Do you include some type of exam with your piano lessons?

[keyofc]

I have seen a lot about ACRT and different grading methods on the posts.
Do most teachers use something like this?  I do not.  I would like to prepare my students who are going into H.S. lsoon so they wil not be at a disadvantage when they have theory.
In 45 minutes, I don't like to spend too much time on theory, but do include some at each lesson. 
What do most teachers do to help kids prepare for High School's challenges?

[jlh]

I never had a piano exam until college.

[stevehopwood]

I think you are right, keyofc.

I spend no time in lessons on theory for its own sake; a piano lesson is short enough as it is and mine last for only 30 minutes until students become much more advanced.

The theory I teach arises naturally from the music the kids are playing. That way, there is a dim chance they might remember it. Much more likely is that the constant repetition of key\time signature meanings, note\rest values, performance directions and Italian terms will stick after umpteen repetitions.

I don't put kids under pressure to learn this. Nor do I send them home with written theory; if done at all, it tends to be done in a hurry in the car on the way to the lesson, a week after they were 'taught' the material they need for the exercises. Then there is the lesson time wasted marking it and correcting all those mistakes made because they forgot how to do it properly. 

Here is another thought. Whilst undoubtedly a kind thing to do, preparing kids for high school music classes is not actually our job. Here on the UK, privately taught pianists are streets ahead of their classmates when they start high school. They start to need more of my help if they carry on studying music in school\college post 16.

Steve 

[keyofc]

Thanks Josh and Steve,
 I am glad  to hear you say that - I never had an exam for piano or theory until college either.  But wondered if things had changed. 
If you have a student that you know is going to go for a music degree - I would imagine high school to be more apt to give them music theory.
I suppose I could offer more theory as a second lesson if they really needed it.

I like to address theory that arises naturally out of the music we are working on too.
It is easier for me to explain and for them to understand since they can use it right away.

[cjp_piano]

Theory classes are great because you can save time: instead of saying the same thing 10 times to 10 students, simply say it once in a class of 10!

I'm in the United States, so several of my students participate in the Royal American Conservatory Exams (related to Canada's RCME).  They find it motivating and rewarding.  There are theory co- and pre-requisites they are pretty extensive, so I offer classes so they can learn the material.

[cora]

For certain dedicated students, exams are a great idea. Exams help because after grade 5 piano, students must complete a theory component. This allows you to make some money teaching theory. I doubt my advanced students would attempt Harmony 3 or 4 if they could get their grade 9 and 10 piano certificates without them. And it's great to have them work towards a specific goal. But only about 20% of my students are suited for exams.