If you're seeking independent school or private education for your student, Varsity Tutors can enroll your student in a Washington, DC SSAT course. It's important to start your student on a quality education path to help them in the future.
Taking a Washington, DC SSAT class can help students have better insight into the testing material. Varsity Tutors can help your student get a general layout and feel of the test. Here's some background on the SSAT.
What Is the SSAT?
The SSAT is a standardized test that helps determine the abilities of students looking to enroll in an independent or private school. Your student will be tested on basic verbal, math, and reading skills to see if they can have a successful academic path in an independent or private school setting.
At the Elementary Level, 3rd-grade applicants will apply to an independent school for the 4th grade. For 4th-grade applicants, they'll apply to an independent school for 5th grade.
The Middle Level is for 5th, 6th, or 7th-graders that want to attend an independent middle school within the next year.
The Upper Level is for students from 8th-11th grade seeking admission to an independent high school in the following year.
In all levels of the test, the Writing sample and Experimental section are unscored. All schools that your student applies to will be sent their Writing sample. Additionally, your student will not be allowed to use a calculator on the Quantitative section at any level.
If your student is on the Elementary Level, guessing is encouraged since they won't be docked points for a wrong answer. However, Middle Level and Upper Level students will receive one point for each correct answer and lose a quarter of a point if they answer incorrectly (there's no penalty for any unanswered questions). Here's more in-depth information about each level of the test.
What could a Washington, DC SSAT course help your student cover?
Elementary Level
The test consists of 89 questions and allows your student just under 2 hours to complete it.
On the Quantitative Section, students have 30 minutes to answer 30 questions. Your student will cover basic math in the following topics: number sense, properties and operations, algebra and functions, geometry and spatial sense, measurement, and probability.
Students have 30 minutes to answer 30 questions on the Verbal Section. It assesses your student's knowledge of the English language. Your student should be mindful of language, word relationships, vocabulary, synonyms, and subtleties in word meanings.
For the Reading Section, your student will have 30 minutes to answer 7 passages with 4 questions apiece (28 questions total). This tests reading comprehension, particularly when it comes to finding the main idea of a passage, meanings of words, and identifying information.
Students are given 15 minutes to create a prompt for the Writing Sample. Your student may be asked to write a simple story on a picture prompt that needs a beginning, middle, and ending. Your student could be tested on their organization, grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
The Experimental Section also allows 15 minutes for completing 15-17 questions.
Middle Level
This test gives students just under 3 hours to complete 167 questions.
In the Writing Sample, your student should be mindful of choosing one creative prompt to base their story. Additionally, your student should be aware of writing techniques, such as grammar, spelling, organization, and punctuation for this portion of the test.
The Quantitative Section gives students 50 questions (25 questions for both sections); each totaling 30 minutes a section (1 hour total). It may be helpful for your student to review concepts in arithmetic, elementary algebra, geometry.
In the Reading Section, there are 40 passage-based questions to complete within 40 minutes. Students will have to interpret the meaning of both narrative and argumentative passages. To prepare for this section, students could brush up on techniques, like finding the main idea of the passage, words and phrases in context, and understanding the author's tone.
For the Verbal Section, your student will have 30 minutes to answer 60 questions (30 synonyms, 30 analogies). It may be a good idea for your student to improve their vocabulary in order to help with different concepts, such as word roots, prefixes, and suffixes, and relating ideas and words to the context.
The Experimental Section gives your student 15 minutes to complete 16 questions.
Upper Level
The test allows students under 3 hours to finish 167 questions.
Your student is given 25 minutes to complete the Writing Sample. Students should be aware of their choice to pick one prompt out of two selections (one creative and one traditional essay). Also, it may be helpful to review skills in organizing a story or essay; writing with good grammar, spelling, punctuation; supporting a statement with examples.
The Quantitative Section consists of 2 sections of 25 questions, which totals 50 questions. There are 2 30-minute sections (1 hour total). Your student should be aware of concepts such as data analysis, coordinate and plane geometry, and algebraic equations.
To get through the Reading Section, your student will have 40 minutes to answer 40 questions. Your student should be mindful of how to read through passages to understand argumentative and narrative perspectives. This can be helpful in formulating and evaluating opinions and arguments.
The Writing Section allows for 30 minutes to complete 60 questions (30 analogies, 30 synonyms). Your student should be aware of different prefixes and suffixes within Anglo-Saxon, Greek, and Latin dialect.
How does a Washington, DC SSAT prep course assist your student?
A Washington, DC SSAT course has an interactive, online setting. With good preparation, your student will have a good foundation for studies in an independent or private school. An instructor can help clear up different concepts that your student may find tricky.
Also, being able to collaborate with others can make it easier to dissect large amounts of information. This can be a very helpful method for your student to get more out of SSAT review sessions.
How can I find a Washington, DC SSAT review?
Going to a different school can be a big change of pace for your student. Varsity Tutors can help you find a good Washington, DC SSAT class so your student gets the assistance needed to get ready to take the test.
Getting this assistance early on can lead to quality learning in your student's formative years. Contact Varsity Tutors today to find out more information about a Washington, DC SSAT course.

Cynthia: Washington SSAT course instructor
...am a recent graduate from Princeton University, home for the summer in the Philadelphia area. I was a Neuroscience major, and I will be pursuing my PhD in Neuroscience in the fall at Johns Hopkins. I have been tutoring high school students outside of class in college and involved in STEM academics and research mentorship as well as a translation program from and to English outside of class. I speak Japanese and French, and I...
Education & Certification
- Princeton University - Bachelors, Neuroscience
- Johns Hopkins University - PHD, Neuroscience
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- PSAT
- SAT
- SAT Subject Tests
- +72 subjects

Alexandra: Washington SSAT course instructor
...2015, I graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a 3.6 GPA, earning a dual degree in Journalism and History, both with the Comprehensive Honors award. During my time at UW, I taught public health and safety to groups of twenty to two hundred students twice a week for three years. I have over 150 hours of teacher training and countless hours in the classroom. Furthermore, I was the editor of our student newspaper, The...
Education & Certification
- University of Wisconsin-Madison - Bachelors, History and Journalism
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- Advanced Placement
- GED
- ISEE
- +23 subjects

David: Washington SSAT course instructor
...am a current undergraduate English major at Harvard University. I firmly believe that teaching is an integral part to mastery of any subject, and also that it has intrinsic value in making the world a better place. I have taught argumentation and debate at the Harvard Debate Council summer workshops, and have developed and taught a political philosophy curriculum at the Harvard Center for Hellenic Studies in Greece. I love working with kids, and I...
Education & Certification
- Harvard University - Current Undergrad, English
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- SAT Subject Tests
- ISEE
- SAT
- +34 subjects

Matt: Washington SSAT course instructor
...2014 I graduated from Johns Hopkins University as a Public Health major with a concentration in Immunology and Infectious Diseases. I then went on to complete a Masters program at Georgetown University in human physiology. Given the amount of schooling I have gone through myself, I have taken a wide range of subjects and more standardized tests than I would like to admit. I have taught students of almost every age in various fields such...
Education & Certification
- Johns Hopkins University - Bachelors, Public Health concentration in Immunology and Infectious Disease
- Georgetown University - Masters, Biophysics and Human Physiology
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- SAT Subject Tests
- SAT
- PSAT
- +85 subjects

Ben: Washington SSAT course instructor
...opera performance. I am also passionate about teaching. I live for that 'ah-ha' moment when you can see a concept click in a students mind. I believe in teaching not only how but why, and insist on finding real life applications to keep students engaged. When I am not tutoring I work for the Navy as a cost estimator using my background in economics and statistics. I love watching sports, reading books, cycling, playing hockey,...
Education & Certification
- Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus - Bachelors, B.S. Economics
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ISEE
- SAT
- AP Economics
- +34 subjects

Daeyong: Washington SSAT course instructor
...real-world scenario. Though I particularly love to tutor students in programming (especially Python or Java) and all levels of math up to Calculus BC, I also find it enjoyable to tutor students in SAT English and Math. I believe in a project based and interactive approach to education, in which students talk as much as tutors, leading to them fully comprehending topics. Outside of tutoring, I enjoy playing the violin (I can teach music lessons...
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- SAT
- SSAT Prep - Upper Level Class
- PSAT
- +54 subjects

Robert: Washington SSAT course instructor
Robert loves to tutor and has a well rounded list of subjects. ... Learning is the key to everything. Understanding and connecting with each individual is the path to learning.... Take the time to get to know the student as a person. Also, rather than focus on what the student does not know, instead focus on what the student does know.... Make learning interactive.... Set goals. Tailor the learning to the student.... Start by focusing on what the student does know. Have the student explain and show what he/she knows. This can build confidence.
Education & Certification
- United States Naval Academy - Bachelors, Engineering Management
- Darden Business School UVA - Masters, MBA
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- Middle School Reading
- Mac Basic Computer Skills
- Elementary School Reading
- +40 subjects

Paula: Washington SSAT course instructor
...currently am a Special Education Teacher for Howard County Public Schools. I work primarily with pre-k students with a variety of special needs and learning styles. I feel that my strengths as an educator are powerfully reflected in my ability to accommodate various learning styles, behaviors, and abilities while making learning an exciting, positive experience. Learners are diverse in every way, and each student requires unique strategies, motivators, and reinforcers to be successful throughout the...
Education & Certification
- Notre Dame of Maryland University - Bachelors, Elementary/Special Education
- Loyola University Maryland - Current Grad Student, Special Education
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ISEE
- Math
- ISEE- Lower Level
- +13 subjects

Jennifer: Washington SSAT course instructor
...graduated from Smith College in 2003 with a BA in Classical Studies. I started volunteering as a tutor in high school and college, and I have continued tutoring in a professional capacity since then. I have helped many types of students learn a wide variety of subjects. I want to help others succeed, and I like helping people to learn. I find the most joy in seeing a students eyes light up when what I...
Education & Certification
- Smith College - Bachelor in Arts, Classical Studies
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- SAT
- PSAT
- ISEE
- +15 subjects

Cornelia: Washington SSAT course instructor
...is my passion. I believe it is the single most important element of societal mobility. One may be born into status, but with education they can navigate their network and privilege. One may be born into destitute circumstances, but with their education can rise above their situation. One of the only things that a child should not have to earn is their right to knowledge. Education is a human right. Every single child should be...
Education & Certification
- American University - Bachelor in Arts, Communication
- Lesley College - Masters in Education, Education
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ISEE
- SAT
- Study Skills and Organization
- +23 subjects

Laura: Washington SSAT course instructor
...5th and 6th grade science, where I a was again responsible for my own lesson plans, classwork, homework and quizzes. I am very interested in working with Varsity Tutors as I absolutely love working with children, especially in a teaching capacity. I enjoy the challenge of working through a topic with a student, thinking of all the possible ways to approach a problem or explain a concept, until finally I find one that clicks with...
Education & Certification
- Washington University in St Louis - Bachelor of Science, Anthropology/PreMed
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ACT
- SAT
- ISEE
- +33 subjects

Clare: Washington SSAT course instructor
...have been a certified teacher for the past 3 years. I have taught 6th, 5th, and now 3rd grade to a wonderful group of students exclusively at Title 1 schools. Each of my students requires individualized attention and specific interventions in math and reading. I work with my team to analyze student data and to work with them to create interventions that bring students from a lower test score to passing test score. Before my...
Education & Certification
- Elon University - Bachelor in Arts, Biology, General
- Fontbonne University - Master of Arts Teaching, Education
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- HSPT
- SAT
- ISEE
- +83 subjects
Education & Certification
- Virginia Commonwealth University - Bachelor of Science, Psychology
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- PSAT
- SAT
- ISEE
- +43 subjects

Elizabeth: Washington SSAT course instructor
I am a graduate from the University of Michigan, with a major in the Literature, Arts and Science program. Currently, I develop Trainings for an Enterprise, creating course curriculums, developing interactive training and providing support for their learning and development needs. I love assisting grade school students with Math, Reading and Comprehension, Phoenetics, and various subjects.
Education & Certification
- The University of Michigan - Bachelors, Film & Video Studies
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ISEE
- Reading
- Summer
- +13 subjects

Richard: Washington SSAT course instructor
...My name is Rich. As a teacher and military officer, I have experience working with a wide variety of age groups, skill levels, and motivation levels. I pride myself on finding the right approach that best suits a particular student. After completing a bachelor of arts in political science at Yale University, I served 8 years as a combat arms officer in the US Army. I coached, trained and mentored soldiers and junior officers in...
Education & Certification
- Yale University - Bachelors, Political Science and Government
- Tufts University - Masters, International Affairs
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- SAT
- ACT
- PSAT
- +45 subjects

Sarah: Washington SSAT course instructor
...I am a graduate of the University of Maryland, College Park. I earned my Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education with a focus in math. I tutor elementary math, reading, writing and prepare children for placement tests. I especially love to teach math, helping students understand the fundamentals so they can understand more advanced concepts. I started tutoring over 12 years ago during college with America Reads where I earned "Outstanding Mentor." While my tutees...
Education & Certification
- University of Maryland-College Park - Bachelor of Science, Elementary Education
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ISEE
- ISEE- Lower Level
- English
- +14 subjects

Dr. Virginia: Washington SSAT course instructor
I have a B.S. in Biology, a minor in Chemistry, an M.B.A. in Strategic Planning, and an Ed.D. in STEM Education Leadership. My career includes 15 years as a Biologist, working for pharmaceutical companies, non-profits, and the U.S. military. I have also owned and operated a Biotechnology consulting firm for 8 years. For the past 10 years, I have been teaching middle and high school science, technology, and engineering. I've taught in the United States,...
Education & Certification
- Moravian College and Moravian Theological Seminary - Bachelor of Science, Biology, General
- American College of Education - Doctor of Education, Education
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- Middle School Science
- PSAT Mathematics
- Productivity
- +31 subjects

Erin: Washington SSAT course instructor
After home-schooling my way through high school, I went to Stanford, receiving a B.S. in Biology, and a minor in pre-med, so I'm quite strong with science. I have a lot of experience teaching disparate subjects. I have been teaching biology, chemistry, physics, algebra, trigonometry, and calculus to high school and university students for about 12 years. Similarly, have 12 years of experience with the SAT, ACT, and ISEE/SSAT, and about 4 years of experience...
Education & Certification
- Stanford - Bachelors, Biology, General
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- PSAT
- ASVAB
- TOEFL
- +77 subjects

Morgan: Washington SSAT course instructor
...am an alumna of American University in Washington DC! I majored in International Studies and minored in Justice & Law. I have been tutoring students ranging in grade level and subjects since high school (over five years). I tutor a range of subjects now and have a particular passion for the humanities and math! I love watching students succeed and find their passion for learning--understanding concepts can be fun, and having the tools to understand...
Education & Certification
- American University - Current Undergrad Student, International Relations
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ISEE
- HSPT
- PSAT
- +78 subjects

Holland: Washington SSAT course instructor
...am a graduate of the University of Cambridge in England and Pepperdine University in California. I have also studied abroad in Switzerland, Jordan, and Germany. While my degrees are in Religious Studies and Religious Conflict, I have a love for all things reading, writing, and the humanities. I believe that all students are capable of writing pieces of work that they are proud of, that reflect their voice and ideas, and that make a difference...
Education & Certification
- Pepperdine University - Bachelor in Arts, Religious Studies
- University of Cambridge - Master of Philosophy, Religious Studies
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ACT
- GED
- HSPT
- +55 subjects