Test Prep Chicago
Test Prep Chicago is a privately held, Chicago-based test preparation company founded in 2012 that offers courses, one-day workshops, and individual tutoring for the ACT, SAT, PreACT 9, HSPT, ISEE, and Academic Center and Algebra Exit Exams serving families and students in the Chicago metropolitan area.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2012
- HeadquartersChicago, United States
- Headcount1–10
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What Test Prep Chicago does
Test Prep Chicago is a privately held, Chicago-based test preparation and tutoring company founded in 2012 that prepares students for K-12 standardized entrance exams. Its core service offerings include 8-week group courses, one-day intensive workshops branded as "Palooza," and one-on-one tutoring for the ACT, SAT, PreACT 9 (formerly CPS HSAT), HSPT, ISEE, Academic Center Entrance Exam, and CPS Algebra Exit Exam. The company serves four primary customer segments: 8th graders seeking admission to Chicago Public Schools selective enrollment high schools (Walter Payton, Northside, Whitney Young, Jones, Lane Tech); students applying to Catholic/Parochial high schools via the HSPT; students applying to private/independent schools via the ISEE; and high school students preparing for the ACT and SAT. Pricing is quote-based and not publicly disclosed across all channels.
The company's technology stack is service-led rather than platform-led. The core platform is Testpress, a third-party-branded online testing environment used to deliver diagnostic and final exams, homework, and answer explanations, supplemented by a proprietary Mindset Reflections tool that captures student error patterns, time management issues, and mindset barriers. In August 2025, Test Prep Chicago announced a partnership with Pinpoint Learning to layer PhD-designed post-exam analytics into its CPS HSAT Palooza workshops. The company holds a Licensed Provider of Official ACT Content agreement with ACT, Inc., is a licensed NTPA ACT Affiliate Tutor Program participant, and operates as a member of the National Test Prep Association.
Test Prep Chicago generates revenue through professional-services engagements: multi-week group courses (subscription billing), one-day Palooza workshops (pay-as-you-go), and individual tutoring sessions (pay-as-you-go, quote-based). Go-to-market is predominantly direct-to-consumer via the company's website, organic SEO through its TPC Blog, email newsletter, and word-of-mouth referrals, complemented by a channel-partner motion through on-site school partnerships. The company is independently owned with no disclosed external investors or funding rounds, operates from a Chicago mailing address, and runs a small team (estimated 1-10 employees) that includes multiple Tutoring Coordinators. Curriculum is refreshed annually based on post-season exit interviews with students, and tutors are recruited from a narrow set of top-tier universities and required to complete a proprietary training program.
Test Prep Chicago firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Test Prep Chicago
- Legal name
- Test Prep Chicago
- Website
- https://testprepchicago.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2012
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1–10 employees
- Short description
- Test Prep Chicago is a privately held, Chicago-based test preparation company founded in 2012 that offers courses, one-day workshops, and individual tutoring for the ACT, SAT, PreACT 9, HSPT, ISEE, and Academic Center and Algebra Exit Exams serving families and students in the Chicago metropolitan area.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Test Prep Chicago industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Test Preparation Tutoring
- NAICS
- Exam Preparation and Tutoring (611691)
- SIC
- Services-Educational Services (8200)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Test Prep Learning Centers (SAT/ACT, AP/IB, State Exams) (EDANAHAH)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- K–12 Standardized Assessments & Benchmark Exams Prep (State tests, MAP, ISEE/SSAT) (EDANABAD), Test-Taking Strategy, Diagnostics & Score Improvement Coaching (cross-exam) (EDANABAJ)
Keywords
Where Test Prep Chicago is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Chicago
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
Test Prep Chicago business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D
Revenue model
- Test Prep Courses: Group courses offered over multiple weeks (e.g., 8-week SAT/ACT prep courses, 10-hour Algebra Exit Exam prep courses) providing structured instruction with practice tests, homework, and materials.
- Individual Tutoring: One-on-one personalized tutoring sessions available for all exam types (CPS HSAT, HSPT, ISEE, ACT, SAT, Algebra Exit Exam, Academic Center Entrance Exam). Rates available upon inquiry.
- One-Day Workshops (Palooza): Single-day intensive workshops where students take practice exams, break for lunch, and review answer explanations with tutors.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Subscription | Multi-year contract | 8-Week Group Courses |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | One-Day Palooza Workshops |
| Other | Pay-as-you-go | Individual Tutoring |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels5 records
Test Prep Chicago product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Test Prep Chicago provides test preparation courses, workshops, and tutoring for K-12 standardized exams in the Chicago area, including the ACT, SAT, PreACT 9/CPS HSAT, HSPT, ISEE, Academic Center Entrance Exam, and Algebra Exit Exam. Offerings are delivered through 8-week group courses, one-day Palooza workshops, and individual tutoring, supported by the Testpress online testing platform with diagnostic exams, analytics, and mindset reflection tools.
Product overview
Test Prep Chicago is a Chicago-based test preparation company offering specialized tutoring and courses for K-12 standardized exams in the Chicago area. Their core offerings include preparation for ACT, SAT, PreACT 9, CPS HSAT, HSPT, ISEE, Academic Center Entrance Exam, and Algebra Exit Exam. The company provides multiple service formats including 8-week group courses, one-day Palooza workshops, self-paced online courses, and individual tutoring. They operate Testpress, a proprietary online testing platform that delivers diagnostic and final exams, homework assignments, testing analytics, and Mindset Reflections. The company is a Licensed Provider of Official ACT Content and member of the National Test Prep Association. Their curriculum follows a Teach-Practice-Apply methodology and is updated annually based on exit interviews with students. School partnership programs and hiring opportunities for tutors round out their service offerings.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- ACT Prep
Quantifiable outcome
- Students demonstrated 37.89% total score improvement from diagnostic to final exam (from 48.09% to 66.31% average scores)
- +3 more outcomes
Companies that use Test Prep Chicago
Customer profileNamed customers12 records
Segments5 records
Ideal customer profiles5 records
Test Prep Chicago technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature3 records
Test Prep Chicago partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
One partnership is on record.
- Pinpoint LearningnotablePartnership to offer an enhanced version of Test Prep Chicago's Test Prep Palooza One-Day Workshop for the CPS HSAT. Pinpoint Learning provides PhD-designed testing analytics including personalized insights into reasons for errors, problem types, time management, and mindset barriers. The workshop combines TPC's authentic testing environment and expert review with Pinpoint's advanced post-exam reporting tool.
Scale indicators4 records
Recent moves5 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Test Prep Chicago competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Wyzant: Online tutoring marketplace connecting students to independent tutors across subjects including SAT, ACT, and standardized exams. Comparable in the individual tutoring component but operates as a marketplace rather than a branded curriculum provider.
- Manhattan Prep: Premium test prep provider focused on GMAT, GRE, LSAT, and increasingly SAT/ACT, with in-person and online courses. Comparable as a high-touch, instructor-led test prep specialist targeting admissions-driven students.
- Revolution Prep: Test prep and tutoring company offering live online courses, 1-on-1 tutoring, and small group classes for SAT/ACT and other standardized exams. Closely comparable business model mixing group, workshop, and individual formats.
- PrepScholar: Online-focused SAT/ACT prep provider with adaptive learning technology and a national footprint. Comparable as a direct competitor in standardized exam prep with a stronger digital delivery model.
- PrepMaven: Premium 1-on-1 SAT/ACT tutoring provider with curated tutor roster and customized prep plans. Highly comparable model emphasizing high-credentialed tutors and personalized instruction for admissions outcomes.
- TestMasters: Test prep company offering SAT, ACT, GRE, LSAT courses in classroom, online, and private tutoring formats. Comparable as an instructor-led test prep specialist serving admissions-driven students.
Broad incumbents
- Tutor.com: Online 1-on-1 tutoring service covering K-12, college, and test prep subjects. Comparable in the on-demand tutoring layer with overlap in standardized exam support, especially for school district and library partnerships.
- Kaplan Test Prep: One of the largest U.S. test prep brands offering SAT, ACT, GRE, GMAT, LSAT, MCAT prep plus admissions services. Directly comparable in product offering but operates nationally with significant brand and budget advantages.
- The Princeton Review: National incumbent offering SAT/ACT prep, admissions counseling, and tutoring across in-person and online formats. Overlaps with Test Prep Chicago on core exam prep categories but at much larger scale and broader portfolio.
Emerging players
- Magoosh: Affordable online test prep platform offering self-paced SAT, ACT, GRE, GMAT courses. Comparable for the standardized exam prep category but positioned at a lower price point and digital-only delivery.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
Test Prep Chicago social profiles
Digital presenceTest Prep Chicago financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Test Prep Chicago leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles6 records
Test Prep Chicago funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Test Prep Chicago M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Test Prep Chicago
What does Test Prep Chicago do?
Test Prep Chicago provides test preparation courses, workshops, and tutoring for K-12 standardized exams in the Chicago area, including the ACT, SAT, PreACT 9/CPS HSAT, HSPT, ISEE, Academic Center Entrance Exam, and Algebra Exit Exam. Offerings are delivered through 8-week group courses, one-day Palooza workshops, and individual tutoring, supported by the Testpress online testing platform with diagnostic exams, analytics, and mindset reflection tools.
Is Test Prep Chicago a public or private company?
Test Prep Chicago is a private company. It is classified as unknown and is currently operating.
When was Test Prep Chicago founded?
Test Prep Chicago was founded in 2012. It employs 1 to 10 people.
Where is Test Prep Chicago based?
Test Prep Chicago is headquartered in Chicago, United States, in the North America region.
How does Test Prep Chicago make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Test Prep Courses are the primary driver. The others are individual Tutoring and one-Day Workshops (Palooza).
Who are Test Prep Chicago's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Wyzant, Manhattan Prep, Revolution Prep, PrepScholar, PrepMaven and TestMasters. Broad incumbents are Tutor.com, Kaplan Test Prep and The Princeton Review. Magoosh is listed as an emerging player.
Does Test Prep Chicago have an API?
No public API is recorded for Test Prep Chicago.
What industry is Test Prep Chicago in?
Test Prep Chicago's product category is Test Preparation Tutoring. Its primary akta.pro industry code is EDANAHAH, Test Prep Learning Centers (SAT/ACT, AP/IB, State Exams), with a secondary code of EDANABAD, K–12 Standardized Assessments & Benchmark Exams Prep (State tests, MAP, ISEE/SSAT). Its NAICS code is 611691 and its SIC code is 8200.