If you're looking to get your student into one of the private schools in and around Richmond, the SSAT is often part of their ticket in. Varsity Tutors can enroll you in a Richmond SSAT course to help them feel ready to do their best.
Private school is often a chance for a student to get the best education and pursue acceptance at a top area school. With acceptance limited at prestigious universities, every part of a student's profile plays a part in determining if your top school has a place for them, and getting an education from a top private school could help a student stand out.
If you think private school is the right path for your student, Varsity Tutors can help your student select a Richmond SSAT class that works with their schedule and can encourage them to reach for greater academic success than they might have thought possible.
How can a Richmond SSAT prep course help a student prepare?
When preparing for the SSAT, your student will take either the Elementary Level, Middle Level or Upper Level test, depending on their grade level. Third and fourth graders test at the Elementary level, fifth through seventh graders test at the Middle level and eighth to 11th graders test at the Upper level. Every student will face a Reading and Verbal section and an unscored Writing prompt, regardless of level. The biggest difference between the tests comes in the Quantitative section, where middle and upper-level students will face two different sections, while elementary school students get just one section of Quantitative questions. The test will also include several unscored Experimental questions, which won't impact your final score. Let's take a deeper look at each section of the test.
During the Reading section, students will show their ability to comprehend passages and obtain and use information out of what they've read. Elementary students will have fewer questions than middle and upper students in this section. They'll answer 28 questions in this section, and they'll answer four questions per passage, for a total of seven passages. Elementary students will have 30 minutes to handle this section. Middle and upper students don't have a set number of passages, but they will have 40 questions based on the passages they've read. Their questions will test them on a more advanced level than the elementary school level, and both middle and upper students will have 40 minutes to handle this section. Given that you'll have just one minute per question in this section, you can expect time management to be part of your preparation when you take a Richmond SSAT course.
In the Verbal section, students will need to show their knowledge and understanding of the English language. Middle and upper-level students will have to display knowledge of different words through synonyms and analogies, and they'll face 30 questions in each category. Speed is vital for these students, as they'll have just 30 minutes to handle the 60 questions in this section. Elementary students will be expected to show their knowledge of what words mean, but their test won't feature the analogies that make up the advanced level exams. Instead, they'll face 30 questions in 30 minutes that show their knowledge of using the right words in the right situations.
In the Quantitative sections, middle and upper students will face two sections each of 25 questions, and they'll have 30 minutes per section to answer them. Different levels of algebra and geometry will make up the bulk of these tests, but students will not be permitted to use a calculator at any point in this section. Elementary school students will have 30 questions in their section, and they'll have to answer them in 30 minutes. Their questions will focus on more basic concepts of math, facing a grade-level appropriate slate of questions.
Finally, a student will face the Writing prompt, which will be sent to every school that you apply to when selecting a school. The writing prompt won't affect your score, but it's still important because it will be part of your portfolio. Middle and upper-level students will be asked to respond to an argument in 25 minutes, while elementary school students will be given a prompt and asked to create a story in response to it.
Your test will also include 16 experimental questions, which won't be scored on your exam. Elementary students receive no penalty for guessing during the SSAT, so it's always better for them to take a guess as opposed to leaving a question blank. Middle and upper-level students, however, will lose a quarter of a point for each incorrect answer. If a student is not sure of an answer, it's sometimes best to leave it blank. If a student can eliminate two of the choices, taking an educated guess could be a good idea.
Whether you're looking for test-taking tips or struggling with mastering the concepts that will be on the SSAT, Varsity Tutors can help. Our team can enroll you in a Richmond SSAT class that helps you feel more prepared and lessens the chance of nerves getting in the way of you doing your best.
What is a Richmond SSAT course like?
When you opt for an SSAT course, your student will be able to learn on a schedule that makes sense for him or her as well as your entire family. Your student will be working with a qualified instructor who understands how to do well on the SSAT and enjoys passing on the tips of success to prospective students. Varsity Tutors understands that scheduling is often difficult, so courses are offered on a weekly basis, and students can choose a two-week or four-week course. Plus, students will be working in a collaborative effort with other students, allowing them to get information from other students that could prove useful on the test.
How can I find a Richmond SSAT class that works for me?
If you're ready to start preparing for the SSAT, Varsity Tutors is ready to help. Contact us to get started with a Richmond SSAT course for your student today.

Lauren: Richmond SSAT course instructor
I believe that learning is fun, and I enjoy learning new things. I want to find out what my students enjoy, and make school subjects and test preparation fun for them, too.... Making learning fun for students is the most important thing I do.... I would definitely see what their strengths and weaknesses are to focus on in future sessions, and give some tips and strategies to start working on to improve test-taking skills right away.
Education & Certification
- Bryn Mawr College - Bachelors, History
- University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus - Masters, Library and Information Science
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- PSAT
- ASVAB
- ACT
- +68 subjects

Lisa: Richmond SSAT course instructor
I am a certified elementary school teacher with a bachelors in Early Childhood Education and a Masters in TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages). I am an enthusiastic teacher with lots of experience! I would love the opportunity to help your child succeed!
Education & Certification
- James Madison University - Bachelors, Early Childhood Education
- CUNY Hunter College - Masters, Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- English Grammar and Syntax
- Comparative Literature
- College English
- +11 subjects

Janice: Richmond SSAT course instructor
I am passionate about education, reading, literacy development, and math. I enjoy motivating students to enjoy learning and participating in achieving academic success. All students can learn and it is an honor to help them become confident, independent learners prepared to reach academic goals. I look forward to making learning fun with you!... Learning should be fun, and I strive to include creative ways that students can learn and retain new material. I incorporate a song, rhyme, dance and visual ways to motivate a student to learn new things. All students can learn when academic goals are set and techniques are explained. I look forward to tutoring you.
Education & Certification
- Benedict College - Bachelors, Social Work & Early Childhood
- State Certified Teacher
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- Math
- SSAT- Elementary Level
- Elementary School Math
- +3 subjects

Tally: Richmond SSAT course instructor
...first with my bachelor's degree in English, and then with my master's in education. I have been teaching elementary school here in Richmond for three years now, and I hope to use my experience to help new students with Varsity Tutors. I have always been a voracious reader, but I am also interested in science, math, and especially history. I'm very comfortable with all elementary subjects, from phonics to algebraic reasoning. My English degree came...
Education & Certification
- University of Mary Washington - Bachelors, English
- University of Mary Washington - Masters, Elementary Education
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ISEE
- Social Studies
- ISEE- Lower Level
- +27 subjects

Michelle: Richmond SSAT course instructor
...the College of William and Mary. I am pursuing a degree in psychology and music, but also have many strengths in mathematics. I have tutored elementary and middle school students in all subjects such as geometry, algebra 1, pre- algebra, algebra 2, social studies, biology, and writing/reading for about 4 years. During junior year of high school, I tutored fellow classmates in test prep (SAT/ACT) for 2 years. I also have experience teaching piano for...
Education & Certification
- College of William and Mary - Bachelor of Science, Health/Medical Psychology
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ACT
- PSAT
- SAT
- +37 subjects

MaryBeth: Richmond SSAT course instructor
...a Master of Arts in Teaching from Mary Baldwin College. I am certified to teach Pre-K through 6th grade. I have worked with children of all ages and I've tutored students in all of the core subjects, mostly focusing on math and reading. I've also taught preschool and tested preschool children. I've taught English to refugees from several nations, mostly adults, although children were sometimes in the classes. I love working with students. I love...
Education & Certification
- James Madison University - Bachelors, Health Sciences
- Mary Baldwin College - Masters, Elementary Education
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ACT
- ISAT
- OLSAT
- +163 subjects

Amanda: Richmond SSAT course instructor
...Richmond, VA area. I graduated in 2012 from Virginia Commonwealth University with my Masters in Teaching for Early and Elementary Education. I have done post-graduate coursework for working with Gifted and Talented students. I am in my fifth year teaching and currently teaching in a private Kindergarten. In the afternoons I also help with homework help for K-5 students. I have previously taught 4th grade and in early childhood settings. I was also a tutor...
Education & Certification
- Virginia Commonwealth University - Bachelors, Elementary Education
- Virginia Commonwealth University - Masters, Elementary Education
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ISEE
- OLSAT
- CogAT
- +48 subjects

Megana: Richmond SSAT course instructor
...Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), and I will be attending VCU School of Medicine. I am an aspiring pediatrician because I enjoy both working with children as well as medicine. I have been tutoring elementary and middle school math, science, social studies, and English for the past 4 years. I also have experience with working with students who have learning disabilities, autism, and ADHD. As a student, I remember having moments when I felt overwhelmed and...
Education & Certification
- Virginia Commonwealth University - Bachelor of Science, Biology, General
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- UK A Level
- CLEP
- STAAR Grades 3-8
- +111 subjects

Mary E: Richmond SSAT course instructor
...that has eluded them. It's a great feeling, when everything falls into place. Competence builds confidence and practice makes progress. I recently graduated with my second BS, in Computer Science, with a 4.0 GPA from University of the People and am currently studying for an MS Analytics specializing in Computational Data Science from Georgia Tech (the #4 school for Data Science in the US). I have decades of experience tutoring middle school, high school and...
Education & Certification
- University of the People - Bachelor of Science, Computer Science
- Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus - Master of Science, Computational Science
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- CLEP
- College Business
- Web Design
- +45 subjects

Jill: Richmond SSAT course instructor
...years. Ever since I was asked by my 5th grade teacher to help other students in the classroom with their work I have enjoyed finding ways to increase understanding. Experiencing the "light bulb" moment with a student keeps the passion for teaching alive in my heart, and seeing students go on to succeed where they once struggled is amazing. My education and degree are in Special Education and Psychology, and my career has been spent...
Education & Certification
- SUNY Institute of Technology at Utica-Rome - Bachelor in Arts, Psychology
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ISEE
- Science
- Literature
- +44 subjects

Alisa: Richmond SSAT course instructor
...of Arts. After my graduation, I traveled to Bangkok, Thailand where I taught kindergarten in a bilingual school for one year. Then, I returned to the US and attended the Teacher Licensure Program at the University of Richmond. I hold a Virginia state teaching license in elementary education and in the 2014-2015 school year I will be teaching first grade. My tutoring experience includes volunteering with a program for middle school students who were English...
Education & Certification
- Christopher Newport University - Bachelor in Arts, Fine Art
- University of Richmond - Unknown, Teacher Licensure Preparation
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ISEE
- Elementary School Math
- Test Prep
- +13 subjects

Melissa: Richmond SSAT course instructor
...I am studying Public Administration. Before I enrolled in school, I traveled to Beijing, China, where I taught Language Arts, Pre-Algebra, and Environmental Science at an international school. While I lived in Beijing, China, I enjoyed traveling to famous landmarks such as the Great Wall and Summer Palace. In addition to teaching at an international school, I spent my time tutoring English to elementary students at a private academy. My expertise teaching English includes grammar,...
Education & Certification
- James Madison University - Bachelor of Science, Public Policy and Administration
- Virginia Commonwealth University - Master in Public Health Administration, Public Administration
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- HSPT
- ISEE
- Algebra
- +19 subjects

Trina: Richmond SSAT course instructor
...local Board of Education where I served for 6 years. I believe that every child can learn with the right encouragement, determination to succeed, and a strong support network. Finding hidden gifts and talents in children; helping them realize their full potential; and identifying their special qualities is what I'm most passionate about. I walk in patience, compassion and understanding and use positive reinforcement when working with my students. When I manage to carve out...
Education & Certification
- Cal State Dominguez Hills - Bachelor of Science, Public Relations
- State Certified Teacher
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ASVAB
- REGENTS
- ACT
- +55 subjects

Mehwish: Richmond SSAT course instructor
I am currently a senior at Virginia Commonwealth University majoring in Psychology and minoring in Sociology. I enjoy meeting new people and helping them out. I have tutored students in Math, Reading, and English. I love working a problem out with a student and seeing the lightbulb go off in their eyes.
Education & Certification
- Virginia Commonwealth University - Bachelor of Science, Psychology
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- WISC IV
- CLEP
- AP Computer Science Principles
- +65 subjects

Brittany: Richmond SSAT course instructor
...secondary education with concentrations in English and history. After graduating in 2011, I have taught a broad range of subjects, mostly math and language arts for fourth through sixth grade students. I am taking a break from teaching in a formal classroom setting to raise a family and pursue writing. Tutoring has become a perfect fit for this time in my life because I still get to work with students on a regular basis. One...
Education & Certification
- Pensacola Christian College - Bachelor of Science, Secondary Education
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ISEE
- Math
- ISEE- Middle Level
- +26 subjects

Savannah: Richmond SSAT course instructor
...School in Mechanicsville, Virginia. I recently graduated from Longwood University with a Bachelors of Science Degree, and am certified to teach grades Pre-K to 6th. I am also attending Longwood University part time for my Master's Degree in Reading in order to be a Reading Specialist for grades Pre-K to 12th. As you can see, I am completely devoted to the education of children, and am therefore continuing my education to be the best teacher...
Education & Certification
- Longwood University - Bachelors, Liberal Studies
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ISEE
- Reading
- Math
- +19 subjects

Elizabeth: Richmond SSAT course instructor
...University of Virginia and my Masters of Public Health, concentrating in Social and Behavioral Health Sciences and Epidemiology from Virginia Commonwealth University. Since graduating from my Masters program, I have been working towards earning a doctorate in Clinical and Translational Sciences, concentrated in Psychiatric, Behavioral, and Statistical Genetics. While enrolled in my current program, I have had the opportunity to be a teaching assistant for graduate students studying statistics and genetic epidemiology methodologies. I also...
Education & Certification
- University of Virginia-Main Campus - Bachelors, Foreign Affairs
- Virginia Commonwealth University - Masters, Public Health
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ISEE
- Medicine
- SSAT- Middle Level
- +31 subjects

Tara: Richmond SSAT course instructor
...Virginia Tech. I am a Virginia Certified teacher and administrator, and recently received my PhD in Educational Policy and Leadership. I have worked tutoring children and adults in Virginia looking to improve their English (as I am a certified ESL instructor); and private clients in the DC region in SAT/ACT prep for the last 7 years. While I tutor a broad range of subjects, I am most passionate about English, Math, and Test Prep. In...
Education & Certification
- Gettysburg - Bachelor in Arts, Psychology
- Trinity College - Master of Arts Teaching, Elementary School Teaching
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- GED
- TOEFL
- ACT
- +93 subjects

Devon: Richmond SSAT course instructor
My name is Devon. I am very passionate about math and science and studied it in both my undergraduate and graduate studies. I am especially enjoy math, as I utilize every day in my regular job. I am here to help those who may be struggling in their math class, or just want to get ahead of curriculum.
Education & Certification
- George Mason University - Bachelor of Science, Psychology
- University of North Carolina at Wilmington - Master of Social Work, Social Work
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- CLEP
- ACCUPLACER
- UK A Level
- +79 subjects

Ann: Richmond SSAT course instructor
...content. I am a National Board Certified teacher with more than 20 years of state certified classroom teaching experience. I have expertise working with elementary students as well as supporting the professional growth of aspiring teachers. I am patient and encouraging and can help students progress to the next level of their learning journeys. I have earned degrees from some of the best schools in the country, including UCLA, Harvard, and MIT.
Education & Certification
- University of California-Riverside - Bachelor in Arts, Human Development and Family Studies
- University of California-Los Angeles - Masters in Education, Education
- Pepperdine University - Master of Science, Educational Administration
- Harvard University - Masters in Education, Education Policy Analysis
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology - Masters in Business Administration, Business Administration and Management
- Harvard University - Doctor of Education, Educational, Instructional, and Curriculum Supervision
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ISEE
- STAAR Grades 3-8
- ACT
- +38 subjects