What test does Harker School require? WPPSI-IV (ages 4-7:7) or WISC-V (ages 6:0-16:11) - Test selection depends on child's age at time of testing
How much does testing cost? $825 (not covered by insurance)
How long does testing take? 90 minutes to 2 hours
When will I get results? Within 1-2 business days
Is Dr. Estupinian Harker-approved? Yes, she's an official Harker School preferred psychologist
The #1 Mistake Parents Make: Waiting Too Long to Schedule
Common misconception: "If I wait longer, my child will be older and perform better on the test."
The reality: This thinking is completely wrong and can cost your child their Harker admission opportunity.
Why waiting provides NO advantage:
Age-based scoring system: Cognitive assessments compare your child to other children born on the exact same day. Whether you test in September or December, your child competes against the same age group. Waiting three months provides zero scoring advantage.
What the tests measure: These assessments evaluate natural cognitive abilities and thinking patterns, not learned academic content. Your child's fundamental reasoning abilities won't significantly change in a few months.
Special consideration for TK applicants: Since TK spots are highly limited and testing appointments for the youngest children fill 4-6 months ahead of deadlines, waiting is especially problematic for families applying to Transitional Kindergarten.
Why waiting creates MAJOR disadvantages:
1. Appointment Scarcity for Youngest Children
* TK applicants need earliest scheduling due to limited spots and high demand
* October 2025 recommended deadline for 2026-2027 TK/K applications
* Testing slots for ages 2.5-5 fill fastest due to specialized requirements
2. Year-End Rush Problems
Thanksgiving week: Most offices closed
December holidays: Limited testing days available
Last-minute panic: Hundreds of families competing for few spots
Harker deadlines: Inflexible and unforgiving
3. Annual Deadline Casualties
Every year, multiple families contact Dr. Estupinian in December desperate for immediate appointments. Despite her flexible scheduling and weekend availability, holiday conflicts and overwhelming demand mean some families cannot secure testing dates before Harker's application deadlines.
Don't let this be your family.
The smart parent strategy:
Book immediately when you decide to apply to Harker. Your child's cognitive abilities are ready to be assessed now, and early booking ensures:
What cognitive assessment does Harker School require?
Harker School requires either the WPPSI-IV or WISC-V cognitive assessment, with test selection based on your child's age at the time of testing:
* WPPSI-IV (Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence, Fourth Edition): For children aged 2 years, 6 months to 7 years, 7 months
* WISC-V (Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children, Fifth Edition): For children aged 6 years to 16 years, 11 months
Important for Harker Lower School Applicants:
* Transitional Kindergarten (TK) applicants: Must use WPPSI-IV
* Kindergarten applicants: WPPSI-IV or WISC-V depending on age at testing
* Testing can begin as early as age 4 yrs of age, allowing plenty of time before application deadlines
These comprehensive IQ tests evaluate how your child thinks, learns, and processes information across five key cognitive areas.
Why does Harker School require cognitive assessments?
Harker School uses cognitive assessments to:
* Ensure students can handle rigorous academic demands
* Create balanced classroom environments
* Identify children who will thrive in their educational approach
* Make informed admission decisions alongside interviews and academic records
Special Note for Parents of Younger Children (Ages 2.5-5):
Harker refers to WPPSI-IV testing for TK/K applicants as a developmental readiness assessment. This is the same cognitive evaluation described here, focused on determining if your child is prepared for Harker's:
Results help create classrooms where children share sililar learning needs, supporting peer collaboration and emotional safety
"Transitional Kindergarten is for children turning 5 years old between September 2 and December 2. [...] Kindergarten applicants must be 5 by September 1."— Harker Lower School Admissions
Age Requirement-
Must turn 5 between Sept 2 - Dec 2 of enrollment year
Testing Required- WPPSI-IV only
Age Requirement-
Must turn 5 by Sept 1 of enrollment year
Testing Required-WPPSI-IV or WISC-V*
WISC-V used if child turns 6+ during testing period
What This Means for Your Family:
* TK applicants (born Sept 2 - Dec 2, 2021 for 2026-2027): Apply for TK, use WPPSI-IV
* Kindergarten applicants (born on/before Sept 1, 2021 for 2026-2027): Apply for K, test selection depends on age
* Testing can begin at age 4, providing flexibility in scheduling well before deadlines
What makes these tests different from school achievement tests?
Unlike achievement tests that measure what your child has learned in school, cognitive assessments evaluate fundamental thinking abilities and natural intellectual potential. These tests measure how your child processes information, not what they've memorized.
Understanding WPPSI-IV and WISC-V Tests
What are subtests and why do they matter?
Subtests are individual "mini-activities" that make up the complete cognitive assessment. Rather than one large test, your child completes multiple subtests that each measure specific cognitive skills like vocabulary, visual-spatial reasoning, or working memory.
Why multiple subtests are important:
What cognitive areas do these tests measure?
Both WPPSI-IV and WISC-V evaluate five core cognitive domains:
1. Verbal Comprehension
2. Visual Spatial Processing
3. Fluid Reasoning
4. Working Memory
5. Processing Speed
The WPPSI-IV thoughtfully organizes its 15 subtests into five key cognitive domains, each designed to reveal different aspects of how your child thinks and learns. Rather than administering all subtests to every child, the assessment is carefully tailored with specific combinations based on your child's age – different groupings for younger children (2:6-3:11) and older children (4:0-7:7).
Supplemental Subtests for Enhanced Analysis:
Information, Comprehension, Picture Concepts, Letter-Number Sequencing, Cancellation, Naming Speed Literacy
Is Dr. Estupinian an approved Harker School psychologist?
Yes! Dr. Ginny Estupinian is an official Harker School preferred psychologist with over a decade of experience assessing child applicants for Harker Schools. Her exceptional qualifications include:
Board Certification Excellence:
Extensive Clinical Experience:
* Over a decade as staff psychologist and neuropsychologist at Santa Clara Valley Health and Hospital System
* Conducted hundreds of comprehensive neuropsychological and psychological evaluations
* Vast practical experience working with diverse populations and complex cases
Harker-Specific Expertise:
* 10+ years providing cognitive assessments specifically for Harker School admissions
* Doctoral-level education (PhD) with specialized training
* Deep understanding of Harker's unique requirements and expectations
Unmatched Professional Credentials
Doctoral-level expertise (PhD): Advanced clinical psychology training
* ABPP Board Certification: Elite credential held by only 4-5% of clinical psychologists nationwide
* Specialized competence: Highest level of professional recognition in clinical psychology
Extensive Clinical Background
* Decade of hospital experience: Staff psychologist/neuropsychologist at Santa Clara Valley Health and Hospital System
* Hundreds of assessments: Comprehensive evaluation experience across diverse populations
* Complex case expertise: Advanced skills in neuropsychological assessment and interpretation
Complete Subtest Administration
* Always administers ALL required subtests (never abbreviated versions)
* Expert knowledge of age-appropriate subtest selection
* Strategic subtest sequencing for optimal child engagement
Harker-Specific Specialization
* 10+ years of Harker assessments: Unparalleled experience with Harker School requirements
* Deep institutional knowledge: Understanding of what Harker admission committee seeks
* Proven track record: Consistent success with Harker applicant assessments
Child-Centered Approach
* Child-friendly explanations of each activity
* Strategic breaks between subtests
* Comfortable, anxiety-free testing environment
* Individual pacing based on your child's needs
Comprehensive Reporting
* Individual subtest scores with detailed explanations
* Pattern recognition and cognitive strength identification
* Educational recommendations based on results
* Harker-specific context and expectations
What qualifications should I look for in a cognitive assessment provider?
* Essential Qualifications for Harker School Assessments:
* Educational Background:
* Doctoral degree (PhD/PsyD) in clinical psychology or educational psychology
* Advanced training in cognitive and neuropsychological assessment
* Specialized coursework in child development and testing
Professional Credentials:
* State licensure as a practicing psychologist
* Specialized training in WPPSI-IV and WISC-V administration
Experience Factors:
* Years of assessment experience - Extensive background in cognitive testing
* Harker-specific experience - Familiarity with school requirements and expectations
* Clinical setting experience - Exposure to diverse cases and complex assessments
* Volume of assessments - Hundreds of evaluations provide refined expertise
Harker School Recognition:
* Official preferred provider status with Harker School
* Established relationship with Harker admission department
* Track record of successful applicant assessments
Why These Qualifications Matter:
Cognitive assessment interpretation requires advanced clinical training and extensive experience. The complexity of understanding subtest patterns, developmental considerations, and educational implications demands doctoral-level expertise and specialized competence that comes from both formal training and practical experience.
Quick Facts for Busy Parents
What test does Harker School require? WPPSI-IV (ages 4-7:7) or WISC-V (ages 6:0-16:11) - Test selection depends on child's age at time of testing
How much does testing cost? $825 (not covered by insurance)
How long does testing take? 90 minutes to 2 hours
When will I get results? Within 1-2 business days
Is Dr. Estupinian Harker-approved? Yes, she's an official Harker School preferred psychologist
Elite Professional Standing:
* ABPP Board Certification: Among the top 4-5% of clinical psychologists nationally
* Doctoral-level expertise: PhD training in advanced psychological assessment
* Hospital-based experience: Decade of complex neuropsychological work at major medical center
Unparalleled Assessment Experience:
* Hundreds of evaluations: Extensive practical experience across diverse populations
* Complex case expertise: Advanced skills from hospital neuropsychology practice
* Refined interpretation abilities: Years of sophisticated assessment work
Harker School Specialization:
* 10+ years of Harker assessments: Longest-serving preferred provider experience
* Institutional knowledge: Deep understanding of Harker's specific requirements
* Proven success record: Consistent track record with Harker applicants
* Perfect deadline reliability: Never missed a deadline in 10+ years of practice
* Emergency accommodation capability: Can arrange rush services and advocate for exceptions when needed
Personal Results Review
Unlike providers who simply mail reports, Dr. Estupinian schedules a dedicated phone consultation to personally walk you through your child's results. She translates complex psychological concepts into understandable language and helps you understand how your child thinks and learns.
Complete Understanding of Requirements
Dr. Estupinian's extensive training and experience ensure she knows exactly what Harker School requires and can provide the most comprehensive assessment possible. Her official preferred status guarantees acceptance of results.
The Experience Difference
When choosing a cognitive assessment provider, consider that this evaluation may influence your child's educational future. Dr. Estupinian's combination of elite credentials, extensive hospital-based experience, and decade of Harker-specific expertise provides the confidence that comes from working with a true specialist in the field.
How much does cognitive assessment cost?
Complete cognitive assessment: $825 (out-of-pocket expense)
The Office of Ginny Estupinian PhD accepts all major credit cards
No, insurance does not cover cognitive assessments for school admission purposes.
Why insurance doesn't cover these assessments:
Important to know: This is a private-pay service, so families should plan for the $825 cost as part of their Harker School application budget.
Testing typically takes 90 minutes to 2 hours, depending on:
You will receive your child's comprehensive cognitive assessment report within 2 business days after the testing session. The detailed report includes:
Simple explanation: "You'll be doing interesting things such as puzzles with Dr. Estupinian to show how you think and learn."
Best preparation:
Ensure your child is well-rested
Provide a good meal before testing
Keep them comfortable and relaxed
Avoid over-preparation (can interfere with accurate results)
What NOT to do:
Don't drill practice questions
Don't create anxiety about performance
Don't promise rewards based on results
Don't promise them a reward after they finsih the exam because they will terminate early and not do well. For example don't tell them, "If you do well I will take you to ...ice cream, get a toy, go to a party etc.
How do I schedule an appointment?
Multiple convenient options:
* Online booking: Available 24/7 through secure scheduling system
* Phone booking: Call our Los Gatos office directly
* Flexible scheduling: Including evenings and weekends
BOOK EARLY WARNING: During peak season (September-December), appointment availability becomes severely limited. Book as early as possible to avoid missing Harker application deadlines.
Where is Dr. Estupinian's office located and what areas does she serve?
Los Gatos Office Location:
Address: 987 University Ave, Suite 20, Los Gatos, CA 95032
Serving Families Throughout the South Bay Area:
Parents travel from across the South Bay region to see Dr. Estupinian for their child's cognitive assessment, including families from:
Core South Bay Cities:
San Jose
Santa Clara
Cupertino
Saratoga
Campbell
Los Gatos
Peninsula Communities:
Mountain View
Sunnyvale
Menlo Park
Palo Alto
Los Altos
Why Families Choose to Travel to Dr. Estupinian:
* Central location: Easy access from throughout the South Bay
* Harker expertise: Worth the drive for specialized knowledge
* Proven results: Families trust her decade of experience
* Convenient scheduling: Flexible hours including evenings and weekends
Office Amenities:
* Plentiful parking: No stress about finding a spot
* Comfortable environment: Child-friendly, welcoming atmosphere
* Easy accessibility: Ground-level office with convenient access
* Professional setting: Calm, focused environment for optimal testing
Office hours:
Weekdays: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Weekends: Saturday and Sunday appointments available (call for times)
Can assessments be expedited if needed?
Yes, emergency/rush assessments may be possible depending on Dr. Estupinian's schedule availability.
Dr. Estupinian's Deadline Commitment:
* Perfect track record: Never missed a deadline in 10+ years of practice
* Reliable promise: When Dr. Estupinian commits to meeting your deadline, she delivers
* Flexible scheduling: Availability in early evenings and weekends. Call for details
Important Note: While Dr. Estupinian will do her best to accommodate emergency situations, the smartest approach is early scheduling to avoid needing rush services. Her decade of reliability means urgent requests are handled professionally, but availability cannot be guaranteed during peak demand periods.
CRITICAL TIMING WARNING: Book early in the admission season - don't wait until year-end!
Recommended booking timeline:
Early season (September-October): Book immediately for best availability
Mid-season (November): 2-3 weeks in advance minimum
Late season (December): Limited availability, book 4+ weeks ahead
Year-end rush: Often fully booked - many families miss Harker deadlines
Why early booking is essential:
* Holiday schedules reduce available testing dates
* Year-end rush creates appointment scarcity
* Every year, families miss Harker application deadlines due to unavailable testing dates
* Waiting provides NO testing advantage (see "Common Parent Mistake" below)
Results are reported as standard scores with:
100 = Average performance
85-115 = Normal range
Detailed subtest breakdown
Cognitive strengths and challenges identification
What do the results mean for Harker admission?
Harker School uses cognitive assessment results alongside:
* Student interviews
* Academic records
* Teacher recommendations
* Overall application materials
Dr. Estupinian personally schedules a dedicated phone consultation to:
* Walk through your child's results in understandable terms
* Explain cognitive strengths and learning style
* Discuss educational implications
* Answer all your questions
* Provide practical recommendations
Timeline:
* Report emailed day before consultation
* Dedicated consultation call scheduled at your convenience
* Comprehensive explanation of all results
Does Harker require all subtests?
Yes! Harker School specifically requires administration of ALL applicable subtests for your child's age group, not abbreviated versions. This comprehensive approach ensures:
* Complete cognitive profile
* Reliable and accurate results
* Detailed analysis of strengths and growth areas
* Full acceptance by Harker admission committee
What's the difference between complete and abbreviated testing?
Complete Testing (Dr. Estupinian's approach):
* All required subtests administered
* Comprehensive cognitive profile
* Detailed pattern analysis
* Full Harker acceptance guaranteed
Abbreviated Testing (not acceptable to Harker):
* Shortened versions to save time
* Incomplete cognitive picture
* May miss important strengths or challenges
* Risk of non-acceptance by Harker
Why choose comprehensive assessment?
Benefits for your child:
* Most accurate picture of abilities
* Identification of optimal learning style
* Complete information for educational planning
* Confidence in results accuracy
Benefits for Harker admission:
* Demonstrates thorough preparation
* Provides complete information to admission committee
Harker-Specific Expertise
What does Dr. Estupinian know about Harker's requirements?
With over a decade as a Harker School preferred psychologist, Dr. Estupinian understands:
Specific subtest requirements for each age group
* What Harker admission committee looks for in cognitive profiles
* How to present results in Harker-appropriate format
* Educational implications relevant to Harker's academic approach
How does this expertise benefit my child?Assessment advantages:
* Guaranteed compliance with all Harker requirements
* Optimal subtest selection and sequencing
* Results presentation tailored to Harker expectations
* Expert interpretation of what results mean for Harker admission
Family advantages:
* Confidence in assessment completeness
* Understanding of results in Harker context
* Practical recommendations for supporting your child's learning
* Peace of mind about admission process
Dr. Estupinian's combination of board certification, decade of Harker-specific experience, and child-friendly approach makes her the optimal choice for your child's cognitive assessment. Her comprehensive testing approach and personal results review ensure you understand your child's cognitive strengths and learning style.
Don't wait - appointment availability fills quickly during admission season, and every year families miss Harker application deadlines due to unavailable testing dates. This is especially critical for TK applicants, as testing appointments for the youngest children fill 4-6 months ahead of deadlines and TK spots are highly limited. The common mistake of waiting for children to "get older" provides no testing advantage since scores are compared to same-age peers.
Schedule today to secure your child's spot with one of the Bay Area's most experienced Harker School cognitive assessment specialist and avoid the year-end appointment crisis that affects multiple families annually. For TK applicants, early scheduling is essential for competitive positioning in limited admission spots.
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