Professional Intelligence Testing for School Admissions & Programs

Accurate, professional IQ testing with clear reports to support your child's applications to schools and gifted programs.

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What Is IQ Testing?

Intelligence Quotient (IQ) testing provides a standardized measure of cognitive abilities, usually including verbal comprehension, visual-spatial skills, fluid reasoning, working memory, and processing speed (Stanford Binet does not include these areas.)

These assessments offer valuable insights into a person's cognitive strengths and learning style.

At Mind Matters, we provide standalone IQ testing specifically for admissions purposes:

  • Private school applications

  • Gifted program admissions (such as Nueva School)

  • Academic talent searches

  • Selective extracurricular programs

  • Gifted and talented education (GATE) programs

  • Organizations like Mensa or Davidson Young Scholars

Our testing is conducted by licensed psychologists with specialized training and extensive experience in cognitive assessment with children and adolescents. Additionally, we have some trainees offering lower-fee IQ testing to those who accept it.

IQ Tests We Offer

Each of our follow-up services is designed to extend the value of your child's evaluation and provide ongoing support for your family.

Wechsler Intelligence Scale Series

The most commonly requested tests for school and gifted program admissions:

  • WPPSI-IV (Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence): For children ages 2-7

  • WISC-V (Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children): For children ages 6-16

  • WAIS-IV (Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale): For individuals ages 16 and older

Stanford-Binet Intelligence Scale (SB-V)

An alternative intelligence measure available in our San Francisco office for children who have taken the Wechsler tests within the past year. The Stanford-Binet:

  • Does not include timed measures

  • Extends through adulthood

  • May be preferred for children who don't perform well under time pressure

  • Can measure very high levels of ability with a higher "ceiling" than Wechsler tests

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Follow-up services are available exclusively to families who have completed a comprehensive evaluation or screening with Mind Matters. This ensures that our clinicians have in-depth knowledge of your child's learning profile, which is essential for providing effective follow-up support.

  • For most children, we recommend scheduling the feedback session within a month of the parent feedback meeting. This gives you time to process the information first, but doesn't delay too long in helping your child understand their learning profile. However, timing can be flexible based on your child's specific situation and readiness.

  • This varies widely depending on your child's needs and school situation. Some families benefit from having us attend just one initial meeting to help explain evaluation results, while others find value in our participation at annual IEP meetings or during transitions to new schools. We can help you determine when professional representation would be most beneficial.

  • For younger children, we use age-appropriate language, metaphors, and often illustrated stories to explain their learning profile. We focus heavily on strengths and present challenges as differences in how their brain works, not as deficits. We make sure explanations are positive and empowering, giving children language to understand and advocate for what they need.

  • This is actually one of the most common reasons parents request our attendance at school meetings. Our clinicians have extensive experience advocating within both public and private school systems, and can help navigate resistance by clearly linking recommendations to your child's specific learning needs. We maintain a collaborative, solution-focused approach that tends to be well-received by schools.

  • Absolutely. Teens are often highly self-aware but may have developed inaccurate beliefs about why they struggle in certain areas. Feedback sessions can correct misunderstandings, reduce shame, and provide teens with the language and self-understanding to advocate for themselves—a crucial skill as they move toward increased independence.

  • This varies based on your child's needs and development. Many families find value in check-ins around major transitions (entering middle or high school, preparing for college). Others schedule follow-ups when new challenges arise or when previously effective strategies are no longer working. We can help you determine an appropriate timeline for your situation.

  • All follow-up services are billed at $300 per hour, prorated to the nearest 6 minutes:

    • School meetings typically last 60-90 minutes plus preparation and travel time (first 30 minutes of travel is free)

    • Child/teen feedback sessions usually take 45-60 minutes

    • Parent follow-up consultations are typically 50 minutes

Need Additional Support Following Your Child's Evaluation?

Let's Continue Working Together for Your Child's Success!

Our follow-up services provide ongoing support, advocacy, and guidance to maximize the benefits of your child's evaluation.