ISEE, SSAT, and independent school preparation with confidence.
Thoughtful admissions coaching for students preparing for private, independent, and international school applications — combining test preparation, reasoning skills, interview confidence, and age-appropriate support.
Admissions preparation should help a child feel more capable, not more judged.
Private school admissions can put pressure on children and parents alike. Effective preparation helps students understand the task, build the right skills, and enter the process with more confidence and composure.
Build flexible thinking
Students strengthen verbal, quantitative, and analytical reasoning so they can approach unfamiliar questions more calmly.
Prepare without panic
Admissions preparation works best when students feel supported, understood, and appropriately challenged.
Understand the process
Families receive guidance on testing, preparation timelines, and how to think about admissions as more than a single score.
Preparation shaped around the child and the school context.
Private school admissions preparation often involves more than test content. Students may need help with reading carefully, explaining their thinking, writing clearly, managing time, or feeling comfortable in an unfamiliar assessment environment.
Craig teaches at the American School in London and works with students in international and independent school contexts. That experience gives him a practical understanding of selective school expectations, US-style admissions testing, and the importance of finding the right academic environment for the child.
Coaching can include ISEE or SSAT preparation, reasoning skills, writing support, interview confidence, and broader admissions guidance for families navigating private, independent, or international school options.
A calm process for a high-stakes moment.
Admissions context review
We discuss the student’s age, school targets, testing requirements, timeline, current academic profile, and family priorities.
Diagnostic skill review
We identify strengths and gaps across reading, vocabulary, writing, quantitative reasoning, verbal reasoning, and test-taking habits.
Targeted preparation
Sessions build the skills most relevant to the student’s admissions path, with practice that is challenging but age-appropriate.
Confidence and readiness
As assessments or interviews approach, the focus shifts toward timing, composure, communication, and helping the student feel prepared.
Private School Admissions FAQ
Do you prepare students for the ISEE and SSAT?
Yes. Support can include verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, reading comprehension, writing, timing, and test-taking strategy.
Can you help families applying to American or international schools in London?
Yes. Craig’s work at the American School in London and experience with international students provide useful context for families navigating US-style or international school admissions.
Do you help with interviews?
Yes. Coaching can include interview confidence, communication practice, and helping students talk naturally about their interests, strengths, and school fit.
Is this appropriate for younger students?
Yes, when handled thoughtfully. The goal is to build reasoning, confidence, and readiness without making the process feel overly intense or frightening.
Can you influence admissions decisions?
No. Cartier Coaching is independent and cannot influence admissions outcomes. The focus is preparation, guidance, and helping students present their abilities clearly and confidently.
Start with the child, the schools, and the timeline.
We can discuss the student’s current level, target schools, admissions requirements, testing timeline, and the kind of preparation that would help them feel ready.