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.

Annie: Washington SSAT course instructor
...graduated from Williams College in 2013 with a degree in English, focusing on women in literature. During my time there, I tutored students at the local middle and high school. I have experience tutoring in middle school English, math, and science, and high school English, social studies, and essay revision. My favorite part of tutoring is helping a student figure out how to connect their real passions to the schoolwork that's troubling them. One student...
Education & Certification
- Williams College - Bachelors, English
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- SAT
- PSAT
- ACT
- +43 subjects

Cynthia: Washington SSAT course instructor
...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 have taken the PSATs, SATs, 10 APs, and the GREs successfully. I would be willing to help with any of these subjects, with...
Education & Certification
- Princeton University - Bachelors, Neuroscience
- Johns Hopkins University - PHD, Neuroscience
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- SAT Subject Tests
- ISEE
- PSAT
- +72 subjects

Matt: Washington SSAT course instructor
...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 as elementary science, Hebrew, chemistry, MCAT prep, and many more.. My ultimate plan is to go to medical school, but in the meantime...
Education & Certification
- Johns Hopkins University - Bachelors, Public Health concentration in Immunology and Infectious Disease
- Georgetown University - Masters, Biophysics and Human Physiology
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- Advanced Placement
- PSAT
- SAT
- +85 subjects

Jessika: Washington SSAT course instructor
I am a second grade educator who loves seeing students grow! ... Every student is like a crayon; all different, all sharp and all an awesome part of completing the box!... Discuss their needs and where they feel they are in their academics.... Giving them tools to be successful across all content areas.... Constant encouragement and celebrating the small success!... Motivate them to keep trying and redirect my instruction.... Give them skills to assist with decoding and context clues.
Education & Certification
- Wilmington University - Bachelors, Early Childhood Education
- Wilmington University - Masters, School Leadership
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- SSAT- Middle Level
- Geometry
- AP Music Theory
- +26 subjects

David: Washington SSAT course instructor
...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 read and write children's books and young...
Education & Certification
- Harvard University - Current Undergrad, English
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- SAT Subject Tests
- SAT
- ISEE
- +34 subjects

Alexandra: Washington SSAT course instructor
...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 Daily Cardinal, and have extensive writing-coaching skills in addition to a strong grasp on the English language. I am currently employed by an...
Education & Certification
- University of Wisconsin-Madison - Bachelors, History and Journalism
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ISEE
- GED
- Advanced Placement
- +23 subjects

Daeyong: Washington SSAT course instructor
...20 university, with a focus on education technologies. I've always been passionate about education, founding an organization called Pyoneers that directly teaches programming to hundreds of students. We have held a combination of virtual and in-person lessons, resulting in semester long workshops at local middle schools. I am also the President of our school's National Math Honor Society, an organization dedicated to promoting the education and enjoyment of math to younger students. Every time I...
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- PSAT
- SAT
- SSAT Prep - Upper Level Class
- +54 subjects

Natalie: Washington SSAT course instructor
...Pittsburgh, PA with my Bachelor's in Biochemistry and my Master's in Forensic Science and Law. I was drawn to this major because of my interest in science as well as mysteries (especially Nancy Drew as a kid!). In my free time I enjoy hiking, kayaking, playing tennis, working on arts and crafts, and traveling My love of learning started at a young age, thanks to my parents and a library card that opened my eyes...
Education & Certification
- Duquesne University - Bachelors, Biochemistry
- Duquesne University - Masters, Forensic Science and Law
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ACT
- GED
- SAT Subject Tests
- +77 subjects

Laura: Washington SSAT course instructor
...tutoring as a high school student where I worked with other students in my school district tutoring mostly math and science. Then, before attending college I spent 6 months teaching English in Peru. Last year, as a sophomore in college, I was a TA for the Spanish Department, responsible for creating and executing my own lesson plans for two one-hour classes per week for Spanish 102, grading homework and designing my own quizzes. I also...
Education & Certification
- Washington University in St Louis - Bachelor of Science, Anthropology/PreMed
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- SAT
- ACT
- ISEE
- +33 subjects

Erin: Washington SSAT course instructor
...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 teaching GRE and GMAT. As far as hobbies go, I enjoy reading science fiction, classic literature, and comic books. Rock-climbing is a big...
Education & Certification
- Stanford - Bachelors, Biology, General
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- SAT Subject Tests
- TOEFL
- PSAT
- +77 subjects

Nathan: Washington SSAT course instructor
I have extensive tutoring experience in the past. Before law school and after college, I worked as an assistant director of a Learning Center, and a big part of my job was working on test prep with students. I enjoyed my work, and I was successful at it because I was able to develop connections with my students and alter my teaching style to meet their needs, while still staying within the structured curriculum.
Education & Certification
- Clark University - Bachelor in Arts, English and History
- The George Washington University Law School - Juris Doctor, Law
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ISEE
- SAT Subject Tests
- Advanced Placement
- +29 subjects

Tatyana: Washington SSAT course instructor
...with my students. I earned a Bachelor of Science in Microbiology from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, a M.A. in Russian Language and Linguistics from The University of Maryland at College Park and a M.A. in Molecular Biotechnology from the George Washington University. During the course of my formal education I served as a Teaching Assistant in a First Year Russian Course and a teaching assistant in a General Biology course. After my graduation...
Education & Certification
- University of Massachusetts Amherst - Bachelors, Microbiology
- George Washigton University - Masters, Molecular Biotechnology
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- UK A Level
- UK GCSE
- TOEFL
- +50 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
- Study Skills
- AP Microeconomics
- College Economics
- +40 subjects

Paula: Washington SSAT course instructor
...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 learning process. I take pride in knowing that my students look forward to learning and gain confidence to tackle new challenges; as they...
Education & Certification
- Notre Dame of Maryland University - Bachelors, Elementary/Special Education
- Loyola University Maryland - Current Grad Student, Special Education
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ISEE
- Science
- Elementary School Math
- +13 subjects

Janis: Washington SSAT course instructor
...that same university to earn my teaching degree! Being a teacher has allowed me to do two of the things that I love: reading and writing. I believe that everyone should be given the tools that will help them to succeed in the world; and the ability to read critically and write effectively are some of the strongest ones. My teaching experiences in 6th, 5th, and 3rd grade, as well as my peer tutoring in...
Education & Certification
- Mississippi State University - Bachelor in Arts, Communication, General
- Mississippi State University - Master of Arts Teaching, Elementary School Teaching
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ACT
- SAT
- PARCC
- +26 subjects

Kimberly : Washington SSAT course instructor
...in Government and Justice and Peace Studies and intend to one day become a United States Diplomat or work in the Department of Justice in Washington D.C. My hobbies include running, playing volleyball and scrolling through twitter looking for hilarious memes. I have been a tutor for about four years now, and I have worked with a range of students from kindergarteners to seniors in high school. I am skilled in an array of subjects...
Education & Certification
- Georgetown University - Bachelor of Science, Political Science and Government
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- SAT Subject Tests
- ISEE
- STAAR Grades 3-8
- +64 subjects

Jonida: Washington SSAT course instructor
I have a strong background in International Relations, Economics, and Mathematics. I have experience tutoring K-12 math, science, English and history. I enjoy working with students of all ages and have experience teaching students with autism, anxiety, depression, and more.
Education & Certification
- University of New York Tirana - Bachelor in Arts, International Relations
- Tufts University - Master of Arts, International Relations
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- SAT Subject Tests
- ISEE
- CLEP
- +78 subjects

Hannah: Washington SSAT course instructor
I believe that every child should love learning. Learning new skills and content is fascinating, and getting really good at a skill through lots of practice is exciting. As a teacher, it is my job to help your child achieve their academic goals and feel joy, curiosity and a sense of achievement while doing so. ... I believe that every child should love learning. Learning new skills and content is fascinating, and getting really good at a skill through lots of practice is exciting. As a teacher, it is my job to help your child achieve their academic goals and feel joy, curiosity and a sense of achievement while doing so.
Education & Certification
- Pomona College - Bachelors, Anthropology, Minor in Math and Chemistry
- Fordham University - Masters, Teaching
- State Certified Teacher
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ISEE
- 4th Grade
- Math
- +33 subjects

Kelsey: Washington SSAT course instructor
...managed a Mathnasium, and I am currently a data analyst for Parsons Corporation. I have tutored privately, for a nonprofit, for tutoring centers at James Madison University, or for Mathnasium since 2009. I specialize in Algebra 1, Algebra 2, Pre-Calculus, and Calculus 1. I feel comfortable working with students of all ages and aptitudes. I have experience working with students with special needs, brain injuries, and ADHD. I am passionate about teaching math because each...
Education & Certification
- James Madison University - Bachelor of Science, Applied Mathematics
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- SAT
- ACT
- SAT Subject Tests
- +21 subjects

Eric: Washington SSAT course instructor
...in Computer Science. My tutoring focus is in STEM as that correlates with my background and what I am most passionate about. I believe that the greatest currency in life is knowledge and that one can never learn or know enough. It is this passion that I wish to share and spread the knowledge that I have gained and continue to gain throughout my own personal life. A strong foundation in STEM is of utmost...
Education & Certification
- University at Buffalo - Bachelor of Science, Mechanical Engineering
- University at Buffalo - Master of Science, Mechanical Engineering
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- HSPT
- Physics
- SSAT- Upper Level
- +25 subjects