Our Story

Clocking in at 3 hours with 114 Math and English questions to complete, the SHSAT^® is likely the longest exam an eighth grader has ever taken. Beginning in 2025, the SHSAT is a digital exam. And because 30,000 students take the test every year, but only about 6,000 are accepted to one of New York City’s 9 specialized high schools, the exam is difficult by design.

Starting with a diagnostic test, we create a personalized plan for each student that includes test-taking strategies, targeted skill development, and a study plan for the time outside tutoring sessions. For many students, the most difficult parts of the exam are the reading comprehension and grammar questions in the English section, along with the time pressure of the Math section — best tackled through strategy and focused practice drills.

From learning style, to skillset, to focus and attention, our tutors — many of whom are expert test-takers themselves — help students close knowledge gaps and build the confidence needed to overcome testing anxiety often associated with the SHSAT. Every year, over 80% of our SHSAT students report receiving an offer from a specialized high school, compared to the general 18% acceptance rate.