IQ testing for Atherton families: what to know
Premier private-school admissions
Atherton families frequently apply to Sacred Heart Schools and Menlo School, where a cognitive report can be one part of a selective, holistic review.
Personalized education priorities
Understanding a child's specific strengths and learning profile helps families choose programs that fit—rather than relying on reputation alone.
How admissions reads a report
Selective schools weigh the whole application. Knowing what index scores mean lets you discuss your child's report with admissions confidently.
Planning around deadlines
Appointments for the season fill early. Testing a couple of months ahead keeps the process unhurried and leaves time for questions.
Atherton's Educational Landscape
- • Encinal Elementary (in Atherton)
- • Laurel School Lower Campus
- • Hillview Middle School
- • Menlo-Atherton High School
- • Las Lomitas Elementary District
California Distinguished Schools
- • Sacred Heart Schools, Atherton
- • Menlo School (6-12)
- • Peninsula School
- • Trinity School
- • Harper School
Top 20% in California
Atherton families value personalized education and selective opportunities. A thorough, individualized cognitive report can help reflect each child's potential when applying to elite academic programs.
From admissions test to a fuller picture
When a school requests it, an individually administered Wechsler assessment is the usual starting point—a focused session that produces the report admissions expects.
If there are questions about attention, learning, or a gap between ability and grades, a broader psychoeducational assessment adds academic and processing measures for a fuller picture. Our school testing guide explains the difference.
Frequently asked (Atherton edition)
Earlier is better—aim for 8–10 weeks before your school's submission date so there's time to review the report and ask questions before the deadline.
Rarely on its own. Selective schools read the full report—index scores, strengths, and learning profile—as one piece of a holistic review.
No formal prep. A good night's sleep, a protein-forward snack, comfy clothes, and a reassuring "try your best" message are perfect.