Sunday HSPT Course
What Students Have To Say About the HSPT Course
Mr. Dugan’s HSPT class was a key reason why I was able to be accepted into Gonzaga. Before enrolling in his course, I was nervous and clueless about how to prepare for the HSPT. Thankfully, I chose to sign up for Mr. Dugan’s HSPT course. From the very first lesson, it was clear that Mr. Dugan was committed to helping each student succeed. His structured approach and comprehensive curriculum provided me with the tools and confidence I needed to tackle the exam. The techniques and strategies I learned in Mr. Dugan’s class were invaluable. Not only did they help me achieve a high score on the HSPT, but they also enhanced my overall test-taking abilities throughout high school. His lessons on time management, critical thinking, and problem-solving have been particularly beneficial, enabling me to perform well on various standardized tests and classroom exams. I am incredibly grateful for the skills and knowledge I gained from his class, which have continued to benefit me long after the test was over."
Rex Stinchcomb 25
📌 Why the HSPT Is Worth Preparing For
Widely Used by Catholic High Schools
The HSPT is a key admissions requirement for many Catholic high schools across the country—including top schools in the D.C. metro area.
High-Stakes Test with Real Consequences
Results often influence admissions decisions, course placements, and merit scholarship eligibility, making strong scores especially valuable.
Fast-Paced and Rigorous
With 298 questions in just under 2.5 hours, the HSPT demands strong time management, quick thinking, and consistent focus.
Covers a Broad Range of Skills
The test includes Verbal Skills, Reading, Mathematics, Quantitative Skills, and Language, making it essential to build competency across multiple subjects.
Emphasizes Vocabulary and Grammar
Many students are surprised by the intensity of the verbal sections, which require solid word knowledge, analogies, spelling, capitalization, and punctuation skills.
No Guessing Penalty—but Strategy Matters
Students must know when to move on and how to avoid common traps—skills that can be developed through guided practice.
Confidence Is Key
Students who walk in familiar with the test format, timing, and question types are more confident and perform significantly better.
Early Preparation Builds Strong Foundations
HSPT prep strengthens core academic skills that benefit students well beyond the test—particularly in grammar, math fluency, and reading comprehension.
Course Curriculum
- Class One: HSPT Quantitative (36:42)
- Class Two: HSPT Verbal (53:32)
- Class Three: HSPT Reading Comprehension (54:29)
- Class Four: HSPT Mathematics (47:58)
- Class Five: HSPT Language (35:29)
- Class Six: Review Verbal | Quantitative | Language (37:44)
- Class Seven: Review Reading Comp. | Mathematics | Vocabulary (36:48)
- Review Quiz III
- Review Quiz IV
- Review Quiz II
- Review Quiz V
- Quiz 5 (after studying 121 - 150 of 300 Words for High School)
- Quiz 6 (after studying 151 - 180 of 300 Words for High School)
- Quiz 7 (after studying 181 - 210 of 300 Words for High School)
- Quiz 8 (after studying 211 - 250 of 300 Words for High School)
- Quiz 9 (after studying 251 - 300 of 300 Words for HIgh School)
- Quiz 10 (after studying 301 - 340 of 300 Words for High School)
- Review Quiz I
- Quiz 1 (after studying 1 - 30 of 300 Words for HIgh School)
- Quiz 2 (after studying 31 - 60 of 300 Words for HIgh School)
- Quiz 3 (after studying 61 - 90 of 300 Words for HIgh School)
- Quiz 4 (after studying 91 - 120 of 300 Words for High School)
About The Author
John Dugan, a career educator, has over two decades of teaching and tutoring experience. For over fifteen years, he has taught SSAT and HSPT prep classes in person to hundreds of students in the Washington, DC area with great success. He is now bringing the best of the classroom to you online.
John is a committed educator and school leader. He is excited to bring his courses to those who need them. While there are many options available to you for such courses, John believes that his approach is rooted in the fundamentals of good teaching and learning and not in simply teaching the students “tricks.”
John feels blessed to have had the experiences that he has had. He has worked with the administrative team at Mater Dei, becoming assistant headmaster in 2015, but he has still been able to continue teaching, coaching, and advising the 8th graders as they prepare to enter high school. He has enjoyed increasing his knowledge of “Ed tech” and working with his SSAT and HSPT students.
Our Testimonials
Joel Anderson
The flashcard program in this course was excellent. It transformed my study habits, making learning interactive and personalized. Creating my own flashcards helped me target specific areas, enhancing my understanding of key concepts. My SSAT scores improved dramatically, and I felt much more confident on test day.
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David McMorris ‘24
Without the help of Mr. Dugan’s HSPT prep class, I don't know what I would’ve done the day of the HSPT. Not only did the class help me understand the material but it helped me gain confidence within myself to do well on the test. On the day of my HSPT, I wasn’t only ready but eager to take the test and I can only thank Dugan’s HSPT prep class for helping me along the way.
University of Pennsylvania
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