HSAT Test Prep | CPS Has Replaced the HSAT with the PreACT 9 Secure

The PreACT 9 Secure is CPS’s new high school admissions test for 8th graders, replacing the HSAT starting fall 2026. It is made by ACT, Inc. — the same organization behind the ACT college admissions exam. The test has four sections: English (44 questions, 35 min), Math (34 questions, 45 min), Reading (33 questions, 40 min), and Science (32 questions, 35 min). Total testing time is 2 hours and 35 minutes. Scores are reported on a scale of 1–32.

Earlier blocks give more platform time before test day. Block 1 (June) gives your child nearly 4 months of AI Study Coach access before October 7. Block 4 (September) is a focused intensive right before the test. All blocks cover the same curriculum and include the same assessments and platform access through October 31. When in doubt, start earlier.

(Updated 6/4/26) Every student receives a proctored diagnostic during Week 1 with a CTC instructor present, 3 full-length timed practice tests (144 questions each, released one per week), and a post-assessment taken independently after Week 4. That is 5 total assessments. The CTC AI Study Coach also generates additional personalized practice questions based on your child’s specific weak areas between every session

A personal AI powered study tool available anytime that adapts to your child’s strengths and weaknesses. It generates extra practice questions on topics they need help with and explains concepts in a way that matches how they learn. Your child is never stuck waiting until next session for help.

Built with student safety in mind — our AI is restricted to academic content only. Students can only interact within our verified question bank, so you never have to worry about off-topic or inappropriate conversations.

Developed under the guidance of Lemi-Ola Erinkitola, Co-Chair of NIST/NICE K-12 Cybersecurity Community of Interest and founder of The Critical Thinking Child — and supported by the Kapor Foundation AI Literacy Grant, awarded to develop responsible AI guidelines for K-12  educators and students.

Yes. Some families enroll in two blocks for extra live instruction. And because each student’s Personal Study Coach generates personalized questions based on their individual weak areas, no two students — and no two sessions — are exactly alike. Your child will always have fresh, targeted practice. Platform access continues through October 31 regardless of which block you choose.

A laptop or desktop computer with internet access and Zoom installed. We recommend a laptop to simulate test day conditions.

Yes. Contact us to discuss your child’s specific needs and we’ll ensure appropriate support is in place.

Yes. At checkout you can add 4 additional Sundays of proctored practice — extending your enrollment from 4 sessions to 8. Same day, same time slot, continuous weeks right after your course ends. A CTC instructor is present every session to keep your child motivated and on track. Prefer a more personalized approach? We also offer 1-on-1 tutoring options leading up to test day. The proctored extension is $197 and is available as an add-on at checkout for any course block. Contact us for 1-on-1 tutoring pricing and availability

Absolutely — and you are not alone. Test anxiety is one of the most common challenges we see, even among straight-A students. We build real confidence through timed practice, proven test-taking strategies, and consistent coaching from certified CTC instructors every session. Our 24/7 Personal Study Coach is also available between sessions so your child never feels unprepared going into test day. The more they practice in a safe, supportive environment, the less nervous they feel when it counts.