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!
Jeremy: STAAR course instructor
...Tutoring can be challenging. In the most difficult sessions, I revisited and retaught material. This requires me to go over the material and also make sure the students understand confusing concepts. I have to be very patient and creative in my teaching. While this might frustrate some tutors, I fully enjoy my job as a tutor. Not only does it give me a sense of accomplishment when I have educated someone on a subject he...
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
- Elementary School Math
- Middle School Math
- Physics
- +50 subjects
Oly: STAAR course instructor
...to my parents. I did my alternative certification program through Texas Teachers and am highly qualified to teach Science for grades 7-12. I have been a teacher in public and charter schools for the last four years, and have tutoring experience extending over ten years behind me as well. I am most passionate about teaching because I love seeing people learn, grow, and become problem solvers and leaders of the future. It's hugely rewarding for...
Education & Certification
- University of California-San Diego - Bachelor of Science, Neuroscience
- Michigan Technological University - non degree, Biology, General
Subject Expertise
- STAAR
- Languages
- Elementary School Math
- IB Mathematics
- +138 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
- IB Language A: Literature
- GMAT Quantitative
- IB Language A: Language and Literature
- +103 subjects
Sahar: STAAR course instructor
...as well as a tutor for elementary school students in my community. I tutor in a wide variety of subjects, but am particularly passionate about the sciences and standardized tests (both college admission and MCAT). I have been a student seeking help for classes before, and I speak from personal experience when I say that nothing feels better than finally understanding a subject with the help of tutor. I believe that each child learns differently...
Education & Certification
- Emory University - Current Undergrad Student, Neuroscience
Subject Expertise
- STAAR
- AP Microeconomics
- AP U.S. Government & Politics
- Elementary School Science
- +103 subjects
Madeline: STAAR course instructor
...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 and science courses including many AP courses. I also have a lot of experience with standardized...
Education & Certification
- Johns Hopkins University - Bachelors, Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering
Subject Expertise
- STAAR
- 3rd Grade Reading
- 2nd Grade Math
- Calculus 2
- +117 subjects
Sharon: STAAR course instructor
My name is Sharon, and I have been an educator for over fifteen years. I am passionate about education. I enjoy using innovative techniques to incorporate skills that will be useful to my students. My goal is to enhance each student's learning and help them rise to a higher level. Some of my hobbies are cooking (I'm a foodie), reading, and going on nice walks or scenic drives.... My teaching philosophy is that every student should have the right to learn and get a quality education. The instruction should be differentiated to aid with different learning preferences and styles.
Education & Certification
- Texas Southern University - Bachelors, Public Affairs
- University of Phoenix - Masters, Management
Subject Expertise
- STAAR
- ISEE- Middle Level
- Basic Computer Literacy
- Writing
- +35 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
- ACCUPLACER Arithmetic
- SAT
- AP Calculus AB
- +27 subjects
Andy: STAAR course instructor
...teacher with Master degree in History and five years of teaching experience in various social studies subjects and math. I started my teaching career as a U.S history and AP Human Geography teacher at Harmony School of Science at Houston, Texas, and at Harmony Science Academy at Houston. I accumulated the rest of my teaching experience in various learning centers and international programs in China teaching AP U.S World History, SAT, and TOEFL courses. For...
Education & Certification
- Unversity of Texas at Austin - Bachelors, History
- Oklahoma State University-Main Campus - Masters, History
Subject Expertise
- STAAR
- High School Level American History
- AP U.S. Government & Politics
- PSAT
- +45 subjects
Kristie: STAAR course instructor
...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 immersion program in South County and...
Education & Certification
- UC- San Diego - Bachelor in Arts, Communications
Subject Expertise
- STAAR
- College Essays
- SSAT- Elementary Level
- Writing
- +28 subjects
Elias: STAAR course instructor
...years in subjects such as Algebra, History, Chemistry, etc. Finally, in her senior year of high school, I still cherish the moments when she asks for my help. Over the past couple of months I have been tutoring at a place in Allen and I love every moment of it. During the course of that time I have been able to establish a great relationship with all my kids. I love seeing their smiles when...
Education & Certification
- The University of Texas at Dallas - Current Undergrad, Healthcare Administration/Biology
- The University of Texas at Dallas - Masters, Healthcare Management
Subject Expertise
- STAAR
- Statistics
- Chemistry
- AP Human Geography
- +39 subjects