Entrance testing is required for applicants to Kindergarten and above. The cost of the test for Kindergarten through fourth grade is included in the application fee. Candidates for grades five and above pay an additional testing fee directly to the Educational Records Bureau (ERB) for the Independent Schools Entrance Examination (ISEE).

PreK and Kindergarten

Applicants to Coram Deo Academy’s PreK and Kindergarten programs are required to take the Missouri Kindergarten Inventory of Developmental Skills (KIDS) test. It is designed for ages four to six and is administered by an early-education specialist in a one-on-one session. No special preparation is necessary. The following areas of development are surveyed:

• Number Concepts
• Language Concepts
• Auditory Skills
• Visual Skills
• Paper and Pencil Skill
• Gross Motor Skills

Kindergarten students will take this test prior to acceptance into CDA’s Kindergarten Program. PreK students will take this test in January of their PreK school year to help parents and the
academy determine the student’s readiness for Kindergarten the following school year.

Grades 1 – 4

Applicants to Coram Deo Academy’s first - fourth grade are required to take the abbreviated version of the Stanford Achievement Test (SAT). This test is designed to measure the student’s progress toward high academic standards. Students will be given a grade appropriate test in the areas of Reading and Mathematics.

Testing Process

1. Upon submission of the online application and receipt of the application fee, the admission staff will contact you to schedule the appropriate test. Testing is generally offered mid-January through May.
2. On test day, please bring two #2 pencils and a sweater/sweatshirt as it may be cool in the testing room. No jeans please.
3. Please arrive 5 to 10 minutes prior to your scheduled test time and check in at the front desk.
4. Testing will take approximately 2 hours.
5. Documents to complete a child's application file may also be turned in to the Admission Coordinator on test day. Admission interviews with the School Director will not be booked until a candidate's file is complete.
6. These tests are scored “in-house” so results are available very quickly. Results will be provided at the admission interview. Both parents of new families must accompany the applicant to the interview which lasts approximately 30 minutes.
7. Generally, wait-listed students will not be tested unless an open seat has been confirmed.

Grades 5 - 12

Applicants to Coram Deo Academy’s grades 5-12 are required to take the Independent Schools Entrance Examination (ISEE). This may be done either at CDA or another test site in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. The cost for the test is $95 per student paid directly to the Educational Records Bureau (ERB) by the applicant’s family. ISEE Testing Instructions and Dates