The thought of the SSAT is stressful for many young people; if your student wants extra guidance, Varsity Tutors can assist them with a Portland SSAT class that offers additional review opportunities, rather than forcing them to learn by themselves. The SSAT is given to students who have enrolled or are seeking to enroll in a private school, to test their Verbal, Math, and Reading skills. Working hard to do their best is important to help students get into the school of their choice.
Some students are simply nervous when it comes to any test or maybe they want to know how the layout looks. In any case, a Portland SSAT prep course can provide the right solution. Students can work with live online classes that allow them to communicate with fellow classmates and the instructor at the same time. These courses can help your student feel more confident in knowing what to expect when the big day arrives.
The SSAT is offered at the Elementary Level up to fifth grade, the Middle Level up to seventh grade, and the Upper Level up to eleventh grade. Although there's some difference between all the levels for students, there are common topics to review for optimal success. Your student's score on the SSAT can affect which school they get into. Private and independent schools can have stiff competition. If you want to help them reach their highest potential, it's worth the investment to give them a class that offers help on the SSAT.
What could a Portland SSAT class help my student review?
Upper Level and Middle Level students taking the SSAT will see a similar layout that involves the following sections: Writing, Quantitative 1, Reading, Verbal, Quantitative 2, and an Experimental section. Elementary students will see the following sections: Quantitative/Math, Verbal, Reading, Writing, and an Experimental. Calculators are not allowed for the Quantitative regardless of level. Elementary students should guess if they are unsure of an answer since there are no penalties. Middle Level students and Upper Level students lose one-quarter of a point if they answer wrong.
Students at the Upper and Middle Level begin with the Writing portion and they have 25 minutes to complete it. They will compose an essay of their choice, either creative or traditional. Essays are not scored but are used by schools to determine a student's grasp of spelling, punctuation, grammar, and ability to support their statements with their writing.
The Quantitative section consists of two parts for Upper and Middle Levels. Concepts covered include numbers and operations, geometry, elementary algebra, and probability, to name a few. Students in the Upper Upper Level will find questions related to graphing problems and triangle properties. There are 25 questions per section, with a total of 30 minutes for each section.
The Reading section comes next and asks 40 questions, which students need to answer in 40 minutes. Some topics students should expect to get quizzed on include the author's attitude and tone, along with how a piece relates to the audience. Middle Level students will need to understand opinions and arguments as they relate to the reading.
The Verbal section is the last part and has 60 questions to answer in 30 minutes. This portion of the test requires students to understand prefixes and suffixes that are Greek, Latin, and Anglo-Saxon for students in the Upper Level. Those in the Middle Level should know how nuances can change word meanings and various vocabularies across different disciplines, such as science and social studies.
Elementary school students have a condensed but similar version of the test. Sections covered include Quantitative/Math, Verbal, Reading, and a Writing sample. There are fewer questions and shorter time limits overall.
The Quantitative section covers basic math. Some topics students will go over include shapes, measurement, and foundations such as addition, subtraction, and division.
The Verbal portion is also 30 questions to answer in 30 minutes. Elementary students need to know synonyms and how vocabulary is used across different studies, such as the sciences.
The Reading section requires 28 questions to be answered in 30 minutes. This part of the test focuses on seven passages that have four questions. Students must showcase their ability to identify words in context, understand the meanings, and recognize main ideas.
Finally, students reach the Writing prompt. This requires students to answer one question in 15 minutes. Here, students are given a picture as a prompt and asked to write a story based on the picture. Spelling and grammar are important for this part of the exam.
How do Portland SSAT courses help my student prepare?
Because the SSAT course are offered online, students can learn at home with the help of a qualified instructor. New Portland SSAT classes begin each week. You and your students can choose classes that are two weeks or four weeks long, depending on what their lifestyle and current study needs are.
After signing up for the Portland SSAT class, students work in a live online environment with their instructor and classmates. This has all the benefits of an in-person classroom with no commute necessary. This gives them the opportunity to talk about how to approach the Quantitative portion of the exam or scan through passages when handling the Reading portion. If additional help is desired, the instructor can provide assistance in a one-on-one setting. Regardless of your student's goals, this course can encourage them to do their best on test day.
How can I find a Portland SSAT prep course?
The Portland SSAT course is an investment for your student's future. Everything covered here is a skill they'll continue to use throughout their schooling, no matter what they choose to do. Varsity Tutors can help you enroll your student in a class that meets their schedule and needs.
Getting into the right private school often depends on how well your student grasps material taught at their current grade level. The bests way to help them feel ready for the exam is to study and know what materials will be covered on test day. Call Varsity Tutors and let us help you get your student set up in a Portland SSAT course. It can help them feel confident about their future and help prepare them to do their best on test day.

Christina: Portland SSAT course instructor
I am a current MBA student at the Yale School of Management who will also be attending UCLA School of Law post-MBA. I've also enjoyed taking standardized tests and "cracking" their code; so I love getting to continue to work on this with my students.
Education & Certification
- University of Houston - Bachelors, Biology, General
- Yale School of Management - Masters in Business Administration, Business, General
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ISEE
- SAT Subject Tests
- HSPT
- +58 subjects

Alexander: Portland SSAT course instructor
...particular I have strong experience working with students who have learning disabilities. I'm near-fluent in German and Spanish, have a year of Chinese under my belt, and have introductory familiarity with Turkish, Korean, French, Italian, and Japanese. If you ever need a conversation practice partner for German/Spanish, let me know! Talking again about math, I have the most experience teaching Pre-Algebra through Algebra II, but I'm more than comfortable working with students in all levels...
Education & Certification
- Columbia University in the City of New York - Bachelor in Arts, Computer Science
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ACT
- SAT
- SAT Subject Tests
- +81 subjects

Max: Portland SSAT course instructor
...I volunteer in New Haven as a math teacher and coach at a public middle school (my team of 7th graders just won the 2016 New Haven regional championship!), and I've been tutoring middle and high school students for over 7 years. On top of all of that, I'm an aspiring professional in the business world - this past summer I worked at an internship in financial consulting (banking advisory & analytics), and have previously...
Education & Certification
- Yale University - Current Undergrad, Economics
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ISEE
- SAT Subject Tests
- Advanced Placement
- +104 subjects

David: Portland SSAT course instructor
...a violin student -- lots of feedback and one-to-one attention, not so much lecture. I've been working in education for nearly 10 years, as a tutor, classroom teacher (I am certified in Math 7-12 in Connecticut), and developer of teaching materials. My most recent gigs have been hourly / independent contractor / free-lance, which I haven't put on my resume. I've been tutoring, mostly for the Hamden (CT) school district as a three-quarters-time job but...
Education & Certification
- Union College - Bachelors, Computer Science
- Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion-New York - Masters, Computer Science
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ISEE
- PSAT
- GED
- +45 subjects

Nancy: Portland SSAT course instructor
...skill is important. I was a classroom teacher for many years. I spent most of those years teaching grades 3, 4 and 7, but I have actually taught all grades! While in the classroom, I taught core subjects to heterogeneously grouped students. For the last ten years, I have been an online tutor. My online students varied in abilities and geographical locations. I was even tasked with planning for and teaching homeschooled students with autism...
Education & Certification
- Southern Connecticut State University - Bachelors, Elementary Education K-8
- Southern Connecticut State University - Masters, Elementary Education
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- TACHS
- HSPT
- CLEP
- +82 subjects

Marty: Portland SSAT course instructor
...in my church. I've taught in summer school and in after school programs too. I do love teaching... that's why I can't seem to leave it. These days I'm employed as a paraprofessional at Middletown High School. I spend a lot of my spare time with my grandson, Joshua, who is 13 years old and a total delight. He never fails to make me smile. He attends middle school in Glastonbury where he is an...
Education & Certification
- University of Connecticut - Bachelors, Mathematics Education
- Wesleyan University - Masters, Mathematics
- State of Connecticut - Certificate, Mathematics Teacher Education
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- CLEP
- SAT Subject Tests
- SAT
- +131 subjects

Zach: Portland SSAT course instructor
...of you who wishes to undergo SAT/PSAT or ACT Test Preparation that will get you the scores you need for admission to the college of your choice. As for my experience, I have tutoring experience in both one-to-one settings, going as far back as high school, and group/classroom settings, especially from my 4 years of tutoring with Yale MATHCOUNTS. As a likely future graduate student myself, it is my general goal in life to continue...
Education & Certification
- Yale University - Bachelor of Science, Biology, General
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- UK A Level
- PSAT
- SAT
- +54 subjects

Tasha: Portland SSAT course instructor
...for over 12 years and love what I do. I adapt my tutoring approach and style to each student and help them to develop practical and efficient study skills and time management techniques. I have tutored students from ages 3 to adult in various areas related to English, ESL/ELL, Psychology, Public Speaking, and test preparation. I am a Native English speaker and also speak basic Spanish and Mandarin Chinese. I am TEFL certified and taught...
Education & Certification
- University of Connecticut - Bachelor in Arts, Psychology, Anthropology
- University of Baltimore - Juris Doctor, Law
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- SAT
- PSAT
- TOEFL
- +46 subjects

Tiffany: Portland SSAT course instructor
...and still is reading. I love studying various author crafts as well as comparing multiple works of literature. In my classroom I love bringing the excitement and joy of reading alive for my students. As a teacher with years of experience, I have encountered scholars with diverse reading levels and abilities. Although multiple strategies are used to reach each and every one of my students, one thing they all have in common is a shared...
Education & Certification
- Long Island University - Bachelors, Education
- Fordham University - Master of Science, Students with Disabilities
- State Certified Teacher
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- SHSAT
- TACHS
- Other
- +18 subjects

Cody: Portland SSAT course instructor
...my professional life teaching -- as a classroom teacher, substitute teacher, a special education paraprofessional and as a theatre teaching artist. I'm also a playwright and work for a nonprofit arts center in downtown Hartford. I'm passionate about education, and I love the experience of one-on-one teaching. It's my way of giving back to the incredible teachers that shaped my childhood and offered me the doors to the professional experiences I've been fortunate enough to...
Education & Certification
- University of Louisiana at Lafayette - Bachelors, Theatre - Arts Administration
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- SAT
- PSAT
- CAHSEE
- +86 subjects

Landon: Portland SSAT course instructor
...any effort. Meanwhile, I was spending countless hours reading, drilling flash cards, and reworking problems without receiving the same results. School just never came naturally for me, and I often felt incompetent, unmotivated and embarrassed to ask for help. Thankfully, I had wonderful teachers, mentors, and tutors along the way that helped me master the strategies and techniques that worked best for my studies and inspired me to love learning. I became increasingly confident throughout...
Education & Certification
- The University of Texas at Austin - Bachelors, Public Relations and Government
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- HSPT
- Advanced Placement
- STAAR
- +166 subjects

Jamie: Portland SSAT course instructor
...Behavioral Interventionist for the Area Cooperative Educational Services (ACES) Alternative school. I have learned through this experience how to interact and connect with challenging students, how to engage in conversation with them and how to work on their language skills from a beginner to intermediate level. I so enjoyed engaging these challenged students that I solidified my decision to enroll in the graduate of education program at the University of New Haven.... I believe all students are capable of learning. I believe children are our future. I believe families and teachers should act as a team to educate each child. I believe learning never stops. Every student can learn, just not on the same day, or the same way.--George Evan It is my firm belief that every child possesses the ability to learn. The way in which each student will learn, however, is likely to be different depending on the unique qualities of the child. I seek to create a classroom where learning is hands-on, authentic, employs high-level thinking and, above all, fun! When students are able to learn through experiential opportunities, their learning is more likely to be ingrained. Learning should also meet the needs of each individual. Students can participate in a safe and comfortable learning environment without feeling overwhelmed or frustrated. An education is not solely academic; together with the parents, the teacher must nurture her students' academic, social, behavioral and interpersonal development. I believe teachers are not alone in educating students but rather part of a team, with peers, administration, families and communities working together to support and enrich the lives of each child. It is my hope to never stop learning and I seek to instill this love of life-long learning in each of my students. Students in my classroom will create attainable goals for themselves that they will work to accomplish throughout the school year, thus setting a purpose and a value to learning and to being part of a classroom community. Above all, we will all work together to help each and every student in our classroom community feel safe, comfortable, and meaningful. Each and every student is special in his or her own way!
Education & Certification
- Albertus Magnus College - Bachelors, Sociology/Law
- University of New Haven - Masters, Elementary Education
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- Study Skills and Organization
- Math
- Elementary Math
- +15 subjects

Logan: Portland SSAT course instructor
...just graduated from University of Oxford with a BA in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics (PPE). I've worked with multiple companies and as an independent tutor for over 2 years and have taught a range of subjects, including Economics and Politics (through University level) and Calculus, Statistics, Spanish, US History, Chemistry, and Geography (through AP level). I'm also experienced in university admissions coaching, including SAT/ACT tutoring and advising on personal statements and supplemental essays. Prior to...
Education & Certification
- University of Oxford - Bachelor in Arts, Economics
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- SAT
- PSAT
- SAT Subject Tests
- +82 subjects

Vishnu Priya: Portland SSAT course instructor
...because it allows me to impact the next generation positively. In my classroom, I strive to create an engaging environment where all students feel heard and valued. My approach involves interactive discussions and tailored feedback, which helps students develop their critical thinking and express their ideas confidently. I enjoy adapting to the diverse needs of each student, making learning both enjoyable and effective. Joining Varsity Tutors is a thrilling opportunity for me to continue inspiring...
Education & Certification
- University of New Haven - Master of Science, Business, General
- ZeroTo Mastery - Doctor of Science, Computer Science
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- FCAT 2.0
- PAX - Nursing Pre-admission Examination
- ISEE
- +725 subjects

Rachel: Portland SSAT course instructor
...teaching foundational psychology coursework to college students. I served as an instructor for a General Psychology course over two semesters. This gave me the opportunity to create a space for students to clarify course material, have critical discussions about various psychology concepts, and learn through interactive activities the ways in which these concepts might apply to their everyday lives. I also served as an instructor for Research Methods in Psychology for 8 semesters at the...
Education & Certification
- University of Michigan - Bachelor in Arts, Psychology
- The University of Tennessee - Master of Arts, Counseling Psychology
- The University of Tennessee - Doctor of Philosophy, Counseling Psychology
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- CLEP
- UK A Level
- ACT
- +88 subjects

River: Portland SSAT course instructor
...be an educator and an advocate of diverse cultures. My experience teaching in China and Thailand was the most amazing and important part in my life. Helping students to achieve their learning goals, and being a witness for their success, were the most rewarding parts of my job. It motivates me to become a better teacher for them, and keep working on this career I have so much passion for. In my opinion, everyone who...
Education & Certification
- Zhejiang University City College - Bachelor in Arts, Journalism
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- HSPT
- SAT Subject Tests
- UK A Level
- +25 subjects

Purbasha: Portland SSAT course instructor
...that each individual receives the personalized attention they deserve. I am an organized and creative individual, with strong communication skills and a passion for teaching and a drive to help students be successful. I also have a strong understanding of curriculum and assessment, as well as have excellent classroom management skills. I am confident that I have the skills and knowledge necessary to be an effective teacher/tutor and contribute to the success of my students.
Education & Certification
- College of St Joseph - Masters in Education, Elementary School Teaching
- State Certified Teacher
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ISEE
- Earth Science
- Social Studies Substitute
- +34 subjects

Jaclyn: Portland SSAT course instructor
Hello! My name is Jackie DeFilippo and I am enthusiastic about tutoring. I have tutored before in college, and I am currently a middle school Science teacher. I have a license and degree in Elementary Education, with experience in both elementary school education and middle school education. I am a new teacher, and have a passion for teaching and learning. I look forward to meeting you!
Education & Certification
- Westfield State University - Bachelors, Elementary Education
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ISEE
- Writing
- Middle School Science
- +26 subjects

Elisa: Portland SSAT course instructor
I have had 25 years teaching experience on the elementary level. I taught Kindergarten for 19 years. I have been teaching 5th grade for the last 6 years. I have always taught in an inclusion classroom. ... I believe that all children have the ability and right to learn. My goal is to instill a love of learning in all children. I would like all children to have the confidence to overcome any difficulties they may have in learning.
Education & Certification
- Manhattanville College - Bachelors, History
- Southern Connecticut State University - Masters, Elementary Education
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ISEE
- HSPT
- History
- +23 subjects

Matthew: Portland SSAT course instructor
...and precalculus) - German (introductory and intermediate) - Test prep (including SAT, ACT, and GRE) - Biology (high-school and introductory, college-level) - Chemistry (high-school and introductory, college-level inorganic) I graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology, along with minors in Chemistry, German Language and Literature, and Environmental Studies. Currently, I am studying toward a Master of Information degree with specialization in Library and Information Science. Professionally, I have worked for six years in...
Education & Certification
- Brandeis University - Bachelor of Science, Biology, General
- Rutgers University-New Brunswick - Current Grad Student, Library and Information Science
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- PSAT
- SAT Subject Tests
- GED
- +63 subjects