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  • Photo of the cover of the Kaplan Catholic High School Entrance Exams review book
  • Photo of Divine Child High School students taking a test
  • Divine Child High School Interlocking D and C varsity letters
  • Divine Child High School Falcon Logo

Testing

The High School Placement Test (HSPT) is required for all 8th graders planning to attend a Catholic High School.

Preparing for the Test

For several years, Divine Child High School has hosted preparatory classes for the High School Placement Test in our Bernardine Franciscan Learning Center (BFLC). The prep course is based on the Kaplan Catholic High School Entrance Exams textbook (ISBN 9781419553615).

We will begin registering students for our 2012 HSPT/EXPLORE prep class on March 1, 2012. Students interested in participating in the class must take a pre-test on either June 2, 2012 or June 9, 2012 from 10:00 a. – 12:00 p.m. This pre-test will be used to assign students to either session A or session B of our prep series. Each session is capped at 45 students. There is no waiting list, and registration will be on a first-come, first-served basis.

HSPT Prep Session A
Saturdays, August 18 to September 15, 2012
7:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.


  • 08/18 English
  • 08/25 Math
  • 09/08 Reading
  • 09/15 Science

HSPT Prep Session B
Saturdays, September 22 to October 13, 2012
7:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.


  • 09/22 English
  • 09/29 Math
  • 10/06 Reading
  • 10/13 Science

EXPLORE Test Prep for both Sessions A and B
Saturday, October 20, 2012
7:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.


The course is open to 7th and 8th graders. The cost for the class is $100 for the series or $45 per individual topic area. To reserve a space in the class, please return the form with a check payable to Divine Child High School no later than June 1, 2012.

For more information, please contact Mr. Serge Danielson-François, high school librarian, at 313.562.1990 x272 or via e-mail.


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Tips for Success

  • Get a good rest on the night before the test.
  • Eat a nourishing breakfast.
  • Give yourself enough time so that you will not be rushed.
  • Bring a small snack with you. There will be a short stand-up break in the testing room.
  • Bring two sharpened #2 pencils with erasers.
  • Determine your first and second choices for high schools you would like to attend (where your scores will be sent) before testing day. Please discuss this with your parents.

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Test Times

The HSPT is required for all 8th graders planning to attend a Catholic High School.

Saturday, November 17, 2012, 8:00 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.

There is no pre-registration required. The cost for the 2011-2012 academic year was $29 and is subject to change for the 2012-2013 academic year. Further details will be available in the Fall.

Saturday, December 1, 2012, 8:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. (Accommodations Only)

Pre-registration is required for this test. Documentation must be received before October 1, 2012. To register please call the Counseling Department at 313.562.1990 x215. Further details will be available in the Fall.

Saturday, February 2, 2013, 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Pre-registration is required for this test. Further details will be available in the Fall.


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Test Scores

Please note that Divine Child High School does not use the High School Placement Test score as the sole determinant for entrance. Strong consideration is given to 7th and 8th grade performance both academically and behaviorally, and each principal and/or 8th grade teacher is contacted personally by the DCHS principal. A score in at least the 40-50 percentile range indicates a student should do well at DCHS.

The HSPT scores are used to help us place your student in the appropriate level of class to provide academic challenge and growth. Further honors placement testing will be offered in the Spring based on HSPT scores.


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