If you want the best possible STAAR test prep to help your student pursue their educational goals, Varsity Tutors offers private STAAR classes you may wish to look into. The STAAR (or State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness) exams are used by the Texas Board of Education to determine whether a student has progressed enough academically to advance to the next grade level. If you feel that your student could benefit from formal STAAR preparation, we can connect you with one-on-one STAAR tutoring services today!
One of the most important components of STAAR prep is identifying the format of all of the exams your student is studying for. Consider the STAAR Grade 5 Science Exam in the table below:
STAAR Grade 5 Science Section | # Questions |
Matter and Energy | 6 |
Force, Motion, and Energy | 8 |
Earth and Space | 10 |
Organisms and Environments | 12 |
As you can see, Organisms and Environments constitute the plurality of questions on the exam, so traditional STAAR prep solutions emphasize it. However, your student might be comfortable with that topic and benefit more from reviewing Matter and Energy. A private STAAR course can concentrate on your student's unique areas of opportunity to improve study efficiency.
Since students in Grades 3-12 take some kind of STAAR at the end of the year, the benefits of private STAAR test preparation last for the duration of a student's educational career. Here are the topics on the Grade 8 Social Studies Exam:
STAAR Grade 8 Social Studies Section | # Questions |
History | 17 |
Geography and Culture | 10 |
Government and Citizenship | 10 |
Economics, Science, Technology, and Society | 7 |
History constitutes the plurality of the questions here, but it's also the primary emphasis of most social studies classes. Your student may get more out of reviewing geography, government, and economics during their STAAR test prep to better supplement their classroom instruction.
Private STAAR tutors may also be able to build STAAR classes around your student's individual learning style. For instance, a visual learner might benefit from using flashcards to study the significance of proper nouns for a History STAAR, while a hands-on learner might perform an experiment with their instructor to illustrate the concepts on a Science test. Private instruction also virtually ensures that your student's work receives immediate feedback, allowing any mistakes to be corrected in a timely fashion.
If your students sometimes feels apprehensive about standardized exams, they may be able to take practice tests as part of their STAAR prep and calm their nerves. Taking practice exams can help a student identify their academic strengths and any areas of opportunity that could use further work. Likewise, students can develop a familiarity with the time available to them on test day. Most importantly, taking practice exams during a STAAR class can help a student understand exactly what's expected of them, taking the unknown out of STAAR test prep.
Varsity Tutors also tries to make STAAR test prep as convenient as possible. Our exclusive Live Learning Platform facilitates digital study sessions, providing all of the benefits of face-to-face tutoring without the associated hassle. Similarly, we try to refer every student to an instructor who meets their scheduling needs to mitigate any potential scheduling conflicts.
If you would like to learn more about the STAAR prep options Varsity Tutors can provide, contact us today for more information! We look forward to helping you pursue your educational goals through comprehensive STAAR courses!

Connor: STAAR test prep instructor
...fully believe that my interest in the field of academic tutoring is born out of my endless pursuit of knowledge, 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
- High School Biology
- SSAT
- GRE Quantitative
- +42 subjects

Jennifer: STAAR test prep instructor
...me to view myself as a failure. Working with my own tutors and teachers helped me realize that I am capable of overcoming difficulties through perseverance, and that's a skill that I want to pass on to the students I tutor. Everyone makes mistakes and has struggles, but the important thing is that you can move past those roadblocks. As a tutor, I try really hard to help students connect the material they are studying...
Education & Certification
- Smith College - Current Undergrad, Education and Child Studies and Theatre
Subject Expertise
- STAAR
- SAT Math
- 5th Grade Math
- 6th Grade Reading
- +96 subjects

Nina: STAAR test prep instructor
...that makes sense to them:) I teach to all modalities (visual, tactile, and auditory). What that means is...if your child is a visual learner meaning they need to SEE it ...I use lots of pictures and other visual aids, if they learn better by listening then I combine the visual with lots of descriptions, if they need to use their body and hands then we do lots of hands-on experiments:) I.. of course... take time...
Education & Certification
- RCC/CSUSB - Bachelors, Sociology-Associates / Liberal Arts
- SDSU - Masters, Educational Leadership
Subject Expertise
- STAAR
- Gifted
- Public Speaking
- High School English
- +39 subjects

Kewanta: STAAR test prep instructor
...information in the best way that students learn. Every learner has different modes of learning and has a propensity to certain multiple intelligences. It is the responsibility of the educator to expose the learner to as many 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...
Education & Certification
- Sarah Lawrence College - Bachelor in Arts, Biology, General
Subject Expertise
- STAAR
- 4th Grade Science
- Elementary School Math
- Earth Science
- +27 subjects

Jane (Elizabeth): STAAR test prep instructor
...love teaching because nothing else rivals the experience of seeing a student overcome obstacles to succeed. Whether it’s helping an autistic seven-year-old learn to play with other children or helping a high school freshman learn to make 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...
Education & Certification
- Rice University - Bachelor in Arts, English
Subject Expertise
- STAAR
- College English
- Literature
- Graduate Test Prep
- +26 subjects

Madeline: STAAR test prep instructor
...My name is Madeline Noble and I am currently a graduate student Johns Hopkins University getting my masters in chemical 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...
Education & Certification
- Johns Hopkins University - Bachelors, Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering
Subject Expertise
- STAAR
- ACT
- 1st Grade Math
- STAAR Grades 3-8
- +117 subjects

Kay: STAAR test prep instructor
...graduated from both Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville and Webster University. I hold a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a Special Education minor as well as a Master of Arts in Counseling and an MBA. I have over 20 professional years advocating and giving a voice to the issues plaguing communities, 10 years in the classroom as a Substitute Teacher and countless years as a tutor. I have extensive experience with learners who have...
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
- ISEE-Lower Level Verbal Reasoning
- Elementary School Writing
- High School English
- +75 subjects

Kimika: STAAR test prep instructor
...have a bachelor's degree in Biology from Amherst College in Amherst, Massachusetts. Although I have a degree in science, my first love is math. I have tutored various math subjects from basic math to college trigonometry for friends, family, coworkers and their children, and struggling students. I believe that tutoring is a two-way street. I like to explain the problem and have the student teach it to me to make sure everything is understood. I...
Education & Certification
- Amherst College - Bachelor in Arts, Biology, General
Subject Expertise
- STAAR
- Math
- Geometry
- Elementary School Math
- +8 subjects

Kennikka: STAAR test prep instructor
...Psychology. I am currently working to obtain my Master's degree in Curriculum and Education from Texas A& M University Commerce. I've been in the field of education for about 5 years total. I started out in Higher Education, before I became a middle school teacher. My hobbies include reading suspense stories, traveling, painting, horseback riding, and my most favorite thing to do is spending time and creating memorable experiences with my 12 year old daughter....
Education & Certification
- University of Phoenix - Bachelors, Psychology
- Texas A & M University-Commerce - Current Grad Student, Curriculum and Education
Subject Expertise
- STAAR
- Test Prep
- Middle School English
- Essay Editing
- +14 subjects

Sharon: STAAR test prep 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
- Writing
- ISEE-Lower Level Reading Comprehension
- Science
- +35 subjects

Michelle: STAAR test prep instructor
...feel that every person is different. I will find the best strategy for each of my students, whether it's kinesthetic (hands-on) or non-linguistic representations (visual icons or analogies). I find that sometimes the wall that keeps someone from 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...
Education & Certification
- Brigham Young University - Bachelor in Arts, Humanities
- State Certified Teacher
Subject Expertise
- STAAR
- College English
- Music
- Essay Editing
- +24 subjects

Amanda: STAAR test prep instructor
...am currently a Career Advisor and Tutor at John Muir Charter School in San Francisco, CA. I received my BFA 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...
Education & Certification
- San Jose State University - Bachelor of Fine Arts, Dance
Subject Expertise
- STAAR
- Middle School Math
- Test Prep
- 8th Grade Math
- +25 subjects

Andy: STAAR test prep instructor
...there! I'm a certified math teacher, professional sous chef, and budding comedian willing to tutor in my spare time! A graduate from the University of Texas at Dallas in 2013, I have a multitude of both professional and private teaching/tutoring experience and skills. The teaching certification program I completed is heavily focused on STEM education and creating well-rounded students for today's technology centered world. Our lesson plans were both hands-on and thoroughly engaging while ensuring...
Education & Certification
- The University of Texas at Dallas - Bachelors, Interdisciplinary Studies
Subject Expertise
- STAAR
- Math
- Algebra 2
- ACCUPLACER College-Level Math
- +48 subjects

Jeremy: STAAR test prep instructor
...I marveled at the unique building structures, food, and customs each place had. I was impressed by the different histories of each country I toured. I believe medicine is a challenging career. I am ready to face the hard work of being a medical school student to study the mechanisms of various diseases, continual learning, and educating patients. I look forward to sharing my knowledge with students as I coach them to practice strong study...
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
- Other
- MCAT Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems
- PSAT
- +50 subjects

Whitney: STAAR test prep instructor
...an experienced, certified teacher 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...
Education & Certification
- Angelo State University - Bachelors, Interdisciplinary Child Development
- State Certified Teacher
Subject Expertise
- STAAR
- 2nd Grade Reading
- 3rd Grade Reading
- Elementary School Writing
- +50 subjects

Malcolm: STAAR test prep instructor
...am currently a junior at Rice University, majoring in biochemistry and cell biology. I am particularly interested in tutoring math, science, writing, and test preparation. I have a strong background in tutoring over many years, and I am very comfortable working with many different kinds of students. My goal is not only to ensure success in the classroom today but to equip my students with lifelong skills that will help them to be successful in...
Education & Certification
- Rice University - Bachelor in Arts, Biochemistry and Cell Biology
Subject Expertise
- STAAR
- High School Physics
- Essay Editing
- SAT
- +42 subjects

John: STAAR test prep 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
- College Algebra
- PSAT
- SAT Math
- +107 subjects

Jessica: STAAR test prep instructor
...am a certified English teacher and I specialize in one-on-one or small group tutoring for K-12 or college students who need extra support with their reading or writing. I have a profound love for literature and I work to consistently broaden my knowledge in order to provide up to date lessons. Born with the written word tattooed on my heart, I am deeply dedicated to my students and clients. I tune in to the frequencies...
Education & Certification
- University of Phoenix-Online Campus - Bachelor in Arts, English
- University of Houston-Victoria - Master of Arts, Creative Writing
Subject Expertise
- STAAR
- SAT Verbal
- Certified Wired for Reading
- Social Studies
- +48 subjects

Jennie: STAAR test prep instructor
...once I became an adult that I did not let anyone tell me what my passion was anymore and I went for it. I will never regret making the decision to follow my heart and pursue a teaching degree because it has been the best thing I have ever done. I believe that education is the key to success and this would be a great opportunity for me to show my inner strengths and abilities....
Education & Certification
- University of Houston-Downtown - Bachelor in Arts, Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, General
Subject Expertise
- STAAR
- ESL/ELL
- Test Prep
- Elementary School English
- +7 subjects
Education & Certification
- Louisiana Tech University - Bachelor of Science, Architecture
Subject Expertise
- STAAR
- STAAR Grades 3-8
- Elementary School Reading
- English Grammar and Syntax
- +37 subjects