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: Chatham STAAR course instructor
...as well as my strong interpersonal communication skills. With proper guidance, every student possesses the ability to grasp even the most complex of topics, and I have built my tutoring career on this premise. As an experienced tutor, I have continually enjoyed seeing my students achieve lofty goals under my instruction. I specialize in tutoring...
Education & Certification
- Saint Louis University-Main Campus - Bachelor in Arts, Economics
Subject Expertise
- STAAR
- ISEE
- HSPT
- SSAT
- +43 subjects
Oly: Chatham STAAR course instructor
...with the student, then making sure they have a strong foundation before reinforcing anything that they're struggling on. I love to make learning fun and interactive, because we all retain more of what we learn when we enjoy it. I hope to reach many more students with my infectious enthusiasm as the years go by.
Education & Certification
- University of California-San Diego - Bachelor of Science, Neuroscience
- Michigan Technological University - non degree, Biology, General
Subject Expertise
- STAAR
- PSAT
- SAT Subject Tests
- STAAR Grades 3-8
- +138 subjects
Iselee: Chatham STAAR course instructor
...math and science, and I am a certified bilingual education teacher in the state of Texas. I love learning, imparting knowledge, and bilingualism, and I am eager to assist students with academic goals. Previously, I've taught 3rd grade bilingual courses including English and Spanish literacy and grammar as well as math, science, and social studies....
Education & Certification
- Loyola Marymount University - Bachelors, Spanish
- Johns Hopkins University - Current Grad Student, Digital Communication
Subject Expertise
- STAAR
- PSAT
- SSAT
- SAT Subject Tests
- +72 subjects
Rhea: Chatham STAAR course instructor
...students discover their ideal way of learning. I am a determined and dedicated student that wants to help others. I have experience tutoring and working with students that are struggling to grasp difficult material and concepts. I am a social and outgoing person who works well with others, and I will try my best to...
Education & Certification
- American University - Current Undergrad, International Relations, Business
Subject Expertise
- STAAR
- TOEFL
- OLSAT
- ACT and SAT All-In-One Classes
- +339 subjects
Madeline: Chatham STAAR course instructor
...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...
Education & Certification
- Johns Hopkins University - Bachelors, Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering
Subject Expertise
- STAAR
- SAT Subject Tests
- Advanced Placement
- PSAT
- +117 subjects
Elias: Chatham STAAR course instructor
...hope to eventually have a job coordinating departments within a health care clinic or even a hospital. I specialize mostly in on-level or pre-AP Biology and Chemistry as well as Algebra but feel confident teaching subjects such as History and AP Biology. I hold myself to a high standard and I will hold my students...
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
- STAAR Grades 3-8
- STAAR EOC
- AP European History
- +39 subjects
Sarah: Chatham STAAR course instructor
...can write a stellar paper. Every student is different, and every student can achieve success. In my free time I love running (I'm training for my second half marathon!), reading and watching documentaries. I am an avid traveler, and just completed my goal of visiting 25% of the world's countries. I am an enthusiastic person,...
Education & Certification
- Vanderbilt University - Bachelor in Arts, Art History
- American University of Paris - Master of Arts, Communications
Subject Expertise
- STAAR
- SSAT
- ISEE
- Languages
- +17 subjects
Andy: Chatham STAAR course instructor
...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...
Education & Certification
- Unversity of Texas at Austin - Bachelors, History
- Oklahoma State University-Main Campus - Masters, History
Subject Expertise
- STAAR
- GED
- STAAR Grades 3-8
- SAT Subject Tests
- +45 subjects
Amanda: Chatham STAAR course instructor
...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...
Education & Certification
- San Jose State University - Bachelor of Fine Arts, Dance
Subject Expertise
- STAAR
- CAHSEE
- STAAR Grades 3-8
- Art
- +25 subjects
Kewanta: Chatham STAAR course instructor
...modes and MIs as possible to guide the student towards mastery of content. My students enjoyed a variety of activities and were not subjected to boring lectures. Apart from being a highly effective educator, I also enjoy a plethora of interests and hobbies. I enjoy getting lost in a good book. Once I have a...
Education & Certification
- Sarah Lawrence College - Bachelor in Arts, Biology, General
Subject Expertise
- STAAR
- STAAR Grades 3-8
- Elementary School Reading
- College English
- +27 subjects
Jeremy: Chatham STAAR course instructor
...the medical field has drawn me to the medical research happening around Baylor University. I use my spare time in between classes and the 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...
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
- SAT Subject Tests
- STAAR Grades 3-8
- PSAT
- +50 subjects
Nazish: Chatham STAAR course instructor
...at Dallas. My experience working with children began at an early age but the abundance of my experience comes from being a Transitional Kindergarten teacher at a private preschool. The main focus of my classroom is providing foundational learning that is in accordance with the Texas Kindergarten curriculum for those students who are not yet...
Education & Certification
- The University of Texas at Dallas - Bachelor of Science, Child Development
Subject Expertise
- STAAR
- Math
- College English
- Study Skills and Organization
- +11 subjects
Tori: Chatham STAAR course instructor
Hi, My name is Tori and besides teaching I love to sing, dance, act and explore. I love reading and going on adventures and I can't wait to start working with the future brilliant minds of this country. ... My philosophy is to help students enhance their mind and encourage them to do great things using different strategies of learning.
Education & Certification
- Stephen F Austin State University - Bachelors, Interdisciplinary studies
Subject Expertise
- STAAR
- CogAT
- STAAR Grades 3-8
- Elementary School Science
- +15 subjects
John: Chatham STAAR course instructor
...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...
Education & Certification
- American Academy of Dramatic Arts - Associates, Acting
- University of St. Thomas - Bachelor of Fine Arts, English/Drama
Subject Expertise
- STAAR
- CLEP
- SAT
- HSPT
- +110 subjects
Jane (Elizabeth): Chatham STAAR course instructor
...a solid argument, I value the impact I make on others through teaching. I began my professional life as a tutor six years ago, and have taught a variety of subjects, including time management, reading, writing, history and SAT and AP preparation. In lessons, I focus on teaching my students how to learn efficiently and...
Education & Certification
- Rice University - Bachelor in Arts, English
Subject Expertise
- STAAR
- SAT
- PSAT
- SAT Math
- +26 subjects
Tom: Chatham STAAR course instructor
...subject areas have been English, Writing, Public Speaking, Math, Science, United States History and Geometry. I also tutor standardized test taking. One of my strengths as a tutor is to take difficult subjects or concepts and make them easier to understand. I am completely dedicated to helping students get better. I like for teaching and...
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
- STAAR Grades 3-8
- GED
- College English
- +30 subjects
Michelle: Chatham STAAR course instructor
...understanding can easily be overcome by changing the perspective. I am a Houston native certified to teach general elementary and secondary history. I taught TAKS prep and second grade in Cy-Fair ISD and currently work as a substitute in Klein. I earned a BA in the Humanities from Brigham Young University in Provo, UT. My...
Education & Certification
- Brigham Young University - Bachelor in Arts, Humanities
- State Certified Teacher
Subject Expertise
- STAAR
- European History
- Languages
- Test Prep
- +24 subjects
Theresa: Chatham STAAR 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
- STAAR
- AIMS
- STAAR Grades 3-8
- 1st Grade Math
- +91 subjects
Ngozi: Chatham STAAR course instructor
Hey there! I'm Coach Ngozireader, writer, teacher, Olympian, and your new study partner. I specialize in STAAR prep, writing skills, reading fluency, and TELPAS support for all grade levels. Whether you need confidence, strategy, or a push toward excellence, I've got you covered. Let's get sharper, stronger, and ready to conquer your goals!... My teaching philosophy is that success is all about preparation. If a student learns question types, prepares for testing through repetition as well as works hard towards their goals with specified testing material, that is the key. I've filled many shoes so I know how it feels to be in different positions in terms of writing. The more authentic question would be, If you had the key to a test, would you take it? I am simply that key.
Education & Certification
- University of Houston - Bachelors, Health
Subject Expertise
- STAAR
- STAAR Grades 3-8
- English Grammar and Syntax
- Reading
- +8 subjects
Whitney: Chatham STAAR course instructor
...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...
Education & Certification
- Angelo State University - Bachelors, Interdisciplinary Child Development
- State Certified Teacher
Subject Expertise
- STAAR
- ISEE
- STAAR Grades 3-8
- ACT
- +50 subjects