If you are considering enrolling your student in a STAAR prep course, Varsity Tutors offers private STAAR classes that may help them improve their study skills. The STAAR (State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness) exams are taken by all students grades 3-12 to determine what they are learning and whether they are ready for the academic rigors of the next grade level. Standardized tests can feel daunting, so a STAAR class can help build your student's confidence as exam day approaches!
One of the first things discussed in a typical STAAR course is the structure and content of the exams your student is preparing for. If you aren't sure what they should go over during STAAR prep class sessions, the chart below provides a breakdown of the STAAR schedule by grade level:
STAAR Test | Grade Level or Course |
Reading | Grades 3-8 |
Math | Grades 3-8 |
Writing | Grades 4 and 7 |
Science | Grades 5 and 8 |
Social Studies | Grade 8 |
EOC (end of course) | Algebra I, US History, Biology, English I, English II |
The beauty of private STAAR prep classes is that they are flexible enough to adapt to any student's needs. For instance, let's say that your student is in Grade 8. They have four STAAR tests on their plate this year: Reading, Math, Science, and Social Studies. A typical STAAR course might spend equal time on all four subjects, but most students are stronger in one or more than the others. Spending an equal amount of time on everything isn't the optimal solution in most cases.
Let's add that your student excels in reading comprehension, so you're not really worried about the Reading STAAR. Strong reading comprehension skills also make Social Studies easier, so that one is probably fine too. It looks like this hypothetical student might be best served by concentrating on the Math and Science STAAR exams, with maybe a little bit of review for the other two, during their STAAR courses. Of course, sessions could also focus on Reading and Social Studies in the opposite scenario.
Once you know which exams your student should concentrate on, STAAR prep courses might go over the specific contents of those tests. Returning to the example above, the following graphic breaks down the concepts on the Grade 8 Math STAAR exam:
STAAR Grade 8 Math Topics
- Numerical Representations and Relationships
- Computations and Algebraic Relationships
- Geometry and Measurement
- Data Analysis and Personal Financial Literacy
Again, working with a private instructor allows students to concentrate on any subject. If your student has strong algebraic skills but has a harder time with geometry, their instructor might provide extra geometry practice problems for more experience. A private instructor may also be able to incorporate your student's interests to make studying more engaging. For example, financial literacy can seem dry as a standalone topic, but framing it as saving for a video game may make it more interesting.
We also try to make STAAR test prep as convenient as possible. Our Live Learning Platform allows your student to meet with their instructor online, taking the hassle out of private STAAR prep courses. We also do our best to match every student with an instructor who meets your scheduling needs. After all, no kid should have to compromise sports, hobbies, or even relaxation time just to study for a test.
If you're ready to learn more about our STAAR classes, contact Varsity Tutors today for more information. Educational Directors are currently standing by to address any questions you have!
Connor: STAAR course instructor
...In addition to this, I also tutor students in college level general chemistry, general biology, organic chemistry, introductory physics, economics and for the MCAT exam. I excelled in undergraduate coursework pertaining to these subjects and have prior experience in assisting pre-professional (pre-medical and pre-nursing) students looking to succeed in their required general science classes. My tutoring methodology is dependent on the establishment of a strong conceptual framework, and subsequent application of theory through practice problems...
Education & Certification
- Saint Louis University-Main Campus - Bachelor in Arts, Economics
Subject Expertise
- STAAR
- STAAR Grades 3-8
- HSPT
- ISEE
- +43 subjects
Elissa: STAAR course instructor
As a tutor, my role is to guide students toward finding their own answers. I help them realize how much they already know and apply that knowledge to new learning. When there are gaps in the background knowledge, I help to fill those in. If you need to catch up on a class you're behind in, learn strategies for test-taking, or just have somebody else explain a concept you're not getting, I can help!
Education & Certification
- Angelo State University - Bachelors, Mathematics
Subject Expertise
- STAAR
- STAAR EOC
- SAT
- PSAT
- +27 subjects
Kay: STAAR course instructor
...my belief all students are able to achieve academic success and I work tireless to identify strategies to assist them in overcoming hurdles. I tutor a broad range of subjects and age groups. In my spare time, I enjoy traveling around the country, engaging in community art projects, walking and curling up with a good book. I am a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated and very active in numerous volunteer activities.
Education & Certification
- Southern Illinois University Edwardsville - Bachelors, Psychology
- Webster University - Master of Arts, Counseling Psychology
- Webster University - Masters, Business Administration and Management
Subject Expertise
- STAAR
- SAT
- ACT
- STAAR EOC
- +75 subjects
Jeremy: STAAR course instructor
...weekend working in Dr. Myeongwoo Lee's lab as an undergraduate researcher. My research project is generating double gene mutations of the pat-3(sp) mutation and the pat-3(+) mutation crossed with the SK4005 mutation on c. elegans nematodes. Many genes in c. elegans are homologous to human genes. To investigate the role of the above gene mutations in the development of c. elegans is to further understand the mechanism of human neurodegenerative diseases. To open my eyes...
Education & Certification
- Baylor University - Bachelor of Science, Biology minor Prehealth
- University of North Texas Health Science Center - Master of Science, Health Management and Policy
Subject Expertise
- STAAR
- PSAT
- STAAR Grades 3-8
- SAT Subject Tests
- +50 subjects
Madeline: STAAR course instructor
...and biomolecular engineering. I have spent a lot of time around children and I have spent a good amount of time teaching as well. I want all students that I tutor to feel comfortable when I am tutoring them and I believe all students have the ability to improve. I am very comfortable teaching all subjects for grades up to 9th grade and, when dealing with high school courses, I love to tutor most math...
Education & Certification
- Johns Hopkins University - Bachelors, Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering
Subject Expertise
- STAAR
- ACT
- SSAT
- CLEP
- +117 subjects
Tom: STAAR course instructor
...students get better. I like for teaching and learning to be fun, because students learn more if they are enjoying what they are being taught. My outside interests are enjoying time with my family, traveling, sports, and working out. In addition, I work with a non-profit organization that helps children, and we offer them sports and entertainment programs as a way to give them positive activities to do and goals to achieve. I look forward...
Education & Certification
- Ohio University-Main Campus - Bachelor of Science, Interpersonal Commmunication/Business
- University of Phoenix-Dallas Campus - Master of Science, Business Administration/Marketing
Subject Expertise
- STAAR
- GED
- STAAR Grades 3-8
- Social Studies
- +30 subjects
Brittany: STAAR course instructor
...a high degree of self-confidence and personal accountability, which help me to manage the rigors of professional work. My job performance goes beyond pragmatic instruction, to include cultural exchange and personal understanding. I know that any environment would be enhanced by my positive attitude, maturity and adaptability. Highly motivated and flexible, I learn quickly and commit myself to any task I take on.. You will find me to be a very creative and enthusiastic person...
Education & Certification
- University of Central Arkansas - Bachelors, Philosophy
- Brock University - Masters, Philosophy/ Comparative Literature
Subject Expertise
- STAAR
- TOEFL
- SAT Subject Tests
- ACT
- +51 subjects
Amanda: STAAR course instructor
...in Dance (emphasis in Modern Contemporary Dance) from San Jose State University, and have been dancing professionally for the past 3 years since I graduated in 2012. Working with youth and helping students discover their true potential for success, regardless of background or barriers, has always been a deep-seated passion of mine. I, myself, a first generation college student hailing from a low income family, want to emphasize how important it is to have a...
Education & Certification
- San Jose State University - Bachelor of Fine Arts, Dance
Subject Expertise
- STAAR
- CAHSEE
- STAAR Grades 3-8
- 4th Grade Math
- +25 subjects
Andy: STAAR course instructor
...has the potential for "math literacy"; with a little help, anyone can be a math-confident person. I am most comfortable teaching math subjects (from preschool to BC Calculus), but I do have some background in reading/writing tutoring. I currently work as a sous chef four nights a week, but otherwise my schedule is open. I prefer online but am willing to travel up to 20-25 miles if needed. Contact me with any questions; I am...
Education & Certification
- The University of Texas at Dallas - Bachelors, Interdisciplinary Studies
Subject Expertise
- STAAR
- ISEE
- SAT
- STAAR EOC
- +52 subjects
John: STAAR course instructor
I graduated from the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in NYC in 2008, the oldest English speaking acting conservatory in the world. I graduated Summa from University of St Thomas with a BA in English, and just wrapped up a MS in Data Science from Northwestern. I'm a huge Red Sox fan and love watching detective shows when I have free time.... Positivity. Always. I believe that if a student is given positive tools and is allowed to understand the material rather than be lectured at, they're more likely to do well in the future.
Education & Certification
- American Academy of Dramatic Arts - Associates, Acting
- University of St. Thomas - Bachelor of Fine Arts, English/Drama
Subject Expertise
- STAAR
- SAT
- SAT Subject Tests
- ACT
- +110 subjects
Nicole : STAAR course instructor
...myself with curriculum content and expectations in a range of grades. Since moving to the PA/NJ area, I am working as an itinerant teacher for the deaf and hard of hearing from grades 1 up to 12. Working with this demographic has allowed me to focus on literacy development regardless of hearing status as I work to accommodate students within the Common Core. My strongest skill set lies in literacy and I enjoy teaching history...
Education & Certification
- Northeastern University - Bachelors, American Sign Language and English Interpreting, History
- Teachers College at Columbia University - Masters in Education, Education - Deaf and Hard of Hearing Education
- State Certified Teacher
Subject Expertise
- STAAR
- ISEE
- HSPT
- European History
- +26 subjects
Nina: STAAR course instructor
...a personal level, develop a rapport and find out what motivates them:) This makes the best learning experiences...I do find that meeting in a library produces the best learning environment (away from home and other distractions but am ALWAYS open to whatever arrangements work best for you and your personal situation. Happy hunting ...finding the right tutor is extremely important if your child is going to get anything out of tutoring:) Make it a great...
Education & Certification
- RCC/CSUSB - Bachelors, Sociology-Associates / Liberal Arts
- SDSU - Masters, Educational Leadership
Subject Expertise
- STAAR
- CAHSEE
- SAT
- WISC IV
- +39 subjects
Kristie: STAAR course instructor
...Child Development and Education Studies, Professor Olga Vasquez. Under Professor Vasquez, I studied the 25 year old program "La Clase Magica", which integrated UCSD students with ethnically diverse, low income communities and youth all over San Diego county through an after school education curriculum. The principles of the program are that children can learn through nontraditional measures such as technology, play, and self-expression. All of the communities involved were bilingual communities such as the Spanish...
Education & Certification
- UC- San Diego - Bachelor in Arts, Communications
Subject Expertise
- STAAR
- ISEE
- SSAT
- STAAR Grades 3-8
- +28 subjects
Tomas: STAAR course instructor
...elementary school. In 2011 I graduated from Southern Methodist University with a Master's in Bilingual Education. In recent years, I have worked as an instructional coach and academic specialist, which has allowed me to look at education from a different lens and therefore given me a comprehensive look at curriculum and instruction. I am currently completing my principal certification and hope to pursue this goal in the near future. The rest of my time is...
Education & Certification
- Brandeis University - Bachelors, Political Science & History
- Southern Methodist University - Masters, Bilingual Education
Subject Expertise
- STAAR
- STAAR Grades 3-8
- AP Spanish Literature and Culture
- Writing
- +16 subjects
Whitney: STAAR course instructor
...whose desire is to help create a culture of life-long learners by nurturing my students' natural curiosity. While pursuing my degree in Elementary Education, I was a private in-home tutor as well as a tutor within a school district. After receiving my degree, I taught 4th grade English/Writing and Social Studies for 4 years, 3rd grade Science and Social Studies for 2 years, and then 3rd grade Reading and Social Studies for 1 year.... To create a culture of life-long learners.
Education & Certification
- Angelo State University - Bachelors, Interdisciplinary Child Development
- State Certified Teacher
Subject Expertise
- STAAR
- ISEE
- ACT
- GED
- +50 subjects
Sarah: STAAR course instructor
...degree in Communications at the American University of Paris. I am a former classroom teacher at a wonderful Houston charter school, as well as several different schools around the world. I have worked with students from kindergarten to middle school in many different subject areas. I love the learning process, and figuring out how to best design a lesson for a specific student so that learning is fun, engaging and meaningful. For me, learning is...
Education & Certification
- Vanderbilt University - Bachelor in Arts, Art History
- American University of Paris - Master of Arts, Communications
Subject Expertise
- STAAR
- ISEE
- SSAT
- Geometry
- +17 subjects
Alonso: STAAR course instructor
...students struggling in early mathematics courses such as trigonometry, algebra and elementary statistics. While at my university I also worked with adult students pursuing a GED. Ultimately, mathematics is not about memorizing formulas but about the logical process of arriving at a conclusion. Ideally, my job will consist of reminding the student of the tools at their disposal and they will make the leap themselves towards their desired answer. This ability to think about problems...
Education & Certification
- Truman State University - Bachelor of Science, Mathematics major, Statistics minor
Subject Expertise
- STAAR
- SAT
- ISEE
- ACT
- +44 subjects
Asim: STAAR course instructor
I was inspired to teach by my own experiences in the class room, in particular by my math and English teachers. Above all, they treated me as an individual, encouraging me to achieve my personal best. In math, my teachers enthusiasm and commitment motivated me to work hard, and I hope to turn this around and share this with others.
Education & Certification
- University of Punjab - Bachelor of Science, Mathematics and Statistics
- The University of Texas at Austin - Masters in Education, Mathematics
Subject Expertise
- STAAR
- STAAR EOC
- ACT
- GED
- +23 subjects
Nolan: STAAR course instructor
...my time since college mentoring, tutoring, and promoting healthy lifestyles for high school students. I have enjoyed helping all age groups learn - from kids, to college students, to adults. I tutor a wide variety of subjects including math, Spanish, ESL, and test prep. I really enjoy tutoring geometry and algebra or SAT prep. My tutoring strengths include finding multiple ways to explain things for my students and giving real value to the learning process...
Education & Certification
- Ursinus College - Bachelor of Science, Psychology
Subject Expertise
- STAAR
- SAT
- STAAR Grades 3-8
- PSAT
- +40 subjects
Education & Certification
- Iowa State University - Bachelor of Science, Elementary School Teaching
Subject Expertise
- STAAR
- STAAR Grades 3-8
- ISEE
- English
- +11 subjects