Private ISEE and SSAT Tutoring in San Diego & Online
One-on-one test prep with Dr. Stuart Donnelly, Oxford Ph.D. Whether your child is applying to top independent schools in San Diego or across the country, our personalized approach builds confidence and delivers the scores that open doors.
What Sets Our Private ISEE Test Prep Apart
Dr. Stuart Donnelly combines an Oxford education with over two decades of test-prep expertise to deliver focused, results-driven ISEE and SSAT preparation.
Oxford Ph.D. Expertise
Dr. Donnelly holds a Ph.D. in Mathematical Science from the University of Oxford, bringing world-class analytical skills to every tutoring session. Your child learns from one of the most qualified tutors in the country.
Personalized Study Plans
No two students are alike. After a thorough diagnostic assessment, Dr. Donnelly builds a custom study plan targeting your child's specific weaknesses across Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, Reading Comprehension, and Mathematics Achievement.
Proven Score Improvements
Students consistently achieve 90th-percentile and above scores after working with Dr. Donnelly. Our data-driven approach tracks progress weekly and adjusts strategy to maximize score gains by test day.
Three Steps to ISEE Test Prep Success
Getting started with private ISEE or SSAT tutoring is simple. Here is what to expect.
Free Consultation
Book a complimentary 30-minute call or in-person meeting. Dr. Donnelly will learn about your child's target schools, assess their current level, and recommend a preparation timeline.
Diagnostic Assessment & Custom Plan
Your child takes a full-length practice ISEE or SSAT. Dr. Donnelly analyzes the results section by section and builds a personalized study plan that targets weak areas and reinforces strengths.
Score Improvement
Through focused one-on-one sessions, your child masters content, learns proven test-taking strategies, and builds confidence. Regular practice tests track progress and keep preparation on target.
ISEE & SSAT Tutoring for Every Level
Dr. Donnelly provides expert preparation for every ISEE and SSAT level, from elementary through high school admissions.
ISEE Test Prep
Primary Level
Grades 2–4 admission. Early skills assessment and preparation.
ISEE Primary Level →Middle Level
Grades 7–8 admission. Age-appropriate reasoning and comprehension.
ISEE Middle Level →Upper Level
Grades 9–12 admission. Advanced verbal, quantitative, reading, and math.
ISEE Upper Level →SSAT Test Prep
Understanding Scores
Learn how ISEE and SSAT scores work and what they mean for admissions.
ISEE Scores → • SSAT Scores →
Meet Your Private ISEE Tutor: Dr. Stuart Donnelly
Unlike large test-prep companies that rotate instructors, ISEE Tutoring means working directly with Dr. Donnelly from the first session to test day. He learns how your child thinks, identifies exactly where they struggle, and adapts every lesson accordingly.
- Ph.D. from the University of Oxford in Mathematical Science
- 20+ years of dedicated test-prep tutoring experience
- Expert in both ISEE and SSAT at every level
- San Diego office at 5425 Oberlin Dr, Suite 202
- Online nationwide via Zoom with recorded sessions
- Flexible scheduling — mornings, evenings, and weekends
What Parents Are Saying
Hear from families whose children achieved their target scores and gained admission to top independent schools.
“I was about to go with another company when I found Dr. Donnelly. After my son’s intro session, I knew right then and there that his methods were unique and he catered to the individual unlike many big companies, whose methods seem to only help a few people because of how general the strategies are. (I can say this because I used Kaplan twice before.) In ten weeks, he and his strategies took my son’s score from the 66th percentile all the way to the 92nd percentile!! I highly recommend Donnelly! And even if you don’t live nearby, he offers tutoring sessions over Zoom so don’t be shy to reach out to him if you need ISEE or SSAT help!”
“My daughter started with Stuart at the beginning of the summer and didn’t have any idea what to expect. Stuart was so incredibly helpful and was always understanding even when she had trouble understanding topics. His strategies were extremely helpful, and he has seemingly unending knowledge on every topic on the test. The one-on-one attention made it possible to focus on areas in which she personally struggled, rather than being forced to follow a curriculum in a larger group setting. After working with Stuart for about 2.5–3 months she took the ISEE, and I’m thrilled with her score, which wouldn’t have been possible without Stuart. Thank you so much for all of your help.”
“My daughter has worked with Dr. Donnelly for the last three months and it has been wonderful. Dr. Donnelly has been able to focus on her weaknesses and provide enormous insight. In addition, his advice with regards to strategy for the ISEE and SSAT has been invaluable. He is able to engage students and provide support well beyond other tutoring services. He is sincerely committed to student success and offers a personalized service with sound methodology. Within 3 months her scores improved significantly. In addition to all his talents… he is just one of those really smart people that can teach.”
“My son worked with Dr. Donnelly over the summer. Dr. Donnelly has many tricks to simplify everything – from math equations to more detailed concepts. We met both in person and via Zoom. He provided all of the study material, was incredibly patient, and overall just a great instructor. I definitely recommend anyone whose child is taking the ISEE or SSAT work with Dr. Donnelly – you’ll see results.”
ISEE Test Prep & Tutoring FAQ
Dr. Donnelly tutors all four ISEE levels: Primary Level (for entry into grades 2–4), Lower Level (for entry into grades 5–6), Middle Level (for entry into grades 7–8), and Upper Level (for entry into grades 9–12). Each level is approached with age-appropriate strategies and materials tailored to your child's learning style.
Most students benefit from 8 to 16 weeks of preparation, depending on their starting level and target score. During the free consultation, Dr. Donnelly creates a custom timeline based on your child's diagnostic results and application deadlines. Students with earlier start dates generally see the strongest score improvements.
Yes. Dr. Donnelly offers the same one-on-one ISEE and SSAT tutoring via Zoom for students anywhere in the United States. Online sessions are fully interactive with screen sharing, digital whiteboards, and real-time problem solving. Sessions can be recorded for later review. Many families combine in-person and online sessions for maximum flexibility.
The ISEE (Independent School Entrance Examination) and SSAT (Secondary School Admission Test) are both widely accepted for private school admissions but differ in format and scoring. The ISEE has four scored sections and an unscored essay, while the SSAT has three scored sections and an unscored writing sample. The SSAT penalizes wrong answers, while the ISEE does not. Dr. Donnelly tutors both exams and can advise which test is best suited to your child's strengths and target schools.
Tutoring rates vary depending on the package and frequency of sessions. Dr. Donnelly offers a free initial consultation to assess your child's needs and recommend the right plan. Contact us at (917) 568-2473 or dr.stuart.donnelly@gmail.com for current pricing information.
Dr. Stuart Donnelly holds a Ph.D. from the University of Oxford in Mathematical Science and has over 20 years of experience tutoring students for standardized tests including the ISEE, SSAT, SAT, ACT, and MCAT. He has helped hundreds of students gain admission to top independent and private schools across the country.
Give Your Child the Advantage
Book your free consultation today and take the first step toward the ISEE or SSAT score your child needs for admission to the school of your dreams.