Private School Evaluations & First Looks Insights (FLI)Test
Overview
There is no standardized test for private schools admissions. Instead, most private school offer group playdates for kids, where they will asses them both in a group and sometimes independently. Horace Mann and Riverdale are the only two schools who still administer a standardized test called The First Looks Insights (FLI) in New York City.
First Look Insights (FLI)Test
Timing
Parents will receive a link to register their child for the FLI when they apply for admissions to any participating school. Children can only take the test once and the results will be shared by the participating schools.
Administration
Schools want well-behaved kids. Your child doesn’t need to be perfect but they need to not raise any red flags for schools. Children need to be able to express their feelings in a way that isn't aggressive or involves crying. They are expected to follow directions even in a group setting; play well with other kids and do not engage in any aggressive behaviour. Schools are increasingly looking for kids who are focused and have a good attention span even if they are only 4 years old. Children need to be able work on a task consistently and answer questions as needed.
Test Structure
The First Look Insights (FLI) Assessment is an online test to evaluate early math and literacy skills. Scheduled online after application submission, the FLI requires a device with Wi-Fi and headphones for a Zoom-like meeting with an assessor; parents must be present but cannot assist. The assessment includes varied questions with repetition and evaluates math (counting, basic addition/subtraction, patterns, ordering) and literacy (letter/number ID, vocabulary, rhymes, early word skills) via various activities presented to students.
Content
The FLI assesses skills that Kindergarten readiness skills along with problem solving ability in young children:
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Verbal Reasoning
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Non-Verbal Reasoning
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Expressive Language Skills
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Receptive language Skills
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General Problem Solving Skills
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Arithmetic Reasoning
Scoring
Schools receive a report of correct/incorrect answers for admissions review.
Preparation
Bright Kids has been working with private school admissions testing for many years and has engaged teachers, psychologists and consultants to help create fun and engaging materials. Our teachers are early childhood educators who are experts in teaching young children.
We start with a FLI to help assess your child and create a curriculum based on results. They will work at least 45 minutes each session to help build focus and stamina for the test.