spanish speaker who aspires to work with bilingual children. In her free time, she enjoys expressing her creativity through art, dance, and reading plenty of books.

Areas of Expertise

Test Prep: SAT, ACT, SSAT, ISEE

Academic: Biology, English

Tessa Murray, PhD
Tessa Murray, PhD

Originally from Scotland, Tessa moved to the U.S. in 2001 after earning a PhD in Molecular Biology from the University of Aberdeen. She completed postdoctoral research at Boston University and worked as a research scientist at Tufts Medical Center. Tessa spent ten years as an educator at the Museum of Science, where she honed a knack for breaking complex topics into simple, engaging pieces. She joined Summit as a tutor in 2015 and makes sessions productive and enjoyable, using a touch of humor to ease test prep. Outside of work, she enjoys hiking, biking, camping, skiing, and traveling.

Areas of Expertise

Test Prep: SAT, ACT, PSAT, SSAT, ISEE

AP: Biology, Chemistry, Calculus AB, Precalculus

Academic: Algebra, Biology, Calculus, Chemistry, Geometry, Trig/Precalculus

Dave Pyrch
Dave Pyrch

Dave earned BS degrees in Mathematics and Math Education, along with an MA in Education from the University of Connecticut. He has been tutoring with Summit since 2018 and brings over nine years of experience as both a tutor and high school math teacher. Passionate about helping students break down complex math concepts, Dave uses proven strategies to build mastery and confidence. Outside of tutoring, he is a marathon runner, kayaker, and music enthusiast.

Areas of Expertise

Test Prep: SAT, ACT, SSAT, ISEE

AP: Statistics, Calculus BC and AB, Precalculus

Academic:  Algebra, Calculus, Geometry, Trig/Precalculus, Statistics

Marvin Wolfert
Marvin Wolfert

Marvin has been a Summit tutor since 2004 and spent 12 years as a Senior Program Director, guiding families through the standardized-testing landscape. A former attorney focused on estate and business planning, he graduated magna cum laude from Boston University with a degree in English Literature and holds a JD from Suffolk University Law School and an LLM in Taxation from Boston University. Outside tutoring, Marvin values time with his family—including four grandchildren—has completed 25 marathons, and is active in his synagogue’s adult education programs.

Areas of Expertise

Test Prep: SAT, ACT, PSAT, SSAT, ISEE

AP: European History, U.S. History, World History

Academic: Algebra, English, European History, U.S. History, World History

Gerry Casadei
Gerry Casadei

Gerry joined Summit in 2022 and specializes in AP test prep, particularly for AP Chemistry and AP Environmental Science, as well as SAT and ACT prep. He holds a B.S. in Natural Resources from Cornell University and an M.S. in Education from the University of Bridgeport. With 20 years of experience teaching high school Chemistry and Environmental Science, including at the AP level, Gerry has earned a reputation for his expert knowledge, engaging teaching style, and ability to connect with students.

Areas of Expertise

Test Prep: SAT,  PSAT, ACT, SSAT, ISEE

AP: Chemistry, Environmental Science

Academic: Algebra, Biology, Chemistry

Sandy LeBrun
Sandy LeBrun

A Summit tutor since 2006, Sandy helps students build confidence and strengthen academic skills through her patient, supportive approach. She holds a BA from Holy Cross and a Master of Arts in Teaching from Tufts University. Sandy is especially skilled in working with students with diverse learning styles, including those with anxiety, ADHD, and learning disabilities. Outside of tutoring, she enjoys traveling, reading, knitting, and spending time with family. 

Areas of Expertise

Test Prep: SAT, ACT, SSAT, ISEE

AP: French, Language, Literature

Academic: French, Language, Literature

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Complimentary Guide

Independent School Admission Testing Guide

Independent School Admission Testing Guide

Summit’s annual Independent School Admission Testing Guide is a comprehensive resource covering the SSAT, the ISEE, and the independent school application process.

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