About the Test

Who takes this test?

Chicago Public Schools administers the Classical test for admission into Classical schools for entry into grades K-8.

What does this test measure?

The Classical test is an achievement test that centers on a child’s reading, language, and mathematical abilities.

What is on this test?

A mixture of: Vocabulary, Word Analysis, Listening, Language, Mathematics, and Reading.  Any or all of these sections may be administered.

How is this test administered?

It is a multiple-choice test that is administered one-on-one for K entry, and in a small group for 1^st grade entry and up.  For students entering K, they need only point to the answers, whereas students entering 1^st grade and up must bubble in their own answers using a pencil.

Tutoring Options

One-On-One Tutoring

One of the most popular tutoring options at Bright Kids NYC is our 1:1 tutoring program.  Flexible to fit all schedules and with the option to have tutoring completed at your home, our 1:1 program is great for parents that value convenience and privacy.

Tutoring can be scheduled anytime Monday through Sunday between the hours of 8a-8p in one- to two-hour blocks.  The ability to hold tutoring in our main office is also available.  We recommend having your child assessed at least three to five months before your child’s test date.  Parents will receive recommendations for number of sessions and frequency upon reception of the assessment results.  There is also the option of 1:1 online tutoring available for students that live outside our regular tutoring areas through the use of Skype, PDFs, and an online whiteboard.  Please call the office to discuss scheduling and pricing.

Classical Bootcamp™

Tutoring at Bright Kids is structured to deliver the best results and to achieve this level of results, we have devised a comprehensive Selective Enrollment Elementary Schools Bootcamp™ program to prepare your child for his or her Kindergarten through 4th grade entry Classical exam.

Bootcamps™ run from September through January each year and are taught in a 1:1 setting with our experienced and certified instructors. Parents have the option to choose a package of either 6, 8, or 12 45-minute sessions, with the option to purchase additional sessions. As for scheduling, students commit to a weekly timeslot for their child to attend classes either at our office. Timeslots are available Monday-Friday between 9am-5pm or Saturday between 9am-12pm and filled on a first come, first served basis.

During the first session, children will take a diagnostic with one of our instructors. Based off of these results, Bright Kids will build a personalized curriculum for each child that is carefully monitored and adjusted according to a child’s progress. Preparation books are also included in the packages so that parents can support their children in their exam preparation as well.

Classical Bootcamp™ Registration Form

Also, learn more about the following SEES Programs we offer:

• SEES Skill Builder Bootcamp

Recommended Books

	Price	Title
	$89.00	ITBS Level 5/6 Practice Test (Iowa Assessments Form E)
	$19.95	“Describe That Word!” Levels One and Two Card Game
Coming Soon!	TBD	Math Book
	$89.00	Following Directions/Aural Reasoning Workbook
	$99.00	Core Concepts Workbook (Bracken, Stanford-Binet and OLSAT)

FAQ

When is this test administered?

Testing is on a rolling basis between November and February, based on when a student’s application is received.

How long is this test?

Because only some sections of the actual standardized tests are given, the test generally takes 15-20 minutes for K entry, and can take approximately 30-45 minutes for 1^st grade entry and up.  If students wish to take both the RGC and Classical tests, they will be given separate test dates for K entry and on the same day for 1^st grade entry and up.

How does this test factor into admissions decisions?

Only the child’s score on this exam determines his/her eligibility for acceptance. Once eligible, the student is placed into a lottery and his/her score, along with his/her family’s socioeconomic tier (use this site to find your tier: http://cpstiers.opencityapps.org/), determine placement.  If a student moves after applying, his/her tier assignment will be based on the address entered on the original application.

How do I register for this test?

To apply online, please go to https://apply.cps.edu/.  To fill out a paper applications, please go to http://www.cpsoae.org and download a PDF version and mail to the Office of Access and Enrollment, 125 S. Clark Street, 4th Floor, Chicago, IL 60603.

When should I start preparing for this test?

The Classical exam is a difficult test, so we recommend steady work over a period of several months. Signing up for an assessment is the best way to find out how much practice your child will need in order to perform to the best of his or her ability on the test.  Because this test also requires a child to have a beginning reading sense, it may be helpful to come into preparation having mastered some of these skills ahead of time.  Otherwise, preparation time may need to be extended to a longer period of time before the exam.