SHSAT Math
- Arithmetic and number sense
- Algebraic expressions, equations, and inequalities
- Ratios, rates, and percentages
- Geometry and measurement
- Multi-step word problems
- Statistics, probability, and quantitative reasoning
SHSAT tutoring in Astoria · Queens, NY
SHSAT Prep in Astoria, Queens
Small-group, in-person SHSAT prep in Astoria for families across Queens and NYC. Maximum 12 students per class.
Math and ELA instruction built from a free diagnostic, with timed practice, mock exams, and regular progress updates for parents.
Every SHSAT student receives
- A free, timed SHSAT-style diagnostic
- Small in-person classes, maximum 12 students
- Instruction led by founder Tariq Ahmed
- Math and ELA in every three-hour class
- Timed quizzes, mock exams, and progress updates
SHSAT program overview
How the SHSAT works
The Specialized High Schools Admissions Test (SHSAT) is taken by NYC 8th graders, and first-time 9th graders, applying to eight of the nine Specialized High Schools. Admission to those schools is based on the SHSAT score and each student's ranked school choices.
The Fall 2026 computer-adaptive format
- Taken on NYCPS-provided computers, except for limited approved paper accommodations.
- 50 English Language Arts questions and 50 Math questions.
- 180 minutes of standard testing time; students choose which subject to begin with.
- Multiple-choice, fill-in-the-blank, and technology-enhanced items. No calculators.
- Every question must be answered before advancing. Math and standalone ELA questions cannot be revisited.
Confirm current details on the official NYC Public Schools SHSAT page, or read how the Fall 2026 SHSAT works.
Begin with a diagnostic
A timed, SHSAT-style diagnostic shows exactly which Math and ELA skills need work, so class time targets real gaps instead of repeating what a student already knows.
Small groups of 12 or fewer
Every SHSAT cohort is capped at 12 students. That keeps classes focused and lets every student get direct feedback on their work.
Founder-led instruction
Classes are led by founder Tariq Ahmed, an NYC DOE educator with 12+ years of teaching and test-prep experience.
SHSAT curriculum
What students learn in Math and ELA
SHSAT ELA
- Revising and Editing: grammar, punctuation, and organization
- Reading comprehension
- Literary analysis of fiction and poetry
- Informational passages
- Vocabulary in context
- Evidence-based reasoning
Inside every three-hour class
How every SHSAT class is structured
Each three-hour class covers both sections of the test, then closes with cumulative work so skills from earlier weeks stay sharp.
- 75 minutes
Math
Direct instruction and guided practice on the week's Math topics.
- 75 minutes
ELA
Revising and Editing skills plus reading comprehension practice.
- 30 minutes
Cumulative practice and review
Mixed review, timed practice, and error analysis of the questions students missed.
Our teaching approach
Diagnostic-based teaching with structured practice
Diagnostic testing
Students start with a timed diagnostic that sets a baseline for Math, ELA, and pacing.
Targeted instruction
Lessons focus on the question types and skills each diagnostic identifies as priorities.
Homework
Short, focused assignments between classes reinforce the skills taught that week.
Timed quizzes
Regular timed quizzes build accuracy under pressure and show what to review next.
Mock examinations
Full-length practice exams under test-day conditions build stamina for the 180-minute test.
Progress tracking
Parents receive updates on quiz and practice-exam results, growth by topic, and next priorities.
2027 schedules and tuition
SHSAT cohorts for Winter, Spring, and Summer 2027
Every cohort meets in person at our Astoria classroom with a maximum of 12 students. Founding-family tuition is offered for Winter 2027 only; Spring and Summer offer an early full-payment discount. Discounts do not combine. All deadlines end at 11:59:59 PM ET.
SHSAT Weekday
Monday and Wednesday, 5:30–8:30 PM ET
January 11, 2027 – March 31, 2027
24 three-hour classes · 72 scheduled hours
- Founding-family tuition
- $1,080
- First 5 fully paid enrollments in this cohort, paid in full by November 30, 2026 at 11:59:59 PM ET, while founding-family seats remain.
- Early-payment tuition
- $1,296
- 10% off when paid in full by December 21, 2026 at 11:59:59 PM ET.
- Regular tuition
- $1,440
- Paid in full before the first scheduled class.
SHSAT Weekend
Saturday and Sunday, 10 AM–1 PM ET
January 9, 2027 – March 28, 2027
24 three-hour classes · 72 scheduled hours
- Founding-family tuition
- $1,080
- First 5 fully paid enrollments in this cohort, paid in full by November 28, 2026 at 11:59:59 PM ET, while founding-family seats remain.
- Early-payment tuition
- $1,296
- 10% off when paid in full by December 19, 2026 at 11:59:59 PM ET.
- Regular tuition
- $1,440
- Paid in full before the first scheduled class.
SHSAT Weekday
Monday and Wednesday, 5:30–8:30 PM ET
April 5, 2027 – June 23, 2027
24 three-hour classes · 72 scheduled hours
- Early-payment tuition
- $1,296
- 10% off when paid in full by March 8, 2027 at 11:59:59 PM ET.
- Regular tuition
- $1,440
- Paid in full before the first scheduled class.
SHSAT Weekend
Saturday and Sunday, 10 AM–1 PM ET
April 3, 2027 – June 20, 2027
24 three-hour classes · 72 scheduled hours
- Early-payment tuition
- $1,296
- 10% off when paid in full by March 6, 2027 at 11:59:59 PM ET.
- Regular tuition
- $1,440
- Paid in full before the first scheduled class.
SHSAT Weekday Intensive
Monday–Thursday, 10 AM–1 PM ET
July 6, 2027 – August 29, 2027
32 three-hour classes · 96 scheduled hours
- Early-payment tuition
- $1,728
- 10% off when paid in full by June 8, 2027 at 11:59:59 PM ET.
- Regular tuition
- $1,920
- Paid in full before the first scheduled class.
SHSAT Weekend
Saturday and Sunday, 10 AM–1 PM ET
July 3, 2027 – August 28, 2027
16 three-hour classes · 48 scheduled hours
- Early-payment tuition
- $864
- 10% off when paid in full by June 5, 2027 at 11:59:59 PM ET.
- Regular tuition
- $960
- Paid in full before the first scheduled class.
How enrollment works
Enrolling in SHSAT classes for 2027
- Step 1
Review the available cohort
Compare the SHSAT weekday, weekend, and summer options above by schedule, dates, hours, and tuition.
- Step 2
Request a free diagnostic
A timed diagnostic in Astoria shows your child's starting point and helps confirm which cohort fits.
- Step 3
Submit an enrollment inquiry
Tell us the cohort you are interested in. We reply with next steps and current seat information.
- Step 4
Complete registration and payment
Registration and payment are completed through AhmedPrep's approved process when it is available for your cohort.
An inquiry is not an enrollment. Submitting an inquiry does not reserve a seat. A seat is confirmed only after registration is complete and payment has been received and confirmed by AhmedPrep. Classes are limited to 12 students.
Free SHSAT resources
Practice tests and free SHSAT help
- SHSAT practice testsOfficial digital practice tests and AhmedPrep practice.
- Weekly practice questionA free SHSAT question with a full explanation every week.
- Free Sunday Zoom classesFree live SHSAT lessons for families anywhere in NYC.
- All free resourcesGuides on the test format, Math topics, and ELA skills.
Free Sunday classes at AhmedPrep
Free Sunday Zoom Classes Resume January 10, 2027. RSVPs open December 13.
SHSAT (Math and ELA) 6:00–6:45 PM ET · Digital SAT (Math and Reading/Writing) 7:00–7:45 PM ET · Every other Sunday
Questions from parents
SHSAT prep FAQ
Who takes the SHSAT?
NYC 8th graders, and first-time 9th graders, take the SHSAT to apply to eight of the nine Specialized High Schools. Admission to those schools is based on the SHSAT score and the student's ranked school choices. Families register through MySchools; confirm current dates on the official NYC Public Schools Specialized High Schools page.
What does the SHSAT test?
Beginning in Fall 2026, the SHSAT is a computer-adaptive test with 50 English Language Arts questions (Revising/Editing and Reading Comprehension) and 50 Math questions. Standard testing time is 180 minutes, students choose which subject to begin with, and calculators are not allowed.
Can students skip questions or go back on the computer-adaptive SHSAT?
No skipping: every question must be answered before advancing. Math and standalone ELA questions cannot be revisited after the student advances. Passage-based ELA questions can be revisited within their passage set until the set is submitted.
How is each three-hour SHSAT class structured?
Every class includes 75 minutes of Math, 75 minutes of ELA, and 30 minutes of cumulative practice, review, and error analysis.
How many students are in each class?
Every SHSAT cohort has a maximum of 12 students.
Does an enrollment inquiry reserve my child's seat?
No. An inquiry tells us which cohort you are interested in. A seat is confirmed only after registration is complete and payment has been received and confirmed by AhmedPrep.
Is founding-family tuition available for every term?
No. Founding-family tuition applies to Winter 2027 cohorts only. Spring and Summer 2027 cohorts offer an early full-payment discount. Discounts do not combine.
When should my child start SHSAT preparation?
It depends on the starting point. Many families begin in the winter, spring, or summer before 8th grade. The free diagnostic shows how much ground there is to cover so you can choose a realistic cohort.
Is AhmedPrep affiliated with the Specialized High Schools?
No. AhmedPrep is an independent test preparation provider and is not affiliated with NYC Public Schools or any Specialized High School.
Visit AhmedPrep
In-person classes in Astoria, Queens
AhmedPrep
20-65 47th Street
Astoria, NY 11105
Our Astoria classroom is easy to reach from across Queens, including Long Island City, Sunnyside, Woodside, Jackson Heights, and Ditmars, and from neighboring boroughs.
Free diagnostic
Book a free SHSAT diagnostic
Complete the form and we'll contact you to confirm a diagnostic time at our Astoria location.
- A timed, test-style assessment
- A clear breakdown of strengths and gaps
- A parent consultation with next steps
- No cost and no obligation