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!
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
- CLEP
- SAT
- PSAT
- +110 subjects
Kay: STAAR test prep instructor
...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. It is my belief all students are able to achieve academic success and I work tireless to identify strategies...
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
- K-11th Grade Standardized Tests
- ACT
- STAAR Grades 3-8
- +75 subjects
Koga: STAAR test prep instructor
...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 impact them in all arenas of their life, not just in school. Confidence in your own ability is a...
Education & Certification
- University of Kansas - Bachelor in Arts, Psychology
- State Certified Teacher
Subject Expertise
- STAAR
- College English
- Elementary School Math
- Test Prep
- +17 subjects
Kristie: STAAR test prep instructor
...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 to make the tutoring process fun through games, positive reinforcement, and teamwork. I believe that every child has a...
Education & Certification
- UC- San Diego - Bachelor in Arts, Communications
Subject Expertise
- STAAR
- ISEE
- STAAR Grades 3-8
- SSAT
- +28 subjects
Jane (Elizabeth): STAAR test prep instructor
...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 focus on teaching my students how to learn efficiently and think critically. My students don’t just master the information...
Education & Certification
- Rice University - Bachelor in Arts, English
Subject Expertise
- STAAR
- SAT
- PSAT
- PSAT Mathematics
- +26 subjects
Adriana: STAAR test prep instructor
...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 skills and achieved his/her goals.... I believe in working with students, developing their strengths and improving their weaknesses. Everyone can learn, but not in the same way and pace.
Education & Certification
- Southern Methodist University - Bachelors, Broadcast Film
- Southern Methodist University - Masters, Bilingual Education
Subject Expertise
- STAAR
- ISEE
- STAAR Grades 3-8
- SSAT
- +62 subjects
Kimika: STAAR test prep instructor
...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 solving certain equations. I think that I am a very flexible person when it comes to my tutoring style....
Education & Certification
- Amherst College - Bachelor in Arts, Biology, General
Subject Expertise
- STAAR
- Pre-Calculus
- Algebra
- Elementary School Math
- +8 subjects
Janet: STAAR test prep 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
- ISEE
- ACT
- GED
- +64 subjects
Andy: STAAR test prep instructor
...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 at Houston. I accumulated the rest of my teaching experience in various learning centers and international programs in China...
Education & Certification
- Unversity of Texas at Austin - Bachelors, History
- Oklahoma State University-Main Campus - Masters, History
Subject Expertise
- STAAR
- ACT
- SAT
- PSAT
- +45 subjects
Amanda: STAAR test prep instructor
...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 low income family, want to emphasize how important it is to have a growth mindset and to work hard...
Education & Certification
- San Jose State University - Bachelor of Fine Arts, Dance
Subject Expertise
- STAAR
- STAAR Grades 3-8
- CAHSEE
- 1st Grade Math
- +25 subjects
Iselee: STAAR test prep instructor
...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 and grammar as well as math, science, and social studies. I have also tutored high school and university writing...
Education & Certification
- Loyola Marymount University - Bachelors, Spanish
- Johns Hopkins University - Current Grad Student, Digital Communication
Subject Expertise
- STAAR
- PSAT
- SSAT
- ISEE
- +72 subjects
Connor: STAAR test prep instructor
...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 school students. In addition to this, I also tutor students in college level general chemistry, general biology, organic chemistry,...
Education & Certification
- Saint Louis University-Main Campus - Bachelor in Arts, Economics
Subject Expertise
- STAAR
- HSPT
- SSAT
- ISEE
- +43 subjects
Christopher: STAAR test prep instructor
...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 enjoy playing basketball, watching sports, playing with my two dogs, practicing martial arts, and working with computers and other...
Education & Certification
- The Johns Hopkins University - Bachelor in Arts, Neuroscience
Subject Expertise
- STAAR
- Physiology
- Math
- Writing
- +26 subjects
Madeline: STAAR test prep instructor
...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 and, when dealing with high school courses, I love to tutor most math and science courses including many AP...
Education & Certification
- Johns Hopkins University - Bachelors, Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering
Subject Expertise
- STAAR
- SAT
- STAAR Grades 3-8
- SSAT
- +117 subjects
Nazish: STAAR test prep instructor
...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 age requirements. Along with abundant experience with all preschool years, I have assisted children in many elementary grade levels....
Education & Certification
- The University of Texas at Dallas - Bachelor of Science, Child Development
Subject Expertise
- STAAR
- Elementary Math
- English
- Essay Editing
- +11 subjects
Brittany: STAAR test prep instructor
...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 attentiveness. Throughout my academic career and work experiences I have succeeded in a variety of tasks, and my record of solid...
Education & Certification
- University of Central Arkansas - Bachelors, Philosophy
- Brock University - Masters, Philosophy/ Comparative Literature
Subject Expertise
- STAAR
- ACT
- SAT
- PSAT
- +51 subjects
Felix: STAAR test prep instructor
...in 2017 and I start my Master of Physician Assistant Studies program in 2019. I currently tutor 8th/9th grade Algebra 1 and I was also a running/biking coach for an elementary school program for over a year. Despite mostly working at the elementary and middle school level, I can tutor high school and college students as well - specializing in math, writing, and science subjects. Being a student myself, I understand the importance of and...
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 test prep instructor
...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 on to be accepted into Ivy League universities. I also am highly skilled at working with students with learning...
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
- SSAT
- STAAR Grades 3-8
- +125 subjects
Joe: STAAR test prep instructor
...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 aware of those critical differences in learning styles is tantamount to your success. In some rigorous coursework, it can...
Education & Certification
- University of Kansas - Bachelor of Science, Accounting and Finance
- American University - Master of Science, Finance
Subject Expertise
- STAAR
- MAP
- STAAR EOC
- SAT Subject Tests
- +222 subjects
Education & Certification
- University of Houston-Main Campus - Bachelor of Science, Psychology
- Lamar University - Masters in Education, Educational Administration
Subject Expertise
- STAAR
- SSAT
- STAAR Grades 3-8
- ISEE
- +32 subjects