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
...main 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...
Education & Certification
- University of Washington-Seattle Campus - Bachelors, General Biology
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- GED
- HSPT
- SAT Subject Tests
- +89 subjects
Jessica: Seattle SSAT course instructor
...(K-8) and an endorsement in Reading (K-12). I have a Masters of Education from the University of Melbourne. I have provided tutoring services in and out of the school setting since 2008. I have taught 1st grade in a public school since 2014. I love working with students and watching them develop a love for learning that can become lifelong. In my free time I enjoy hiking, gardening, singing and spending time with family and...
Education & Certification
- Pacific Lutheran University - Bachelors, Elementary Education
- University of Melbourne - Masters, Education
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ISEE
- Summer
- College English
- +14 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
- ISEE
- 2nd Grade Reading
- Math
- +45 subjects
Claudia: Seattle SSAT course instructor
...that learning has developed a reputation of being not fun. When students learn how to harness a difficult concept, questions are answered and new ones are discovered. I have studied motivation in educational contexts and have held various teaching/mentoring roles. Having graduated 1st in my class with a Masters degree, I know what it takes to succeed in academic settings. It is effort, not innate ability, that makes people excel. I try to put forth...
Education & Certification
- Reed College - Bachelors, Psychology
- Bournemouth University - Masters, Forensic and Neuropsychological Perspectives in Face Processing
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- PSAT
- SAT
- ACT
- +61 subjects
Suzanne: Seattle SSAT course instructor
...for 17 years and try to pass on my love of learning to each and everyone of my students. I believe all students can be successful learners, although they may learn best in a wide variety of ways. When a student gets it, I get excited. I always do everything I can to make my students experience success. In my spare time I like to workout and run. I love the beach and kayaking. My...
Education & Certification
- Brigham Young University-Provo - Bachelors, Pre-Physical Therapy
- Georgian Court University - Masters, Education
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ACT
- GED
- CogAT
- +48 subjects
Catherine: Seattle SSAT course instructor
...projects 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...
Education & Certification
- California State University, East Bay - Bachelor in Arts, Liberal Studies, Biological Sciences
- Holy Names University - Unknown, Teaching Certifications
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- AIMS
- ISEE
- Earth Science
- +24 subjects
Hannah: Seattle SSAT course instructor
...the lead teacher for an after-school program serving Somali refugees and as a monitor at a French bilingual school, I have immersed myself in the region's splendid diversity. This work as an educator has given me experience developing age-appropriate lessons in a variety of areas, including Reading, Writing, Science, and Math. My cultural agility is the result of interactions with students of various nationalities and socioeconomic backgrounds. Although I would be delighted to tutor many...
Education & Certification
- Mount Holyoke College - Bachelors, English
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ACT
- SAT
- PSAT
- +50 subjects
Bejoy: Seattle SSAT course instructor
...grew 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...
Education & Certification
- Fordham University - Bachelor in Arts, Biology, General
- Iona College - Master of Science, Adolescent Math Teaching
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- SAT Subject Tests
- PSAT
- SAT
- +38 subjects
Katherine: Seattle SSAT course instructor
...Falls, majoring in Spanish and International Studies and minoring in Political Science. During those three years, I spent time abroad in both Japan and Spain, teaching English to children ages 10-18 while immersing myself in the target cultures. After graduation, I worked for three years at a Fortune 500 company, further developing my interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills. I also taught free Spanish sessions there to employees in all walks of their language-learning paths:...
Education & Certification
- University of Wisconsin-River Falls - Bachelors, Spanish; International Studies
- Middlebury College - Current Grad Student, Spanish
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- College Essays
- Public Speaking
- Spanish 3
- +16 subjects
Sejal: Seattle SSAT course instructor
...Previously, I graduated from Tufts University with a Bachelor of Science in both Environmental Studies and Geology. I am a PADI certified Divemaster and I’ve been scuba diving all over the world. I have spent time working with special needs children and doing scientific research in labs and in the field. Throughout my education I have been a well-rounded student in sciences and the humanities because of my patience in problem solving and because I...
Education & Certification
- Tufts University - Bachelor of Science, Environmental Studies and Geology
- Columbia University in the City of New York - Masters, Public Administration
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- SAT Subject Tests
- SAT
- PSAT
- +63 subjects
Nikki: Seattle SSAT course instructor
...the Bill Nye show. I majored in Neuroscience and Behavior in college, so I learned a lot about Biology and Psychology, and I plan on getting a Master's in Bioengineering. I spent two years serving with the Peace Corps in Peru, where I learned to speak Spanish, build stoves out of adobe, and a lot about life in rural communities. In my spare time I enjoy playing harp and guitar, learning new languages, and being...
Education & Certification
- Vassar College - Bachelor in Arts, Neuroscience and Behavior
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- HSPT
- PSAT
- ISEE
- +46 subjects
Suzanne: Seattle SSAT course instructor
...set 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...
Education & Certification
- Seattle Pacific University - Bachelors, Language Arts
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ISEE
- Other
- Elementary School Math
- +11 subjects
Thomas: Seattle SSAT course instructor
...on both sides of my family. Above all, I bring compassion to my work. I have a learning disability which makes me gifted in some areas, but very slow in others. This disconnect made my educational journey a long and difficult one. I understand the thrill of success, but also the despair and discouragement that comes with failure. I know how hard it can be to play the game of getting through school. I also...
Education & Certification
- University of Washington-Seattle Campus - Bachelors, English
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ISEE
- GED
- CogAT
- +79 subjects
Brian: Seattle SSAT course instructor
...up 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...
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
- CLEP
- SAT
- PSAT
- +128 subjects
Christine: Seattle SSAT course instructor
...College and earned a PhD in Microbiology at the University of Washington. I am also interested in pedagogy (the study of how students learn and how to teach) and regularly participate in pedagogy journal clubs and conferences. While I don't have any formal training in marine biology, I've picked up a lot of information during my time at the aquarium and love to discuss it. (Be careful, if you ask about octopuses, it may be...
Education & Certification
- Macalester College - Bachelor in Arts, Biology, General
- University of Washington-Seattle Campus - PHD, Microbiology
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- SAT
- PSAT
- ISEE
- +51 subjects
Shane: Seattle SSAT course instructor
I'm a PhD student in Bioengineering at the University of Washington, I recently graduated from Johns Hopkins University studying Biology with a minor in Spanish. I'm very interested in all things math and science and also tutor in Spanish and with the ACT. I live in San Francisco and would love to help out with anything of that sort. In my free time, I enjoy spending time outside, fishing, kayaking, and playing many different sports.
Education & Certification
- Johns Hopkins University - Bachelor of Science, Cellular and Molecular Biology
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ACT
- SAT Subject Tests
- Conversational Spanish
- +32 subjects
Aimee: Seattle SSAT course instructor
...currently pursuing board certification in music therapy. I have worked in the field of education for 15+ years and am completing my 9th year as a licensed teacher. I have experience with individuals with disabilities, English language learners and gifted students, both in my personal and professional experiences. I specialize in working with multi-exceptional learners. I am a licensed teacher in two states, with endorsements in: - Music (Instrumental and Vocal) - Special Education -...
Education & Certification
- George Fox University - Bachelor in Arts, Music Theory and Composition
- Willamette University - Master of Arts Teaching, Special Education
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- STAAR Grades 3-8
- STAAR EOC
- K-11th Grade Standardized Tests
- +146 subjects
Susan: Seattle SSAT course instructor
...comprehension. I assist students in the writing process by teaching them to start with a blueprint, organize thoughts into paragraphs around a key idea, revise, recognize errors of convention related to capitalization, spelling, complete sentences and style. I am fastidious in meeting style requirements, such as MLA, AP and Chicago. I model examples of good writing that include sentence variety, strong verbs and accurate subjects. I also help with school assignments and homework. In addition...
Education & Certification
- University of Washington-Seattle Campus - Bachelor in Arts, Drama and Dance Teacher Education
- University of Washington-Seattle Campus - Master of Science, Library and Information Science
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- PRAXIS English
- High School English
- Reading Intervention
- +34 subjects
Marine: Seattle SSAT course instructor
...school 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...
Education & Certification
- University of Washington-Seattle Campus - Bachelors, International Relations, Minors: Human Rights, African Studies
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ISEE
- Middle School Science
- French 2
- +52 subjects
James: Seattle SSAT course instructor
...courses in the University of California system in both Classics and History departments, so I am familiar with subjects ranging from Ancient Epic Poetry and Women in the Classical World to Modern Western Civilization and Medieval Literature. I have designed and taught two of my own courses as instructor of record, both on Roman History. I find the most enjoyable bits of teaching is taking students through a work - historical, literary, whatever - and helping...
Education & Certification
- Pacific Lutheran University - Bachelors, Classics
- University of California-Santa Barbara - Doctor of Philosophy, History
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- AP US History
- Summer
- GRE Verbal
- +58 subjects