Varsity Tutors offers a comprehensive Virginia Beach SSAT prep course to help students build their study skills in advance of the exam. The SSAT is a high-stakes assessment that private and independent schools may use as an objective data point to compare applicants who come from different backgrounds. It is available to students in grades 3-11, separated into the Elementary Level (grades 3-4), Middle Level (5-7), and Upper Level (8-11) to provide test-takers with an age-appropriate challenge. Students take the test the year before they plan to enroll in a new school. For instance, a third-grader who takes the exam is hoping to attend a private school beginning in fourth grade.
Most schools consider more than one factor in their admission decisions, but a good performance on the SSAT is certainly one way to help your student's applicant stand out in a crowd. Every Virginia Beach SSAT class we provide goes over both the academics and the strategy on the exam, equipping students to face test day with confidence. Continue reading to discover more about how our service may be able to help you.
What subjects does a Virginia Beach SSAT course typically review?
All levels of the SSAT contain the same five sections: Experimental, Writing, Quantitative (Math on the Elementary Level SSAT), Reading, and Verbal. The SSAT's Experimental section consists of unscored test items that the manufacturer uses to evaluate questions for future exams. Therefore, there are only four sections that test-takers need to concern themselves with in their prep. Here is a comprehensive breakdown of what you can expect on each section:
1. Writing
The Writing section of the SSAT serves to measure a student's written communication skills, including organization, clarity of expression, and command of English language conventions (punctuation, grammar, spelling, etc.). It is not scored but instead submitted as a writing sample with every application you send out. Kids taking the Elementary Level SSAT have 15 minutes to write a short story about a picture in their test booklet. The directions also remind them to include a beginning, middle, and end in their work. Students taking the Middle Level SSAT have 25 minutes to write a response to one of two creative writing prompts. Older students taking the Upper Level SSAT also get 25 minutes but choose from a creative writing or traditional essay prompt instead of two creative options.
2. Quantitative
The Quantitative sections test a student's command of age-appropriate mathematical concepts. Kids at the Elementary Level are tested on basic concepts like addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, and fractions. They need to respond to 30 multiple-choice items in 30 minutes. Both the Middle and Upper Level SSAT incorporate more advanced fields such as algebra, data analysis, geometry, and probability. The Quantitative section is split into two subsections, each containing 25 multiple-choice items in 30 minutes (50 questions in one hour total). Calculators are not permissible on any SSAT exam, so students shouldn't count on technology handling the arithmetic for them.
3. Reading
The Reading section measures a test-taker's reading comprehension skills through a series of passage-based multiple-choice items. Students at all levels must identify a passage's main idea and supporting details, use context to work out an unfamiliar word's definition, and differentiate between figurative and literal language. Older students must also critically analyze arguments and draw valid conclusions based on the evidence in a passage. Elementary Level SSAT test-takers have 30 minutes to answer 28 questions (seven passages with four questions each), while older students have a total of 40 items to answer over 40 minutes.
4. Verbal
The Verbal section assesses a student's vocabulary knowledge through a series of multiple-choice questions pertaining to analogies and synonyms. Since it's basically impossible to memorize what every word in the English language means, students are advised to study word roots, suffixes, and prefixes to help them figure out what a new word might mean. Children taking the Elementary Level SSAT have 20 minutes to answer 30 questions, and older students have half an hour to answer 60 questions.
What are some of the benefits of taking a Virginia Beach SSAT course?
Every Virginia Beach SSAT class we provide entails in-depth instruction on the academic concepts that appear on the test, practice questions to give students a sense of what to expect, and proven test-taking tips that can help students feel more comfortable on test day. If your student gets intimidated by numbers, their instructor might teach them ways to make math seem more approachable. Similarly, reading the questions before their associated passage on the exam's Reading section can make it easier to identify the information you're looking for.
Each Virginia Beach SSAT class also takes place online on our exclusive live virtual platform. Our platform creates the illusion that your student, their teacher, and their classmates are all in the same room when they may in fact be miles apart. Asking for help is as easy as raising your hand, and students are free to interact with one another as well as their instructor.
Contrary to what you may believe, that's a good thing. Talking things over with a peer can promote a greater understanding of academic concepts than working exclusively with an adult. Explaining something to somebody else can also foster a more comprehensive view of a topic, making exercises such as outlining an essay prompt as a group more productive than they may initially seem. Having multiple students in the room also allows multiple people to split the cost of the class, making it more affordable than you might think. Best of all, you can arrange private sessions with the teacher if your student seems to be falling behind.
We also make all of our products as convenient as possible. New courses start up every week, and two-week and four-week sessions are available to fit into nearly any student's schedule.
Can I sign up for a Virginia Beach SSAT course today?
Simply reach out to a knowledgeable educational consultant using the information below to get the enrollment process started. Varsity Tutors looks forward to enrolling you in a Virginia Beach SSAT course that meets your needs today!

Patricia: Virginia Beach SSAT course instructor
...and helping students who are having difficulty in reading comprehension. I have seen the excited look on a child's face when they get an increase in reading or writing scores on mandatory state tests. It gives them a tremendous boost in confidence and self esteem. Since I have extensive experience in tutoring, it will be my pleasure to instill that confidence. Since I am an English teacher, naturally I enjoy reading(and its true, some books...
Education & Certification
- Norfolk State University - Bachelor in Arts, Norfolk, VA
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ASPIRE
- HSPT
- SAT
- +49 subjects

Amy: Virginia Beach SSAT course instructor
I am a recent graduate of Radford University. I majored in Interdisciplinary Studies with a license to teach Pre-K to 6th grade. I have experience tutoring and teaching many different ages. I concentrated in math and Spanish during my time at Radford. I love to work with all ages and help those that need help learning a concept or many.
Education & Certification
- Radford University - Bachelor of Science, Education
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- Middle School Reading Comprehension
- College English
- Science
- +25 subjects

Kristen: Virginia Beach SSAT course instructor
...students can learn. I believe that all students learn differently. When I was in high school and college, my jobs outside of school were babysitting and teaching in a day care setting. My day care jobs involved working with young children, as young as infants and as old as elementary school age. I believe I have the best qualities of a tutor because I am an expert in the curricula I've been teaching, I have...
Education & Certification
- Radford University - Bachelor of Science, English
- Regent University - Masters in Education, Curriculum and Instruction
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- SAT
- ISEE
- ISEE-Upper Level Verbal Reasoning
- +25 subjects

Stephanie: Virginia Beach SSAT course instructor
...Kindergarten classroom, in addition to the many years of experience I have tutoring students on a volunteer basis, has helped me see my true passion for helping young students achieve their goals and dreams. I strongly believe all students can succeed and consider it my job to pull resources, experience, and knowledge together in order to help every student realize their fullest potential. I thoroughly enjoy tutoring students in all grades and subjects of elementary...
Education & Certification
- Christopher Newport Univesity - Bachelors, Psychology
- Christopher Newport University - Masters, Elementary Education
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ISEE
- English Grammar and Syntax
- AP Psychology
- +25 subjects

Nathaniel: Virginia Beach SSAT course instructor
I will make it the ultimate goal of every student I tutor to understand absolutely everything that they have trouble with. I aim to help with critical thinking and inquiry so that the student not only solves the problem, but understands the concepts and where they need to be used.
Education & Certification
- Old Dominion University - Bachelor of Science, Computer Science
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- GED
- STAAR Grades 3-8
- STAAR
- +211 subjects

Alice: Virginia Beach SSAT course instructor
...working in the education field since I graduated from college in 2011, and couldn't be happier! Working with students to help them persevere and succeed is challenging, but the rewards are greater. I try to make learning fun and exciting for all students to help them feel confident and inspired. I am very passionate about engaging and motivating students in a way that shows how much I care. "Tell me and I forget. Teach me...
Education & Certification
- Millersville University of Pennsylvania - Bachelor of Science, Elementary Education
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ISEE
- SSAT- Elementary Level
- Pre-Algebra
- +16 subjects

Katelyn: Virginia Beach SSAT course instructor
...and history. I am currently able to teach elementary and middle schoolers; however, I have enough background knowledge to work with students looking to learn English, Spanish or who need help with history. I am currently working as a substitute teacher in Virginia Beach. I have spent my time working in two different second grade classrooms and a fourth grade classroom as a long term substitute while the teachers were on maternity leave. I believe...
Education & Certification
- Longwood University - Bachelor of Science, Education
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- English
- Elementary School Reading
- Adult ESL/ELL
- +7 subjects

Marshe: Virginia Beach SSAT course instructor
I help learners develop the cognitive, language, physical, and social skills required to be successful. I help inspire learners to develop the self-confidence required to succeed in school and in life. I make learning fun! I support, encourage, engage, and cultivate creative minds. As an educator I offer experiences working with students, and adults. I strive to support all learners, and their diverse academic development and needs.
Education & Certification
- Norfolk State University - Bachelor of Education, Special Education
- Grand Canyon University - Masters in Education, Curriculum and Instruction
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ISEE
- Susan Barton Reading
- Elementary School Reading
- +44 subjects

Tyler: Virginia Beach SSAT course instructor
...educator with 4+ years of experience in educational settings. My teaching experience ranges from teaching college sociology courses to TESL in West Africa. I believe in working to help children of all ages and abilities to achieve their full potential and some of my best experiences have come from in-home counseling clients and residential behavioral health counseling. I hold a Master's degree in sociology, am a qualified mental health counselor (child), and will be certified...
Education & Certification
- Lynchburg College - Bachelors, Sociology
- Illinois State University - Masters, Sociology
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ACT
- SAT
- GED
- +78 subjects

Stephanie : Virginia Beach SSAT course instructor
...and American government. I currently teach undergraduate courses in English, government, and education. I love to learn something new every day and I encourage all of my students to do the same. I know that some subjects are not the most interesting to every student, but I do my best to make each topic applicable to real life. I also make sure it is fun- because if you're going to learn something it may as...
Education & Certification
- Assumption College - Bachelor in Arts, Political Science and Government
- Regent University - Master of Arts, Education
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ISEE
- HSPT
- CogAT
- +79 subjects

Taylor: Virginia Beach SSAT course instructor
I graduated from Old Dominion University with a Bachelors in Physics. I'm currently a graduate student pursuing a PhD in theoretical physics. I immensely enjoy what I do, and that passion is what fuels my tutoring style. I specialize in tutoring for Differential Equations and Multivariable Calculus, these courses are often difficult to conceptualize and I enjoy communicating the ideas to students. ... The most important step towards understanding problems and mastering subjects is learning the underlying concepts before attempting to jump through a step-by-step solution
Education & Certification
- United States Military Academy - Current Undergrad, Physics, Nuclear Engineering
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- SAT Subject Tests
- ACT
- ASVAB
- +70 subjects
Education & Certification
- SUNY - Bachelor in Arts, Psychology
- Adventist International University - Master of Arts, Curriculum and Instruction
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- GCSE
- GED
- A Level
- +55 subjects

Nathan: Virginia Beach SSAT course instructor
I believe that that success of future adults begins with our children now. Children all have preferred learning methods and it is important to keep in mind the cognitive levels of various students. I have been working with children for over 5 years now. I have 2 children of my own, ages 10 years and 1 year, and I also teach 3rd grade at a public school in Virginia.
Education & Certification
- Old Dominion University - Bachelor of Science, Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, General
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- Science
- Elementary School Writing
- SSAT- Elementary Level
- +8 subjects

Joseph: Virginia Beach SSAT course instructor
I heard someone say that everyone starts out liking math. But they meet that one math teacher or class or even a problem that intimidates them, possibly embarrasses them. And they build a wall and find it hard to continue liking math. I want to show them an easier way to understand the concepts; I want people to like math.
Education & Certification
- Old Dominion University - Bachelor of Science, Electrical Engineering
- Western Governors University - Masters in Education, Mathematics Teacher Education
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- SAT
- CogAT
- SAT Subject Tests
- +107 subjects

Christopher: Virginia Beach SSAT course instructor
...a teacher and tutor is to break concepts down to make things easier to understand. In other words, I don't want to make things harder than they need to be. I use technology as much as possible and like to find resources that I can provide to my students to make their academic careers more enjoyable and manageable. I retired from the US Navy in 2015 after serving for 22 years on active duty. I...
Education & Certification
- Auburn University - Bachelors, English
- Auburn University - Masters, Technical and Professional Communication - English
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- CogAT
- REGENTS
- PSAT
- +74 subjects

Laura: Virginia Beach SSAT course instructor
...Biology started at William & Mary when I was earning my Biology BS. My teaching career started as a life science teacher in middle school, moving on to High School where I have been for the past 12 years. During that time I earned a Masters degree in Special Education. I have taught AP Biology, IB Biology HL/SL, IB Environmental Science, AP Environmental Science. In high school I played basketball and lacrosse, and enjoy any...
Education & Certification
- College of William and Mary - Bachelors, Biology, General
- Grand Canyon University - Masters, Special Education
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- CLEP
- ACT
- CogAT
- +69 subjects

Mary: Virginia Beach SSAT course instructor
...compassionate teacher with 16 years of experience in elementary education. I believe that the youngest learners need a teacher that loves teaching as much as I do and I want your child to have a wonderful experience with school. I am a focused and enthusiastic educator with a strong desire to build positive student relationships. I believe in engaging students in learning. I have taught 2nd grade for 13 years and kindergarten for 3 years....
Education & Certification
- Clark University - Bachelor of Science, Applied Psychology
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- PARCC
- ISAT
- CLEP
- +56 subjects

Lisa: Virginia Beach SSAT course instructor
...learner myself, I strive to share that with my students. Whether leading a classroom, instructing my own children, or teaching private music lessons, personalizing and customizing the learning experience is and always has been the ultimate goal. I hold bachelor's and master's degrees in music performance which I eventually used to get my teaching certification. I am certified to teach middle school math (including algebra), ELA, and science; math is my passion. When not teaching,...
Education & Certification
- St. Mary's University - Bachelor in Arts, Music Performance
- Virginia Commonwealth University - Masters in Education, Music Teacher Education
- Virginia Wesleyan College - Bachelor in Arts, Education
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- GED
- ASVAB
- ACT
- +64 subjects

Julissa: Virginia Beach SSAT course instructor
...I have assisted with a summer enrichment program in my local library that included children between the ages of 5 and 12, and have tutored high school students through a mentor program I am a part of. It is my goal to truly get to know students and help them understand challenging subjects/ideas using things that can relate to. I truly understand what it is like to not understand certain concepts and to need extra...
Education & Certification
- University of Virginia-Main Campus - Bachelor of Science, Special Education
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- CogAT
- CLEP
- REGENTS
- +76 subjects

Lemuel: Virginia Beach SSAT course instructor
...education as my major because I want to make a positive impact into the lives of our young learners. Today's young males, specifically, lack positive role models that speak and demonstrate how a man conducts himself in a vibrant and moral society. Lately, passion and urgency are driving my commitment to become a teacher. I believe God has placed a level of patience and grace within me, that others have affirmed, which can assist me...
Education & Certification
- Regent University - Bachelor of Education, Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, General
- State Certified Teacher
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- HSPT
- ISEE
- ISEE-Lower Level Reading Comprehension
- +22 subjects