Any student who is going to be taking the SSAT may be able to benefit from a Seattle SSAT prep course, and Varsity Tutors is offering a variety of courses that can fit your schedule. The SSAT, or Secondary School Admission Test, is used by private and independent schools to assess potential students. If your student is planning on applying to these schools, it may be a good idea to start prepping for the SSAT, and if you've already begun getting ready for the test, a Seattle SSAT course might be the boost your student needs to take them to a new level of success.
The SSAT is used as a standardized test for students heading into the 4th through 12th grades, and is offered at several levels to suit the grade level of the student. Whether your student is applying at the elementary school level, is almost done with high school, or is somewhere in between, we can offer a Seattle SSAT class that can provide support in the test prep process. We also know that you and your student likely have busy schedules, so these classes are taught in an accessible online classroom that can accommodate your needs. You'll have immediate access over the internet to instruction from a qualified teacher, who can increase your student's comprehension of both the subject material of the SSAT and the test itself.
What type of material will a Seattle SSAT class cover?
The SSAT is provided at three levels: the Elementary Level, which is for students entering the 3rd or 4th grades; the Middle Level, for students entering the 5th through 8th grades; and the Upper Level, for students entering the 9th through 12th grades. The basic sections of the test remain the same at each level, although the length and structure of the test does change somewhat. Let's spend some time here to take a brief look at what the test covers.
All levels of the SSAT include a Writing Sample section. At the Upper Level this consists of two prompts: one for a creative work, and the other for a traditional essay, which students are asked to choose between and base a piece of writing on. Schools will be reading for the mechanical skill shown in your student's writing, as well as their ability to persuade their audience with a well-structured written work. At the Middle Level, students will instead choose between two creative prompts and will be expected to use correct grammar and punctuation and to organize their stories well. At the Elementary Level, students will be given a picture prompt and asked to write a story with a beginning, middle, and end. At no level of the SSAT is the writing sample scored. Instead, it is submitted to admission boards as an example of your student's writing abilities.
Next, let's talk about the Quantitative section of the SSAT. For Upper Level students, this section will require knowledge of algebra, line equations, geometry involving polygons and the properties of triangles, graphing, and more. At the Middle Level, this section will ask students to be able to perform operations with variables, understand probability, how to calculate area and perimeter of geometric shapes, and an understanding of proportion. The Elementary Level version of the test will ask students to demonstrate basic math skills, such as arithmetic, simple geometry, measurement, and spatial sense.
Now we come to the Reading section. Upper Level students will read and interpret passages from works of literature, the sciences, and the humanities, and will be asked to understand not only explicit but also implicit information in the text. They'll also have to discern the effect of the author's voice on the piece and evaluate arguments. Middle Level students will perform similar tasks. They will be given less complicated source material, but will still be expected to make inferences about the passages and to understand authorial intent and the arguments made by a piece of writing. At the Elementary Level, students will have to be able to comprehend the main points of a passage, derive meaning from context, and understand figurative language.
Last up is the Verbal section. For Upper Level students this section will require an understanding of synonyms, antonyms, and analogies, as well as knowledge of word roots, suffixes, and prefixes. Students should also be able to use context to infer the meanings of words. Middle Level students will need to understand much of the same information but at a less advanced level. They will still need to understand synonyms and analogies, and how words and ideas relate to each other. Elementary Level students should be able to understand the relationships between words and have a grade-level-appropriate vocabulary.
How will a Seattle SSAT course help my student prepare for the test?
A Seattle SSAT course is taught live in an interactive online classroom where students will see, hear, and speak with their classmates and their instructor just as if they were seated around a table together. This type of collaborative learning environment can bring your student into conversation with new perspectives on course material. By asking each other questions and helping each other learn in group discussions led by a qualified teacher, students may be able to internalize material more effectively than would be possible for them in solo study. Additionally, if students are struggling or falling behind on particular material, they'll be able to request one-on-one time with their instructor, so that your student is provided with many avenues for learning, and can feel well-prepared for test day.
Seattle SSAT courses are provided in 2-week and 4-week sections, with new sections starting up every week. This means that there's always a new course coming up that can suit your unique needs, and enrollment is painless. An online course also provides a definite convenience factor, as it nullifies your commute, freeing up more time for you and your student to live your lives and pursue your goals. Scheduling is flexible, so whether you're looking for an after-school course, or would prefer something on the weekends, there can be something that's right for you. Our hope is to provide you with an SSAT course that can be maximally accessible and effective and can help you work toward your student's success in a private school.
How can I get signed up for a Seattle SSAT class?
The SSAT is one of the first steps on the way to enrollment in a private school. It might be seen as an obstacle, but it can also be taken as an opportunity for your student to build up the skills they need to make sure they excel should they be accepted into a private school. A Seattle SSAT course can help your student build up content area knowledge to make sure they have a firm grasp on their academic fundamentals and may boost their test-taking ability and confidence. Reach out to Varsity Tutors today, and we can get your student signed up for a course that's right for them, and that may be just the thing to put them on the right path towards success.

Rachel: Seattle SSAT course instructor
...duty is to work with a student as an individual and to adjust my own tutoring to fit the way they learn best. I believe that all students have what it takes to succeed in school, its just a matter of finding the style of learning that is most effective for them. What works or makes sense for one student will not necessarily work for the next student, and so it is essential as a...
Education & Certification
- University of Washington-Seattle Campus - Bachelors, General Biology
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- Science
- Study Skills and Organization
- Physiology
- +89 subjects

Jeffrey: Seattle SSAT course instructor
...feel overwhelming. But you really can be prepared. Careful, concept-oriented preparation can help ensure that students don’t run into anything radically new on exam day. My preparation strategy aims to give students the instruction they need to recognize as many problem types as possible. Sitting for a standardized test can be a stressful experience for many people. I try to give students a firm toolkit of techniques and tactics so that they do not have...
Education & Certification
- University of Washington - Bachelor in Arts, Political Science and Government
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ACT
- Test Prep
- HSPT
- +34 subjects

Bejoy: Seattle SSAT course instructor
...up not liking Math but ironically ended up teaching it. I believe you need to be patient and understand the student's strengths and weakness in order to effectively teach Math to students. Relating Math to real life examples can make it more interesting and fun for students. I believe my tutoring/teaching experience and desire in teaching math would be beneficial for the student. I love one on one tutoring and enjoy the pleasure of making...
Education & Certification
- Fordham University - Bachelor in Arts, Biology, General
- Iona College - Master of Science, Adolescent Math Teaching
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ISEE- Upper Level
- Study Skills and Organization
- Study Skills
- +38 subjects

Catherine: Seattle SSAT course instructor
...like soda bottle water rockets, and working for and with wildlife by cleaning up their habitats and raising trout from eggs for release as fry (juvenile fish). Math is exciting to tutor, especially using manipulatives and other forms of representation-we can do that visually online as we work together. Reading for fun is one of my hobbies, but I know how to inspire struggling readers and teach them techniques for making sense of what they're...
Education & Certification
- California State University, East Bay - Bachelor in Arts, Liberal Studies, Biological Sciences
- Holy Names University - Unknown, Teaching Certifications
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- High School Chemistry
- Special Education
- ESL/ELL
- +24 subjects

Aaron : Seattle SSAT course instructor
...working as a writing tutor. I collaborate with students on every part of the writing processbrainstorming ideas, outlining the paper, structuring paragraphs, and perfecting grammar. As an Economics tutor, I have experience in both Micro-Economics and Macro-Economics. I have worked on topics such as inelasticity, supply/demand, dead weight loss, monopolies, and taxation. I am also an Algebra tutor because I have been studying for the GRE (which requires a fair bit of Algebra) and I...
Education & Certification
- Lewis & Clark College - Bachelor in Arts, Philosophy
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- English
- Study Skills
- Social Studies
- +27 subjects

Jacqueline: Seattle SSAT course instructor
...and have been working with elementary aged children for over eight years. As an elementary school teacher I know the skills and tools children need to be successful. I have experience working with every grade level, as well as students who are learning English and students receiving special education services. Lastly, I truly believe in teaching children skills they need to not only be successful in school, but also in life. I look forward to...
Education & Certification
- Humboldt State University - Bachelors, History
- University of Washington - Masters, Elementary education
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- English Grammar and Syntax
- Study Skills and Organization
- AP European History
- +60 subjects

Theresa: Seattle SSAT course instructor
I love the look a child gets in their eyes when they begin to understand a concept that has alluded them in the past. Whether teaching my class or working one on one with a student, seeing that success is what I strive for.... All students are capable of being successful. As a teacher, it's my job to identify the strategies and resources that will put each student I work with on the path to success.
Education & Certification
- Lycoming College - Bachelor in Arts, Music
- Johns Hopkins University - Master of Arts Teaching, Elementary Education
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- 8th Grade Writing
- Voice
- Summer
- +91 subjects

Laura: Seattle SSAT course instructor
...years of experience teaching in college classrooms, as well as in smaller, private conversation schools and one on one tutoring. My specialty is in teaching writing, especially coherence, organization and development of ideas in an essay. My classes, whether face to face or online, have always been places where students can improve their skills in writing, reading and critical thinking through learner centered as well as collaborative methods. Often, I feel that my strength lies...
Education & Certification
- California State University-Sacramento - Bachelor in Arts, Communication, General
- Humboldt State University - Master of Arts, English Composition
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- Adult Literacy
- Elementary School Writing
- Expository Writing
- +38 subjects

Deana: Seattle SSAT course instructor
I am passionate about helping students realize and understand their personal learning potential. Currently I am studying to get my masters degree in Seattle and plan to begin my career as a school counselor in 2018. I enjoy meeting new people and feel very comfortable relating to students. I am excited about getting to know new students through Varsity Tutors and customizing tutoring sessions to fit unique needs. ... In a typical first tutoring session, I like to start getting to know a student by asking a series of questions about themselves, their educational history, and their learning styles. I become familiar with student expectations and help students brainstorm short term and long term goals.
Education & Certification
- Central Washington University - Bachelors, Sociology
- Seattle Pacific University - Masters, School Counseling
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- Reading
- Middle School Math
- Study Skills and Organization
- +24 subjects

Suzanne: Seattle SSAT course instructor
...friendly but firm limits. For the last eight years I have worked as a substitute elementary school teacher in the Edmonds and Mukilteo school districts working with students Kindergarten through fourth grade. I enjoy helping children understand things. I believe my job as a tutor is to investigate what is going on that may be causing the student to not move forward and then to find a new way of looking at it instead of...
Education & Certification
- Seattle Pacific University - Bachelors, Language Arts
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- Phonics
- English Grammar and Syntax
- Summer
- +11 subjects

Allegra: Seattle SSAT course instructor
...I am qualified to teach reading skills, including fluency and comprehension, phonics, spelling and grammar. I also have a TESOL certificate (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages). I have many interests and hobbies that keep me very active. I'm passionate about travel and have been to 49 states and 33 countries. I love reading, watching movies, gardening and making stained glass. My personal motto is: "Be the change you wish to see in the...
Education & Certification
- University of Washington-Seattle Campus - Bachelor in Arts, Social Work
- University of Washington - Master of Social Work, Social Work
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- Elementary School Writing
- Writing
- ISEE-Upper Level Reading Comprehension
- +31 subjects

Miranda: Seattle SSAT course instructor
...I like to call the "Nerd Trifecta" in high school: math team, knowledge bowl, and science olympiad. I've tutored since I was in middle school, and I love finding an explanation or analogy to help someone else really grasp a concept! I'm applying to grad school now, and in my spare time I love cooking and baking (it's vaguely scientific, right?). I rowed in high school and college, so I know all about the difficulties...
Education & Certification
- Washington University in St Louis - Bachelor in Arts, Biochemistry and Anthropology
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- MCAT Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills
- Math
- Science
- +49 subjects

Carolyn: Seattle SSAT course instructor
I have been working with children in schools, daycares, summer programs, and afterschool programs for 13 years. I hope to use my diverse experiences to foster communities of joyful and eager learners.... I believe that each student travels on their own unique path to knowledge. I believe that a teacher is a guide along these paths, walking alongside each student, supporting them where they struggle and guiding them when there is a fork in the road.
Education & Certification
- Smith College - Bachelor in Arts, Education and Child Study/German Studies
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- Middle School Math
- Test Prep
- Geography
- +45 subjects

Charley: Seattle SSAT course instructor
I have a B.S. in Physics from UCSB with multiple years of tutoring for college math and physics as well as high school math and physics. I have been involved with Physics outreach programs for local high schools during my undergraduate degree. In my spare time, I play music, hike, wrestle, and dance.
Education & Certification
- University of California-Santa Barbara - Bachelor of Science, Physics
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- Math
- Calculus 3
- Trigonometry
- +25 subjects

Brian: Seattle SSAT course instructor
...the analytical skills that they will need to prepare and study for assignments and tests when they're going to go to college. There's only so much one can do in teaching the content that we also need to teach our students how they can become their own teachers and succeed on their own. Hence, I want my students not just to do well in their math classes or exams, but I also want them to...
Education & Certification
- University of Washington-Seattle Campus - Bachelor in Arts, Mathematics
- University of Washington-Seattle Campus - Masters in Education, High School Teaching
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- Quantum Mechanics
- Math
- Finance
- +128 subjects

Karen: Seattle SSAT course instructor
...and GMAT and Advanced Placement Calculus and Physics. I work hard to make complex and challenging material accessible and enjoyable for a wide range of students. At all levels, I encourage both the hesitant and eager students to succeed. I tailor lesson plans to different learning styles and abilities. With the extra attention I give, my students consistently tell me they have learned more than they ever thought possible for themselves. Many of my students...
Education & Certification
- University of California-Berkeley - Bachelors, Economics, minor Math and Statistics
- University of California-Berkeley - Masters, Masters of Business Administration
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ACCUPLACER Elementary Algebra
- Calculus
- ISEE
- +87 subjects

Parker: Seattle SSAT course instructor
I am a college graduate with a Bachelor's in Creative Writing and English. I am passionate about helping people become not just better students, but better people. I love to help students organize their lives and teach them skills to prepare for tests and for studying/note taking.
Education & Certification
- University of Redlands - Bachelor in Arts, Creative Writing
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- SAT Essay
- Test Prep
- Computer Programming
- +106 subjects

Marine: Seattle SSAT course instructor
...and college classrooms. I am passionate about teaching because I believe education allows people to interact with the world in a meaningful way, and I get excited about tutoring students who have a desire to learn. I am most passionate about teaching French, English, and writing. I was born in Paris and lived there until I was 8, and I love helping others learn my native language! I also obtained my IB Diploma while in...
Education & Certification
- University of Washington-Seattle Campus - Bachelors, International Relations, Minors: Human Rights, African Studies
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- Elementary School Math
- Middle School Reading Comprehension
- Middle School Writing
- +52 subjects

Rachel: Seattle SSAT course instructor
...year of service with City Year Seattle (an AmeriCorps program). During this year, I worked as a tutor, mentor, and classroom assistant at Concord International Elementary. I enjoy tutoring in all subjects, but my favorites are elementary math and reading. I love seeing students engage with a story and helping them break a complex problem down into simpler pieces. I am passionate about access to quality education for everyone, which means meeting students where they...
Education & Certification
- Willamette University - Bachelors, International Studies
- Willamette University - Masters, Business Administration (MBA)
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- Macroeconomics
- Essay Editing
- College English
- +27 subjects

Aaron: Seattle SSAT course instructor
I am passionate about education and the power of one on one instructional time to transform student attitudes and outcomes. I seek to empower students to better understand themselves and succeed in life. My approach to tutoring is based on games and questioning, to bring fun, and thinking together to create effective sessions that improve student self esteem, effectiveness, and ability.... Student engagement is key. When students are engaged and curious, they bring their best thinking and work ethic. Connecting work with students’ lives increases interest, perseverance, and retention.
Education & Certification
- New College of Florida - Bachelors, General Studies
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- Executive Functioning
- Gifted
- SSAT- Middle Level
- +25 subjects