Charlotte Area Independent Schools (Cais) Evaluations

Dr. Kraska provides intelligence testing for children entering Pre-Kindergarten through 4th grade for Charlotte Areas Independent Schools (CAIS). Children must be 4yrs old by the time of testing in order to be eligible for testing.

Two intelligence tests are used based on the child’s age. The Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence, Fourth Edition (WPPSI-IV) is used for students entering Pre-K through 1st grade. The Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children, Fifth Edition (WISC-V) is used for students entering 2nd through 4th grade. Both tests are administered on an iPad and involve a variety of testing procedures including blocks, visual puzzles, memorization, animals, numbers, vocabulary, and drawing. Each of these methods measure the child’s ability to verbalize meaningful concepts (Verbal Comprehension), recognize concepts and relationships among visual objects (Visual Spatial Reasoning), complex problem solving skills of novel situations (Fluid Reasoning), their ability to register and manipulate auditory and/or visual information (Working Memory), and their ability to mentally process and reproduce information without making errors (Processing Speed).

We charge a testing fee of $275 for the WPPSI-IV and $275 for the WISC-V, due at the time of testing. After testing is complete, the client’s registration form, signed agreement, observations form from testing, a summary letter to parents, and the testing results are compiled and sent to parents and the schools to which you are applying.

To make an appointment or inquire about availability, please call our office at (704) 464-4910.

Included Schools

The following schools are a part of Charlotte Area Independent Schools (CAIS):

• Charlotte Christian
• Charlotte Country Day
• Charlotte Latin School
• Charlotte Preparatory School
• Providence Day School
• Trinity Episcopal School
• Covenant Day School

Registration Process

To apply for testing, CAIS requires that you adhere to the following procedure:

1. Complete an application to the school(s) to which you are applying for admission. No school will consider an evaluation until an application for admission to that particular school has been received.
2. All appointments for testing are made by the parents with an individual psychologist – not by the schools. Testing of applicants begins on October 1st.
3. Since your child will be compared to other children with the same chronological age, late testing provides no advantage.
4. Psychologists will not make appointments until after Labor Day. Contact the psychologist of your choice from our team members to schedule the appointment. Appointments may be made by phone only. Please schedule with only one psychologist. Registration form and payment must be received within one week from the call to confirm your appointment. If your payment is not received within one week, your appointment will be canceled.
5. To ensure test reliability and validity, children must be at least four years of age at the time of testing and the assessment can be administered only once in a twelve month period.
6. Psychologists will report to the schools any indication that a child has been coached, tutored, or re-tested. Any indication of the aforementioned will invalidate your application to any CAIS school.
7. Upon completion of the evaluation, test results that are limited to percentile ranges are sent to the parents and to the designated schools. A more detailed interpretation of the results may be obtained by scheduling a feedback meeting with the psychologist. This is optional for each family and will be billed to you at the psychologist’s hourly rate. To secure your feedback appointment, payment is due prior to the appointment date.
8. In addition to the assessment, CAIS schools require an interview with each child. The respective schools will contact you to make an appointment for the interview/observation sessions that are typically held November-February.
9. General information concerning the results of your child’s evaluation will be mailed to you in writing. The results of the evaluation will also be sent to the participating school(s) of your choice.