Course Offerings

Entrance Exam Preparation

Our Entrance Exam Review Course is an 8-week course that will cover all subjects tested on the HSPT Entrance Exam.  Read more about the full curriculum.

Due to Covid-19 classes will be held virtually on several days and times beginning the week of September 26th through the week of November 15th.

A typical class day will last 2 1/2 hours divided as follows:

  • PEACE Skills – 15 minutes
  • Verbal/ Reading Activities – 55 minutes
  • Break (with snack) – 10 minutes
  • Math Activities – 55 minutes
  • Format Specific Assessment and Reflection  – 15 minutes

Teachers will grade each class assessment and provide homework suggestions to each student based upon results.  Also, resources for each topic will be provided to students via our website.  These resources can include: additional practice questions, video lectures, online learning games, and other supplemental materials.

On the last of the 8 sessions, students will take a full mock-HSPT..

The cost of the 8-week program is $500.  Tuition is due at the time of registration.

Click here for classes offered for Fall of 2021 times and locations.

7th Grade Aspire Review: (7th graders)

This 7 session seminar (2.5 hour each) focuses on analytical essay writing for both Language Arts and Math. The seminar will provide intensive instruction that is meant to supplement grade school writing programs to improve overall writing and prepare for the writing rigors of the Aspire Test. We also review test taking under timed conditions and focus on confidence building for standardized testing.

Language Arts Includes

  • Practice of the Analytical Expository Essay
  • Decoding Essay Prompts
  • Organization, Thesis Statements, Introductions, Conclusions
  • In-depth analysis, including implications and complications of topics
  • Constructing well-supported arguments with specific details
  • Transitions, Varied Sentence Structure, Formal Writing, Using Higher Level Vocabulary

Math Writing includes:

  • Constructing a written mathematical argument
  • Justification and Explanation of a mathematical solution
  • How to explain why a concept is true or why a concept is false
  • Some content review of 6th and 7th grade math concepts

Course times and information available on request.

 

Intensive High School Writing Seminar (7th and 8th graders)

This class provides comprehensive instruction and practice of the writing skills necessary to succeed in the high school classroom. The class will help students learn and improve techniques for:

A) Completely and successfully answering essay prompts across all subjects, with concentrations in summary essays, argumentative essays (including compare and contrast), and analytical essays.

B) Understand and practice all steps for writing a complete literary analysis, including developing thesis statements, outlining, providing strong evidence and cohesive analysis, using higher level vocabulary, effective transitions, varied sentence structure, and proper quotations and citations.

Individual tutoring or classes available on request.

 

 

 

OUR PHILOSOPHY

As our logo indicates, our curriculum is surrounded by confidence and faith. Students having confidence in their ability to perform well is essential to their success, both for the entrance exam and beyond.
Read more about our curriculum.

ABOUT THE HSPT

The HSPT, a one-time test for 8th graders entering Catholic high schools, is used to determine admittance, track placement, and, in some circumstances, whether scholarship dollars will be awarded. While a good elementary education is the best preparation, students’ true ability may not be reflected, as they may be anxious, are often unfamiliar with the format of the test, or may need to review relevant material taught in previous grades. Read More about the test and how PEACE can help.

OUR INSTRUCTORS

The course will be taught by high-energy, highly skilled Catholic junior high school teachers, many of whom are graduates of University of Notre Dame's Associates in Catholic Education (ACE) program or Loyola University's LU-CHOICE program. Read More about our teachers and our team of professionals.