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!

John: STAAR course 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
- HSPT
- ISEE
- ACT
- +110 subjects

Kay: STAAR course instructor
...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 other contributing factors which hinder them academically....
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
- SAT
- STAAR EOC
- K-11th Grade Standardized Tests
- +75 subjects

Koga: STAAR course instructor
...saw my parents change the trajectory of their lives as immigrants to this country through education. I fully recognize the importance of learning. For the past two years I taught mathematics at the middle and high school level as a Teach For America corp member in the Dallas Independent School District. I know that the confidence that a student receives when they finally understand a concept that has alluded them is powerful enough to positively...
Education & Certification
- University of Kansas - Bachelor in Arts, Psychology
- State Certified Teacher
Subject Expertise
- STAAR
- Competition Math
- Math
- Social Sciences
- +17 subjects

Kristie: STAAR course instructor
...and study skills, while pertaining to the open curriculum of "La Clase Magica". I have also tutored elementary-aged children through the YMCA Mentorship program focusing on daily homework tasks and study skills. Since graduation, I have spent the last year living and working in Washington, DC in the nonprofit sector. I thoroughly enjoyed my work but realized I needed to return to my roots in education. I really enjoy time spent tutoring and I love...
Education & Certification
- UC- San Diego - Bachelor in Arts, Communications
Subject Expertise
- STAAR
- STAAR Grades 3-8
- SSAT
- ISEE
- +28 subjects

Jane (Elizabeth): STAAR course instructor
...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 SAT and AP preparation. In lessons, I...
Education & Certification
- Rice University - Bachelor in Arts, English
Subject Expertise
- STAAR
- SAT
- PSAT
- SAT Mathematics
- +26 subjects

Adriana: STAAR course instructor
...years of experience in the classroom and library. A large part of my classroom instruction involved tutoring in all core subject areas in grades K-5. As a librarian, I had the pleasure of working with middle school teens as a resource and mentor in academic competitions and other activities. My teaching philosophy involves listening to the student and assessing weaknesses and strengths. I use scaffolding to build upon small successes until the student has mastered...
Education & Certification
- Southern Methodist University - Bachelors, Broadcast Film
- Southern Methodist University - Masters, Bilingual Education
Subject Expertise
- STAAR
- STAAR Grades 3-8
- HSPT
- SAT
- +65 subjects

Kimika: STAAR course instructor
...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 also love giving helpful hints and shortcuts on...
Education & Certification
- Amherst College - Bachelor in Arts, Biology, General
Subject Expertise
- STAAR
- Trigonometry
- Algebra
- Elementary School Math
- +8 subjects

Janet: STAAR course instructor
As an educator for 20 years in both the US and Canada, I enjoying working with students of all ages. With a background in Special Education and tutoring for test prep (GED, ACT, SAT), I have a heart for those who find it difficult to succeed in the classroom. It is my passion to encourage students and help them learn strategies to succeed in their education and in life. ... All students have the ability to learn, so the challenge, as a teacher or tutor, is to understand how the student learns best. Utilizing that learning style, I desire to encourage the student and provide opportunities for the student to succeed. Beyond the current learning style, I believe it is important to equip the student with skills to learn in any classroom environment which they may encounter. Critical thinking skills are equally important to prepare the student for both classroom success and life.
Education & Certification
- Moody Bible Institue - Bachelors, International Mnistries
- Lamar University - Masters, School Counseling
Subject Expertise
- STAAR
- STAAR EOC
- HSPT
- ACT
- +64 subjects

Andy: STAAR course instructor
...teaching experience, equipped with teaching strategies and be a role model for students. As my resume demonstrates, I am a Texas certified Social Studies Composite 4-12 and Math 4-8 teacher 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...
Education & Certification
- Unversity of Texas at Austin - Bachelors, History
- Oklahoma State University-Main Campus - Masters, History
Subject Expertise
- STAAR
- GED
- SAT
- SAT Subject Tests
- +45 subjects

Amanda: STAAR course instructor
...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 first generation college student hailing from a...
Education & Certification
- San Jose State University - Bachelor of Fine Arts, Dance
Subject Expertise
- STAAR
- CAHSEE
- STAAR Grades 3-8
- Art
- +25 subjects

Iselee: STAAR course instructor
...graduate of Loyola Marymount University with an undergraduate degree in Spanish, and I am currently a visual artist pursuing further studies in digital and web design. I formerly taught bilingual 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...
Education & Certification
- Loyola Marymount University - Bachelors, Spanish
- Johns Hopkins University - Current Grad Student, Digital Communication
Subject Expertise
- STAAR
- SSAT
- SAT Subject Tests
- SAT
- +72 subjects

Connor: STAAR course instructor
...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 biology, chemistry, physics, and economics for high...
Education & Certification
- Saint Louis University-Main Campus - Bachelor in Arts, Economics
Subject Expertise
- STAAR
- ISEE
- HSPT
- STAAR Grades 3-8
- +43 subjects

Christopher: STAAR course instructor
...learn the information without being overwhelmed. I can break down complex concepts so that they can be pieced together and understood, not just memorized. I also did work with my fellow undergraduate peers at the time. I look forward to sharing techniques, methods, and strategies to provide to tools necessary to succeed academically. I am often considered a 'fun' tutor by the students and a 'results' tutor by their parents. In my free time, I...
Education & Certification
- The Johns Hopkins University - Bachelor in Arts, Neuroscience
Subject Expertise
- STAAR
- High School Chemistry
- Elementary School Math
- Reading
- +26 subjects

Madeline: STAAR course instructor
...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 subjects for grades up to 9th grade...
Education & Certification
- Johns Hopkins University - Bachelors, Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering
Subject Expertise
- STAAR
- Advanced Placement
- STAAR Grades 3-8
- STAAR EOC
- +117 subjects

Nazish: STAAR course instructor
...Development with a minor in Speech Language Pathology from the University of Texas 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 able to enter Kindergarten due to mandated...
Education & Certification
- The University of Texas at Dallas - Bachelor of Science, Child Development
Subject Expertise
- STAAR
- Math
- Test Prep
- Phonics
- +11 subjects

Brittany: STAAR course instructor
...need to develop their personal expression. As an instructor of academic writing, I have worked to help my pupils to refine their style, be more detailed and specific in their use of language, and to find their own voice to lend their writing a level of authenticity. Stemming from my background in dramatic arts, my classroom also incorporates role-play and theatre-based exercises, as I believe these are the ultimate test of both linguistic skill and...
Education & Certification
- University of Central Arkansas - Bachelors, Philosophy
- Brock University - Masters, Philosophy/ Comparative Literature
Subject Expertise
- STAAR
- SAT
- STAAR Grades 3-8
- ASPIRE
- +51 subjects

Felix: STAAR course instructor
...believe in taking the time to focus on mastering the fundamental concepts of a subject, using that knowledge as a foundation to enrich and further develop one's understanding. Whether it's by designing a personalized lesson plan for the student or adapting to their individual learning habits, I am dedicated to working my hardest to provide students with the best opportunities possible. If you have any questions or concerns at all, please feel free to reach...
Education & Certification
- The University of Texas at Austin - Bachelor of Science, Public Health
Subject Expertise
- STAAR
- STAAR Grades 3-8
- ACT
- SAT Math
- +34 subjects

Theodore: STAAR course instructor
...Princeton Theological Seminary. I graduated Harvard College in 2016 and was a peer tutor at Harvard. Before Divinity School, I taught high school and middle school debate and was an SAT/ACT tutor in Birmingham, Alabama. I then taught middle school debate at Success Academy in Harlem and served as a healthcare advocate. I have extensive experience tutoring English, math, science, and SAT/ACT at the middle school through college level. I have tutored students who went...
Education & Certification
- Harvard University - Bachelor in Arts, Folklore Studies
- HoHoKus-Hackensack School of Business and Medical Sciences - Doctor of Medicine, Premedicine
Subject Expertise
- STAAR
- PSAT
- SAT
- GED
- +126 subjects

Joe: STAAR course instructor
...classmates informally while in college and accepted several teaching assistant positions that enabled me to clearly explain course concepts to students with various backgrounds. Instead of lecturing students, I subscribe to a learn by doing method that enables students to articulate core concepts in their own words after hearing an explanation and always provide guidance that aid in understanding. Each of us has a different way of absorbing new ideas and frameworks, and to be...
Education & Certification
- University of Kansas - Bachelor of Science, Accounting and Finance
- American University - Master of Science, Finance
Subject Expertise
- STAAR
- UK A Level
- TACHS
- TOEFL
- +222 subjects
Education & Certification
- University of Houston-Main Campus - Bachelor of Science, Psychology
- Lamar University - Masters in Education, Educational Administration
Subject Expertise
- STAAR
- ISEE
- SSAT
- STAAR Grades 3-8
- +32 subjects