Testing for Private Schools and Gifted Programs
I offer IQ and academic achievement testing for children and teens. As a licensed clinical psychologist with over 15 years of experience, I can help you get clear and accurate information about how your child thinks and learns. My evaluations meet all requirements for private school applications and gifted programs, including Fairfax County’s Full-Time Advanced Academic Program (AAP).
Reasons to Consider Testing
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Private School Applications: Many private schools require IQ and academic achievement testing as part of their application.
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Gifted and Talented Programs: IQ testing is typically required for admission to gifted programs, such as Fairfax County's AAP.
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Understand Your Child's Abilities: IQ and achievement tests reveal how your child thinks and learns. This insight can help you make informed decisions about your child’s education.
IQ Testing
I administer the Wechsler Intelligence Scales, the most widely used IQ tests for children and adults.
Private schools and gifted programs across Northern Virginia accept these tests.
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The specific test your child will take depends on their age:
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Age 5: WPPSI-IV (Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence, Fourth Edition)
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Ages 6 to 15: WISC-V (Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children, Fifth Edition)
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Age 16 and older: WAIS-5 (Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale, Fifth Edition)
Academic Achievement Testing
Some private schools require an academic achievement test in addition to an IQ test. Academic achievement tests measure what your child has learned in school, including their reading, writing, and math skills. I offer both the WIAT-4 (Wechsler Individual Achievement Test, Fourth Edition) and the KTEA-3 (Kaufman Test of Educational Achievement, Third Edition). Both tests are widely accepted by private schools in Northern Virginia and the DC metro area. If your child's application requires an achievement test, we will decide together which test is the best fit.
The Process
1. Testing session
Testing takes 1.5 to 2 hours for an IQ test alone, or about 4 hours when we add academic achievement testing. I typically schedule testing in the morning, which is when children have the most mental energy and focus.
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Before we begin testing, your child and I will spend time talking and getting to know each other. My goal is to help your child feel comfortable so they can show their true abilities. To help your child stay focused, I build in regular breaks during the session.
2. Written report
Within two days of your child's testing session, you will receive a written report that includes everything you need for your child's school or program. The report contains a complete table of your child's scores and detailed explanations of what each score means. It provides valuable information about how your child thinks and learns. For AAP applications, I include a copy of my license, as required by Fairfax County Public Schools.
3. Feedback
We will meet in person or online to review the results together. I will explain your child’s scores and what they mean for day-to-day learning. We will discuss your child’s strengths and where your child is likely to excel. We will also discuss which learning tasks are harder for your child and if there are any areas where extra support could help. Understanding these patterns helps you make informed decisions about your child’s education.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does testing cost?
​Fee for Ages 6 and Up: ​
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IQ test: $700
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IQ and achievement test: $1,500
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Fee for 5-Year-Olds:
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IQ test: $550
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IQ and achievement test: $1,200​
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Each fee includes a testing session, a written report, and a feedback session. ​​​
Do you take insurance?
I do not participate with any insurance plans. Most insurance providers do not cover admissions evaluations, as they are considered educational rather than medical.
Can we schedule testing quickly enough to meet the application deadline?
Application deadlines are important, and I want to make sure you have what you need in time. During our phone consultation, please tell me your child's application deadline. I will share my available testing dates and tell you exactly when the report will be ready for each one. I will only schedule your child’s testing if I know the report will be ready before your deadline.
What if my child is nervous about testing?
Results are most accurate when a child feels comfortable, so I prioritize helping children feel at ease. I start the testing session by talking with your child about their interests or things they enjoy. Spending time getting to know each other before starting the test helps kids feel more comfortable. I also schedule plenty of time for your child’s session, so your child won’t feel rushed. Children typically settle in and are ready to get started after a few minutes of talking.
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If your child tends to have test anxiety or feel nervous in new situations, let me know during our phone consultation. I'll ask what helps your child feel most comfortable and adjust my approach accordingly. Most parents are pleasantly surprised by how much their children enjoy the testing session.
Should my child study for the testing session?
No studying or practice is needed for these tests. In fact, the most accurate results come from children who simply show up as they are. Practicing test-style questions beforehand can distort the results and make them less useful to you and your child's school.
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Each part of the test begins with detailed instructions and practice items. I will make sure that your child understands exactly what to do before they start. There is no need to worry about your child going in unprepared.
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The best thing you can do is make sure your child gets a good night's sleep and eats a good breakfast. Children perform noticeably better when they are well-rested and not hungry. Your child is welcome to bring water and a snack to the session.
How do I get started?
Contact me to schedule a free phone consultation. We will discuss your child’s testing needs and arrange a convenient time for the testing session.