Kingsley’s Associate Head of School and Director of Next School Counseling, Tara Hofherr, reflects on assessments at Kingsley

How We Assess Students (and Why You Don’t Need to Worry)

In our Montessori classrooms, much of our assessment happens through thoughtful observation—watching how students approach challenges, solve problems, and grow over time. But yes, we also use a variety of formal assessments to monitor our students’ progress and to inform our curriculum and instructional practices. 

What We Use—and Why

Starting in Kindergarten, we administer a range of assessments in literacy, math, and spelling. These tools help us track student growth and guide instruction, but they’re never high-pressure. We don’t “teach to the test,” and we don’t prep for assessments—because we want authentic data about what each child knows and understands and where their continued areas of growth lie.

The ERBs: A Closer Look

In Grades 3–6, students take ERBs (short for Educational Records Bureau), a nationally normed, standardized achievement test also known as the CTP-5. These tests are written by the same organization that produces the ISEE (Independent School Entrance Exam), the independent school admissions test our students take during their Sixth Grade year. 

• Third Grade ERBs provide baseline data for us internally and provide the first opportunity to practice test-taking skills and experience the test-taking environment.
• Fourth and Fifth Grade results are shared with next schools and Fifth Grade scores are used to develop ISEE prep plans heading into Sixth Grade. 
• Kingsley students consistently score above national and independent school averages.
• Kingsley parents have an opportunity to meet with Tara Hofherr and Claire Harris each year to review score reports, interpret what the scores mean, and discuss implications of the scores on future plans.

What This Means for Your Child

Our goal is to help students see assessments as just one way we learn about them, not something to fear. We keep the environment calm, and we make sure they’re supported. The best preparation? A good night’s sleep and a healthy breakfast.

And when it’s time for middle school applications, our students are more than ready. Many take the ISEE in Fifth or Sixth Grade, and ERBs help build the confidence and experience to do well.

If you have questions about our assessment approach or how we support each child’s growth, please feel free to reach out to Tara for continued conversation.