The Firat Guide · Free
Admissions Tests & Assessments: Which One Your Child Needs
Houston private schools use different tests at different entry points. Here’s how the ISEE, SSAT, HSPT, and early-grade assessments compare — and when to prepare for each.
Updated July 2026 · By Ibrahim C. Firat, MBAThe four tests at a glance
| Test | Typical grades | Format | Where it’s used in Houston |
|---|---|---|---|
| ISEE | Entering 1st–12th (four levels) | 4 sections · stanine 1–9 | Most private schools |
| HSPT | Entering 9th | 5 sections · 200–800 | Many Catholic schools |
| SSAT | Middle & upper grades | 3 sections · of 2400 | A few private / boarding schools |
| Early-grade assessments (OLSAT, readiness) | Pre-K–K | Play-based / cognitive screen | Younger entry points |
Go deeper on the ISEE
The ISEE is the test most Houston families need. Our full ISEE hub covers it in detail:
What is the ISEE? & who takes itFormat, the four levels, and test day.Read → When should my child start prep?Work backward from Houston’s admissions calendar.Read → Understanding ISEE scoresScaled scores, percentiles, and the 1–9 stanine.Read →Frequently asked
Which test does my child’s school require?
It varies by school and grade. Most Houston private schools accept the ISEE; many Catholic schools use the HSPT; a few accept the SSAT. Check each school’s admissions page — or start your Roadmap and we’ll map it out for you.
What test do younger applicants take?
For Pre-K and kindergarten, schools typically use a brief readiness or cognitive screening (often the OLSAT) rather than a full entrance exam.
Can one test be used for several schools?
Often yes — a single ISEE score can be sent to multiple schools. The ISEE can be taken once per testing season.