SHSAT Prep classes are programs designed to help students maximize their test scores on the SHSAT, a standardized test used for admission into NYC Specialized High Schools (excluding LaGuardia HS). These courses provide a structured approach to learning the material on the test. They typically have set days and times that follow a schedule of lessons covering the topics in a systematic way.
The average cost of a live, instructor-led SHSAT prep class is $1,580. The average cost is based on SHSAT prep courses offered by Princeton Review, Kweller Prep, Tutoring by Christine, Smith Street Workshop, Bee Tutored, and Caddell Prep.
Below is a table that shows the cost for each of the classes we considered.
| Cost of Class | Number of Live Instruction Hours | |
|---|---|---|
| Princeton Review (Online) | 1,199 | 24 |
| Princeton Review (In-Person_ | 1,249 | 24 |
| Kweller Prep (Online) | 1,399 | 20 |
| Kweller Prep (In-Person) | 1,699 | 20 |
| Tutoring by Christine | 1,450 | 36 (maximum assumed) |
| Smith Street Workshop | 690 | 12 |
| Bee Tutored | 1,300 | 21 |
| Caddell Prep | 3,195 | 70 |
| Caddell Prep | 1,750 | 36 |
Considerations for SHSAT Prep Classes
The price of an SHSAT prep class doesn’t tell the full story. When comparing SHSAT prep class options, it’s important to consider the cost, proven results, size of the class, and the number of practice tests included in the course.
1) Cost
For most parents, cost is a big determining factor. If a class is too expensive, then it isn’t an option. However, parents should consider the investment when examining the cost. If the class can result in a child getting into a better college or qualifying for a scholarship, then there is a significant return on investment.
2) Proven Results
The whole purpose of enrolling a child into an SHSAT prep course is to have him increase his test scores. Look for testimonials when considering a program.
3) Size of the Class
A smaller class-size helps instructors provide your child with attention. It is less likely that a student will fall behind if an instructor is able to pay attention to him. That’s why classes at Caddell Prep are kept to 8 students in our SHSAT classes.
4) Number of Tests
Practice tests are important in a prep class because it helps students monitor their progress. It also lets them practice applying their new skills on sample tests before the real test. Another benefit is it helps students get used to the timing of the test.
Below is a table that compares different SHSAT prep courses based on price, number of hours, hourly rate, number of students per class, and number of practice tests.
| Cost of Class | Number of Live Instruction Hours | Cost per Hour | Number of Students | Number of Full-Length Tests in Class | Reference | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Princeton Review (Online) | 1,199 | 24 | $50 | Not listed | 3 | Note (a) |
| Princeton Review (In-Person_ | 1,249 | 24 | $52 | Not listed | 3 | Note (a) |
| Kweller Prep (Online) | 1,399 | 20 | $70 | Not listed | 3 | Note (b) |
| Kweller Prep (In-Person) | 1,699 | 20 | $85 | Not listed | 3 | Note (b) |
| Tutoring by Christine | 1,450 | 36 (maximum assumed) | $40 | 12 | 3 (minimum assumed) | Note (c) |
| Smith Street Workshop | 690 | 12 | $58 | 16 | 2 | Noted (d) |
| Bee Tutored | 1,300 | 21 | $62 | 15 | 1 | Note (e) |
| Caddell Prep | 3,195 | 70 | $46 | 8 | 5 | Note (f) |
| Caddell Prep | 1,750 | 36 | $49 | 8 | 4 | Note (f) |
Which SHSAT Prep Class is the Best Option?
Caddell Prep is the best option for SHSAT classes. Caddell Prep’s classes are more expensive than the other options, but the other companies offer classes at different times per year, expecting students to take multiple courses. As a result, the real cost of the other options are 2-4 times more expensive than listed above. A big indicator for cost is the cost per hour, which Caddell Prep is second least expensive, while also having the least number of students per class.
Caddell Prep has proven results in helping students improve their SHSAT scores, with 4.8 stars on Google.
Comparing the Cost of SHSAT Classes to Tutoring
If you just look at the hourly rate of a class compared to the hourly rate of tutoring, you’ll notice that they are drastically different. For a class, the range of hourly rates is $40 to $85, while the range of tutoring is $80 to $250.
When it comes to choosing a class or tutoring, it’s important to consider you child and how he learns. Some students don’t pay attention or learn well in a group class for other reasons. Sometimes, students are too shy to ask questions in a class, especially around new people. Other students will try to just get by if they are in a class. They need someone to be on top of them, paying attention to what they are doing at all times.
A great instructor will be able to spot when a student is slacking off or not paying attention, and get him to do so. Likewise, a great instructor will be able to see who is falling behind and provide a support necessary. However, the instructor’s ability to do so is largely dependent on the size of the class.
A small-sized prep class with an expert instructor is an economical alternative to tutoring, considering the high cost of SHSAT tutoring. Again, it just depends on find the right course.
A Cost-Effective Way to Get Expert SHSAT Help
To maximize the benefits of SHSAT tutoring and the cost-savings of an SHSAT course, we recommend students to start with the course and add tutoring after, instead of only doing tutoring. The reason for this is the SHSAT class is going to cover all of the topics and strategies necessary for improving on the SHSAT. After the class, students can focus on their weak points to maximize their scores using tutoring and reduce their cost of SHSAT tutoring. Hours of tutoring would be saved by not spending that time on fundamental topics.
References
Note (b) Information about the class was retrieved from https://www.kwellerprep.com/product/shsat-prep-september-4th-october-26th-2025/ on June 24, 2025
Note (c) Information about the class was retrieved from https://tutoringbychristine.com/product/strategic-shsat-practice-series-tuesdays-thursdays-and-sundays-july-8-october-26-2025/ on June 24, 2025. The information on the website doesn’t specify the number of practice tests offered. It states “practice tests spread throughout the course to assess progress”, so we assumed a minimum of three practice tests and a maximum of 36 hours of instruction for our calculations.
Note (d) Information about the class was retrieved from https://www.smithstreetworkshop.com/shsat-final-countdown on June 24, 2025
Note (e) Information about the class was retrieved from https://www.hisawyer.com/bee-tutored/schedules/activity-set/1444299?source=semesters on June 24, 2025
Note (f) Information about the class was retrieved from https://caddellprep.com/SHSAT/prep/class/ on June 24, 2025
