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Welcome Back!!

The Lounge is Open for Members & Friends!

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Lock in This Year’s Prices
Before They Change Sept 1st!

Reserve your spot now and save up to 33% on Memberships and 10% on Tutoring. You can enjoy this year’s rates for the entire school year! 

 

LEARN MORE TODAY

NEW NAVIGATOR MEMBERSHIP

Does your student fall behind on homework? Do they forget about upcoming tests?

The Navigator Membership covers all of the bases:

Weekly coaching sessions (online or in-person) to keep your student on track.
Discounts on expert tutoring & test prep when they need help
An awesome place to study with friends

 

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TUTORS-AND-KIDS

Our Navigator Membership is an awesome tool for students needing help keeping their school life in order. We include 30-minute weekly coaching sessions to help students keep track of what's coming, what to do, and what they've forgotten.

THE ACADEMIC LOUNGE® IS OPEN!

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REGULAR HOURS ARE BACK!

The House - Highland Park
615 Central Avenue
Highland Park, IL 60035
Directions

 

The Guest House - Glencoe
320 Tudor Ct, 2nd Floor
(Tutoring Only)
Glencoe, IL 60022
Directions

 

NEW
 The House - Winnetka
Green Bay Rd
(ONLY 2-Blocks from New Trier!)
COMING IN SEPTEMBER!

 

LOUNGE HOURS (HIGHLAND PARK)

Monday - Thursday:  3pm-10pm
Saturday: Private Tutoring Only
Sunday: 10am-7pm

TUTORING HOURS
Everyday: 9am-10pm

MAIN OFFICE HOURS
Monday - Friday: 10am - 6pm

Cartoon Markos

Message from the Director



We're looking forward to our best school year yet, with a new membership level, great events for members and their friends, and the coming of our newest lounge in September! Until the opening of The House - Winnetka, all of our member events, workshops, and Academic Lounge homework help is available in Highland Park only. 

Our team is excited to see everyone again! Drop by anytime.

Sincerely,
Markos Signature

Center Director
The House Tutoring Lounge®

 

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Why Choose Us?

Why Choose The House for Test Prep?

Our award-winning test prep program is designed to help students of all abilities achieve their optimal performance. We provide free diagnostic exams to determine where students need the most support, and then our specialized test prep tutors focus on mastery and strategy. Let our experts take the stress out of SAT and ACT test prep for your student and the whole family.

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Expert Guidance

Expert Test Prep
Unlike Anything Else

Expert Guidance: Our instructors are not just teachers; they're mentors who've been in your shoes and know exactly what it takes to excel at the ACT. They're here to share their insights and strategies, making your journey to a top score smoother and more achievable. They also save you valuable time, by helping students target the areas where the most support is needed, to minimize study time and maximize results.

The House was Voted Best Test Prep in Chicago by CBS

Start Your ACT or SAT Test Prep Journey Here!

We offer test prep and academic support for every-kind of student

Start Here
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Understanding the High School Placement Test (HSPT): A Guide for Parents

Choosing the right high school for your child is a significant decision, and the High School Placement Test (HSPT) often plays a crucial role in this process. As a parent, you might have questions about the HSPT, whether your child needs to take it, and how to navigate the testing process. The House is here to provide you with comprehensive answers to help you make informed decisions.

What is the HSPT?

Originally developed by the Scholastic Testing Service, Inc. (STS), the HSPT evaluates students' academic abilities and readiness for high school-level coursework. The test is comprised of five main areas:

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Verbal Skills: This portion of the test includes identifying and comparing antonyms, synonyms, understanding analogies, and verbal classification

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Quantitative Skills: This section of the HSPT includes geometric comparisons and number manipulations

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Reading Comprehension: During this part of the exam, students will interpret and demonstrate understanding of selected reading passages

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Mathematics: This section includes arithmetic, algebra, and problem-solving

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Language Skills: Here, students demonstrate understanding of grammar, punctuation, spelling, and composition

Does My Student Need to Take the HSPT?

Eighth-grade students aiming to attend private high schools typically take the HSPT. Secular private, Catholic, Jewish, and boarding schools in the Chicago area all include the HSPT in their admissions process.

Many private schools offer scholarships where HSPT scores are considered in the selection process. Additionally, some local community-based scholarships provided by organizations or foundations may also factor in HSPT scores, especially if the scholarships are linked to private school admissions. Always check the specific requirements for each scholarship to ensure you meet all criteria.

Whether your child needs to take the HSPT depends on the admission requirements of the schools they are applying to. Most private high schools use the HSPT to assess incoming students and place them in appropriate classes. The HSPT scores can also be a factor in awarding scholarships and financial aid. If your child is applying to private schools, taking the HSPT is likely necessary.

Where Can My Student Take the HSPT?

The High School Placement Test (HSPT) is typically administered at the high schools that require it for admission. To find out where and how to sign up, start by contacting the admissions offices of the schools your child is interested in to confirm if they require the HSPT and when they administer it. Many schools also provide information about the HSPT, including test dates and registration details, on their websites. Additionally, if your child is applying to Catholic high schools, diocesan offices often have information about testing locations and dates.

To sign up, follow the instructions provided by the school or diocese. Registration typically involves filling out a form and paying a fee. Some schools offer online registration, while others may require paper forms.

When Can My Student Take the HSPT?

The HSPT is typically administered once a year, either in the fall or early winter, with common testing months being November, December, and January. To determine the optimal test date for your child, consult the admissions offices of the prospective schools for their specific test dates. Additionally, consider application deadlines to ensure the chosen test date allows enough time for scores to be submitted with the application.

The House Tutoring Lounge compiled a list of application deadlines for private schools in the Chicago area. Quickly check the required exam and application date for your student’s first choice schools:

High School Entrance Exams Summary
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How is the HSPT Scored?

The High School Placement Test (HSPT) uses various scoring methods to assess student performance. The raw score counts the total correct answers, which is then converted into a scaled score between 200 and 800 for each section. The composite score combines these scaled scores, also ranging from 200 to 800. Additionally, the National Percentile Rank (NPR) compares a student’s performance to peers nationwide, expressed as a percentile. Finally, the Cognitive Skills Quotient (CSQ) ranges from 55 to 145, reflecting the student's overall cognitive ability.

These scores help schools understand a student's strengths and areas for improvement, aiding in placement decisions and scholarship considerations.

How Does a Tutor Help My Student?

Having a tutor to prepare for the HSPT provides valuable support. Here are some of the reasons why hiring a tutor is beneficial:

Personalized Instruction: Tutors can tailor lessons to your student’s specific needs, focusing on areas where they need the most improvement.

Test-Taking Strategies: Experienced tutors teach effective strategies for tackling different types of questions and managing time during the test.

Confidence Building: Regular tutoring sessions can boost your child’s confidence, reducing test anxiety and improving performance.

Accountability and Structure: Tutors provide a structured study schedule and hold students accountable, ensuring consistent preparation.

Expertise: Tutors familiar with the HSPT understand its format and content, providing insights that might not be available through self-study.

The HSPT is a pivotal step for students applying to private high schools. Understanding the test, preparing adequately, and considering the benefits of a tutor can help your student succeed and secure a spot at their desired school. By staying informed and proactive, you can support your student through this important phase of the academic journey.

Want to learn more about The House, and their individualized tutoring services? Simply click here and see how your student can gain confidence, feel prepared, and receive personalized instruction today.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Does my student have to be a member?
  • My child needs ongoing support that weekly tutoring probably won't provide. What is the best option?
  • What types of tutors do you hire?
  • What if my child goes to The House to do schoolwork, only to spend the time playing video games on his phone?
  • Do I have to sign a contract for membership?

Does my student have to be a member?

Not at all! We offer tutoring & ACT or SAT Test Prep for non members. You can see the member benefits here. 

My child needs ongoing support that weekly tutoring probably won't provide. What is the best option?

House Membership would be the ideal solution for your student in grades 7 through 12. As a member, your child has unlimited access to Homework Haelp and On-Demand tutoring.

What types of tutors do you hire?

Inspiring and engaging tutors! And the smartest around. We reject 90% of our applicants and hire only those who are not only brilliant, but connect with kids and teens.

What if my child goes to The House to do schoolwork, only to spend the time playing video games on his phone?

We're on it. Give us a heads-up that this could be an issue, and we will pay special attention to making sure your child is on task and doing work.

Do I have to sign a contract for membership?

Absolutely not. You can put your membership on hold without penalty or cancel at anytime.

Education Newsletter on ACT & SAT Test Prep & Academic Tutoring.

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