Testing
Each member school has different requirements for admission in addition ot the application. Common elements include:
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Admission Testing (CATS, ATS, and/or ISEE)
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Observation or Play Date
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Essays (guardian and/or student)
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Interviews (guardian and/or student)
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Teacher and/or Administrator Evaluations
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Standardized Test Scores
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Progress and/or Report Cards
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Application Fee
Schools differ in their exact requirements and deadlines. Below you will find more information specific to testing requirements. It is important you reference each school's website for the most accurate information.
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CATS
Collaborative Academic Testing Service, P.A. (CATS) is a professional association that helps independent schools administer and coordinate admissions testing for young applicants.
CATS testing is conducted in a one-on-one session with a licensed psychologist who is experienced in working with young children. Results of the evaluation are sent to participating schools to which the child is applying. Parents receive a summary of the evaluation results.
ATS
The ATS assessment is a first-grade readiness test. The test is administered online, so your child will need access to a computer, headphones, and a good internet connection.
The ATS Test has a total of 72 questions, separated into four sections. Each section has 18 questions. The four sections are Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, Early Literacy, and Mathematics. The test is administered by Admission Testing Solutions.
ISEE
The ISEE (Independent School Entrance Exam) is the standardized assessment required by most independent schools in Dallas as part of the admission process.
Students may take the ISEE once per testing season. Students may take the ISEE once per testing season—Fall, Winter, and Spring/Summer—for a total of up to three times a school year. To learn more about the test, click here.
You can view sample tests, learn more about ISEE practice and test preparation here.
Some schools require testing outside of the three tests listed above. Make sure to double-check the requirements of each school.
Requirements by School
Number of schools found:
18
Alcuin School
PK3-12th Grade
In-house assessment for K-1st grade
ISEE for 2nd-11th grade
Dallas International
2 years-12th Grade
In-house assessment for qualified candidates through 10th grade
Results of the standardized test scores - ISEE, TAKS, STAAR, etc. (if available) for those applying to the IB track in 11-12th grade
Greenhill School
PK4-12th Grade
CATS required for PK4-1st
In-house assessment for PK-1st & 4th grade
ISEE required for 2nd-11th grade
The Lamplighter School
PK3-4th Grade
No testing requirement for PK3
CATS required for PK4, K, Transitional First/Primer
CATS & ATS required for 1st grade
ISEE required for 2nd-4th grade
St. John's Episcopal School
PK3-8th Grade
CATS required for PK3-1st grade
ISEE required for 2nd-7th grade
Ursuline Academy of Dallas
9-12th Grade
ISEE required for 9th grade
PSAT or ISEE for 10th and 11th grade
Ann & Nate Levine Academy
3 months-8th Grade
In-house assessment for K-8th grade
The Episcopal School of Dallas
PK3-12th Grade
CATS required for PK4-4th
ISEE required for 5th-10th
PSAT required for 11th
Hockaday School
PK4-12th Grade
CATS is required for PK4-K
ATS required for 1st
ISEE is required for 2nd-11th grade
Parish Episcopal School
PK3-12th Grade
CATS required for K-1st grade
ISEE required for 2nd-11th grade
St. Mark's School of Texas
1-12th Grade
CATS and ATS for 1st grade
CATS and ISEE for 4th grade
ISEE required for 2nd through 11th grade
Wesley Prep
6 months-8th grade
CATS required for K, optional for Primer, 1st grade
ATS required for Primer, 1st grade
ISEE required for 2nd-7th grade
Cistercian Preparatory
5-12th Grade
In-house assessment for 5th-11th grade applicants
Good Shepherd Episcopal School
PK4-8th Grade
In-house assessment for PK4
In-house assessment plus CATS required for Kinder
CATS and ATS required for 1st grade
ISEE required for 2nd-8th grade
Lakehill Preparatory School
K-12th Grade
ATS required for 1st grade applicants
ISEE required for 2nd-12th grade applicants
Shelton School
PK3-12th Grade
In-house assessment and diagnostic testing required for all candidates
Testing should be less than three years old.
St. Philip's School and Community Center
PK3-8th Grade
In-house assessment for PK3-8th grade
The Winston School
PK4-12th Grade
In-house assessment for PK4-K applicants
Diagnostic testing is required for candidates applying to 1st-12th grade.
Testing should be less than three years old.