Standardized Tests for U.S. Private School Admissions

For international students applying to U.S. private K-12 schools, standardized tests remain one of the most important parts of the admissions process. These exams help schools evaluate a student’s English proficiency, academic readiness, and ability to succeed in an English-speaking environment.

While some schools have adopted test-optional policies in recent years, most still use test results as an important part of their review process - especially for international applicants whose previous schooling took place outside the U.S.

If you are an international student applying for K-12 US private schools, “Standardized tests” is a topic you cannot avoid during the application process. This article is shared by Ms. Siyu Chen, an international education expert at FindingSchool, based on her experience supporting families applying to U.S. private schools.

Common English Standardized Tests

As a student coming from a country where English is not the official language, or not the primary language taught in the previous institutions, it’s required to take an English standardized test to show your language proficiency.

TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)

• Widely accepted by U.S. private schools.

• Measures academic English proficiency (reading, listening, speaking, writing).

• Offered as TOEFL iBT (internet-based test).

Duolingo English Test (DET)

• Gaining popularity among schools for its convenience and lower cost.

• Taken online at home, results available quickly.

• Focuses on real-world English skills.

Others

• IELTS (similar to TOEFL, sometimes accepted for English proof) etc.

For families beginning the application journey, it’s helpful to first understand the overall process, requirements, and planning timeline in this complete guide to studying abroad in high school.

Other Common Standardized Tests

To be more competitive in the application process, students consider taking other academic related or personal skill related standardized tests to show their competitiveness and academic capabilities. Many top boarding schools listed on FindingSchool clearly state SSAT or ISEE as required components of the admissions process. You can check the admission requirements including the standardized test requirements at FindingSchool .

SSAT (Secondary School Admission Test)

• Specifically designed for students applying to U.S. private middle and high schools.

• Tests verbal, math, reading, and writing skills.

• Considered an academic admissions exam, often required by top-tier schools.

ISEE (Independent School Entrance Exam)

• Another admissions exam alternative to SSAT.

• Tests reading, math, and verbal reasoning.

• More common in certain regions/schools.

Others

• School-based placement exams (some schools conduct their own English/math assessments) etc.

Example: Dana Hall School (MA)

• Academic Admissions Exam: International students must submit the SSAT or ISEE, or an equivalent exam.
  
• English Proficiency: In addition, applicants whose first language isn’t English are required to submit TOEFL, Duolingo, or a comparable English test.
  
• Schools may waive the language requirement only based on demonstrated proficiency in the interview.

#23 in FindingSchool 2026 Private Boarding High School Ranking

#2 in FindingSchool 2026 All-Girl Private Boarding High School Ranking

Families need to keep in mind that not all schools require the same tests - some may waive English proficiency exams if the student has studied in English-speaking environments. Younger students may be asked for SSAT/ISEE, while older high school applicants more often need TOEFL/IELTS/Duolingo. Make sure to prepare before going into the tests, as many schools value well-prepared scores as part of demonstrating readiness for an English-speaking academic environment.

Test-Optional in K–12 Private School Admissions

“Test-optional” means schools do not require standardized test scores as part of the application. Students may submit them if they believe the scores will strengthen their application, but it’s not mandatory.

Why schools adopt it:

• To make admissions more accessible, especially for international students.

• To place greater emphasis on transcripts, teacher recommendations, interviews, and personal qualities.

• To recognize that not all students have equal access to testing centers or prep resources.

Submitting strong test scores can still help applicants stand out, especially if grades or transcripts are less competitive. For students with excellent English skills or strong math/verbal reasoning, scores can be an advantage. Students should always check each school’s admissions page carefully, since policies vary. However this is more of a trend during COVID pandemic in 2020-2021, while the recent years starting 2024 are becoming less common. This reflects a broader “pilot-then-evaluate” model—initial temporary flexibility now being replaced with more traditional, test-requiring admissions.

Example: The Hotchkiss School (CT)

#8 in FindingSchool 2026 Private Boarding High School Ranking

In response to COVID-19 disruptions, the Hotchkiss School made SSAT and ISEE submissions optional for 9th and 10th grade applicants. Hotchkiss has since reaffirmed that test-optional status was temporary, tied to pandemic-related (COVID pandemic in 2020-2021) challenges. While some schools had reversed back to requiring these standardized tests, the earlier indication suggests a return to requiring SSAT or ISEE in the post-pandemic cycle from Hotchkiss. Welcome to check out Hotchkiss FS profile for the latest testing information.

How to Plan Your Testing Strategy

Each U.S. private school sets its own testing requirements, so families should always check the school’s Admissions → Testing page before applying.

In general:

• Grades 6–9: Schools often require the SSAT or ISEE to assess academic readiness.

• Grades 9–12: Focus more on English proficiency exams such as TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test.

Some schools may waive English tests if the student has studied in an English-speaking environment or shows fluency in interviews.

Families should plan ahead — start preparing early, use official prep resources like ETS TOEFL or SSAT.org, and complete tests before the application deadline. Based on Ms. Siyu Chen’s experience advising international applicants, it’s recommended that students begin preparing for exams like the SSAT or TOEFL at least 6–12 months before application deadlines. Early preparation allows students to achieve stronger scores and improve their overall competitiveness.

A strong, well-prepared score not only meets requirements but also demonstrates a student’s readiness and commitment to succeed in a U.S. classroom.

"Standardized tests are not only an admissions requirement but also an opportunity for students to demonstrate their academic readiness and stand out in a competitive applicant pool."

– Ms. Siyu Chen, International Education Expert at FindingSchool

For international students aspiring to study at U.S. private K–12 schools, standardized tests remain an important part of the admissions process - even as policies evolve and some schools adopt test-optional approaches. Whether required or optional, exams like the SSAT, TOEFL, or Duolingo provide students with an opportunity to demonstrate academic readiness and English proficiency. More importantly, preparing for these tests can build skills that will serve students well beyond admissions. Ultimately, families should view standardized testing not only as a requirement to fulfill but also as a chance to showcase strengths and stand out in an increasingly competitive global landscape.