Admissions Testing

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What is the cost of testing? Hide

The fee for the Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence - Third Edition (WPPSI-III) is $325. The fee for the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children - Fourth Edition (WISC-IV) is $375. The cost of sending the report to up to five schools is included in the testing fee. If you would like the report sent to additional schools, there is a $5 per school processing and mailing charge. Please submit the entire testing fee with your application. If you would like to schedule a half-hour consultation appointment to discuss your child's testing, a fee of $100 will be charged for this service.

What happens after the test? Hide

After the test is scored and the scoring is independently checked for accuracy, a written report of the testing will be mailed to you and, at the same time, to the schools you have selected. The reports are typically mailed within two to three weeks of testing. During the busiest parts of the admissions season, the processing of reports may take somewhat longer. In any case, we will be working closely with the schools' admissions directors and will meet their deadlines. Please be aware that Kingsbury testers will not provide any information about your child's performance immediately after testing, as the scoring and interpretation of the test are not completed by that time. Along with the test report, we will enclose materials which can assist you in understanding your child's scores. It is our experience that most of your questions about your child's report will be answered after you have had a chance to read these explanatory materials. If, however, you have more extensive concerns, you may wish to schedule an appointment with us to discuss your child's testing results. A half-hour consultation can be arranged, and a fee of $100 will be charged for this service.

What test will my child be given? Hide

We administer the particular test designated by the schools you have selected. The tests are in the category of I.Q./cognitive tests. Your child will be asked to participate in a series of tasks assessing development in a variety of areas ranging from understanding and using language to demonstrating visual and visual-motor skills. Below are general guidelines. Please check with the schools you have selected to confirm which test they require.

Applicants for prekindergarten and kindergarten take the Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence - Third Edition (WPPSI-III). Administration time generally runs from 35 to 75 minutes.

Applicants ages six and above are administered the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children - Fourth Edition (WISC-IV) which generally takes from 60 to 120 minutes.

Should my child practice for these tests? How should I prepare my child? Hide

Children should not practice for these types of tests. The results will not be valid or usable by the schools if they do. The best preparation your child can have is simply to be aware that he or she will be completing tasks with a person who is interested in learning about some of the things he or she knows. It is best that your child not perceive the experience as a "test" which is either "passed" or "failed." Glasses should be worn if your child wears them to school. Any medication should be taken just as on a regular school day.

My child was tested five months ago. Can he be tested again? Hide

Due to possible practice effects, we do not re-administer the test until a year has elapsed. Results from the previous testing are usually acceptable to the schools. Please consult with admissions office staff at the schools to which your child is applying for further information.

My child was sick two days ago. Should she take the test tomorrow? Hide

We rely on parents to use their best judgment concerning whether or not any health issues could interfere with the testing process. A good rule of thumb to follow is that a child should not be tested if he or she is feeling sick, is overtired, or for any other reason is not really feeling like himself or herself.

What if a child does not do well? Hide

If there are any factors that are observed during testing that may have negatively affected your child's test performance, these will be described in the written report. It is important to understand that test scores are only one source of information considered by schools in the application process.

Who are the Kingsbury testers? Hide

Testing is done individually by professionals who are not only trained in evaluating children but also enjoy working with them. Our testers include doctoral-level clinical and school psychologists.

How do I schedule an appointment or obtain further information? Hide

Please call Danielle Edwardson, Intake Coordinator, at (202) 722-5555. She will be happy to schedule an appointment for your child, answer your questions, and send you the testing registration form. It is best to schedule your child's appointment as far in advance as possible. If you need to reschedule his or her appointment, please let us know as soon as possible.