The School Guides · Overview
Bay Area private-school testing, school by school
Each of these schools sets its own tests, age cutoffs, deadlines, and report expectations. This overview maps the differences so you can go straight to the guide that matters for your family.
School information guide · Verify current policies with each admissions office
Why school-specific research matters
A single 'IQ test' does not exist in admissions. Requirements differ on four axes, and mixing them up is the most common — and most expensive — planning mistake.
The instrument
Harker and Nueva name specific Wechsler tests by grade; Helios accepts WPPSI-IV or WISC-V by age; older Harker grades switch to ISEE or SSAT.
The examiner
Some schools keep preferred or approved psychologist lists; others simply require a licensed professional. Check before booking anyone.
The timeline
Deadlines range from early January to late March depending on the school and application round — and reports take weeks to write.
The reading
Nueva looks for scores in a target range; Helios reads the whole report with no minimum; Harker treats scores as one component after screening.
The three school guides
Each guide covers the current requirements, the timeline, and the questions worth confirming directly with the school.
The Harker School
San Jose
Founded in 1893 with 125+ years of history. Cognitive assessments (WPPSI-IV or WISC-V) for TK–Grade 2; ISEE or SSAT for older grades.
- WPPSI-IV / WISC-V for TK–Grade 2
- ISEE or SSAT from Grade 3 up
- Harker-preferred psychologist list
- Holistic review; scores are one component
The Nueva School
Hillsborough & San Mateo
PreK–12 school for gifted learners with two application rounds. WPPSI-IV required for young applicants, with scores in Nueva's target range.
- Two application rounds per year
- WPPSI-IV for pre-kindergarten applicants
- Minimum age 3 years 10 months at testing
- On-campus group activity session
Helios School
Sunnyvale
Independent K–8 school for gifted learners built on inquiry-based, project-driven learning. Reviews the full written report, not a single score.
- WPPSI-IV under 6 / WISC-V ages 6+
- No minimum full-scale IQ
- Results due by early February
- Holistic review with workshops and interviews
What the testing process looks like
Whichever school you are targeting, the shape of the process is similar. What varies is the paperwork around it.
Confirm the requirement
Verify with the admissions office which test, age rules, and report format the school currently accepts — policies shift between cycles.
The assessment session
An individually administered evaluation, typically 2–4 hours depending on the child's age and instrument, in a child-friendly setting.
The written report
A report describing the child's cognitive profile, with recommendations written in plain language for parents and admissions readers.
Submission and follow-up
Confirm how the report reaches each school, whether extra copies cost more, and whether a feedback conversation is included.
What to look for in a good assessment
A helpful assessment goes beyond a single score. Families should come away with a clear understanding of their child's learning profile, cognitive strengths, and any support needs.
- A child-friendly, puzzle-like session kids actually enjoy
- School-specific insight in the recommendations
- A clear, parent-friendly report with actionable next steps
- A follow-up conversation to walk through results