If you feel as though you or your student could benefit from taking a Denver SSAT prep course, 51Թ offers one of the best products in the industry. The SSAT is a high-stakes test taken by students in grades 3-11 that gives admissions departments at independent and private schools an objective data point to consider when comparing applicants. Most schools also consider other factors, but a good score on the SSAT is one way to help an application stand out from the pile. If you feel that you need some professional assistance to reach for your academic potential, contact us today.
It would be silly to give a third-grader and high school junior the same exam, so the SSAT is divided into three "levels" in order to provide test-takers with an appropriate academic challenge. The Elementary Level SSAT is taken by students in grades 3 and 4, the Middle Level SSAT is taken in grades 5-7, and the Upper Level SSAT is taken in grades 8-11. Students generally take the SSAT the year before they plan to enroll in their new school. For example, an eighth-grader who takes the test hopes to attend a private or independent high school as a freshman.
What content areas are reviewed during a Denver SSAT course?
All levels of the SSAT have the same five sections: Quantitative, Reading, Verbal, Writing, and Experimental. The Experimental section consists of unscored items that may be used on future exams, so there's no need to worry about it. The Writing section isn't scored at any level either, but a student's work is used as a writing sample on their private school application. As such, it is just as important as the scored multiple-choice sections. Here is a more detailed look at what is covered on each section:
1. Quantitative (Math on the Elementary Level SSAT)
The Quantitative section measures a student's grade-appropriate mathematics skills. Children at the Elementary level deal with topics such as place value, long division, multiplication tables, and shapes, while older students work with algebra, geometry, and other more advanced concepts. Calculators are prohibited on all levels of the SSAT. The Elementary Level SSAT's Math section consists of 30 questions in 30 minutes, while the Quantitative section on the Middle and Upper Level SSAT is divided into two 30-minute sections with 25 questions each.
2. Reading
The Reading section consists of passage-based reading comprehension questions at all levels. Students are expected to identify the main idea, use context to define unfamiliar terminology, and differentiate between literal and non-literal words. Older students work with more difficult texts, and are expected to make appropriate inferences and evaluate arguments rather than merely understand what is written. The Elementary Level SSAT has 28 questions over a half-hour testing session, while the other two tests have 40 questions in 40 minutes.
3. Verbal
The Verbal section deals primarily with vocabulary, analogies, and synonyms. Children at the Elementary level have specific questions on all three topics, while vocab is worked into synonym and analogy questions at the Middle and Upper Levels. Older students can also benefit from studying prefixes, suffixes, and common word roots. Elementary Level SSAT test-takers have to answer 30 questions in 20 minutes, while older students get a half an hour to answer 60 items (30 synonyms, 30 analogies).
4. Writing
The Writing section is the only one with structural differences at all three levels. Elementary students have 15 minutes to compose a story based on a picture prompt, and the directions remind them to include a beginning, middle, and end. Middle school students choose between two creative writing prompts and have 25 minutes to construct their response. Upper Level SSAT test-takers also have 25 minutes but choose between a creative assignment and a more traditional essay prompt. This section assesses a student's spelling, punctuation, grammar, organization, and written communication skills at all levels.
Why should I enroll in a Denver SSAT course?
Students enrolled in a Denver SSAT class provided by 51Թ study on a convenient Live Learning Platform, allowing them to meet with their knowledgeable instructor and classmates anywhere with a stable internet connection. Why bother commuting when a great class can come to you? We also offer two and four-week classes to make it easier to find one that suits your needs, and new classes start up every week so that you can get started on your schedule.
You might scoff at the notion of sharing a Denver SSAT class with other students at first glance, but it may actually be a benefit. Students are free to interact with one another on our live virtual platform, so they can help each other out while the teacher is with somebody else. Completing assignments in a group setting can also teach you to approach problems in ways you may not have thought of on your own. For example, reading somebody else's essay outline may provide inspiration to approach your own work in a new way.
Everybody can also work to establish a collaborative learning environment where questions are encouraged to develop a more comprehensive understanding of academic subjects. For instance, learning active reading skills can be a boon to students on the test's Reading section. Many students also take practice exams as part of their Denver SSAT class to develop a familiarity with the content and formatting they can expect on the actual exam.
Sharing a classroom also allows students to split the cost, making test prep more affordable than it would be if you had to foot the entire bill yourself. If you or your student seem to be falling behind, you can also schedule private study time outside of your regular sessions for a little extra help.
Can I sign up for a Denver SSAT course right now?
Of course. Simply use the contact info provided below to get in touch with a knowledgeable educational consultant who can guide you through the entire enrollment process. When you're looking for a Denver SSAT course, 51Թ is the only name you need to know!
Shannon: Denver SSAT course instructor
...students can learn. We just need to find the right ways to teach them. Not every student learns in the same way, so it is up to teachers and tutors to help students discover how they learn best. It is often hard to find this out in a classroom of 25 or more students, but with a tutor, students can often find out how they can become lifelong learners and enrich their lives in the...
Education & Certification
- Colorado State University - Bachelors, English
- Grand Canyon University - Masters, Elementary Education
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ISEE
- Elementary School Writing
- Elementary School Reading
- +22 subjects
Melissa: Denver SSAT course instructor
...and even fun. My method is to first understand my student's specific issue, and work to address him or her as an individual. I help them develop strategies so when they are alone and facing a difficult problem, they have the foundation and confidence to work through it by themselves. Most importantly though, I make sure my students laugh at least once during a session - when they are having fun, seeing the bigger picture...
Education & Certification
- Johns Hopkins - Bachelor in Arts, Neuroscience
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ISEE
- ACT
- SAT
- +49 subjects
Ian: Denver SSAT course instructor
...movements to help remember the vocabulary and methods necessary to be successful in Math. Outside of the classroom, I love spending time with my family (wife, 4 kids, and a dog!). When I'm taking some time to myself, I can either be found reading a good book (I love most genres but hold a special place for Fantasy, Sci-Fi, and Dystopian books. or watching some sports on TV (Go Broncos!). I do enjoy to travel...
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- Spanish 1
- Spanish
- Elementary School Reading
- +39 subjects
Jim: Denver SSAT course instructor
...and investment professional (Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), since 1994). Recently, I have become a math tutor, mentor and substitute teacher in the Denver Public School system and an historical adviser for a national high school competition focused on the U.S. Constitution. Since my approach to studying the past has been very comprehensive, I have also developed active interests in literature, music, art and architecture and popular culture. Along with a making a good meal, reading...
Education & Certification
- Princeton/Empire State College - Bachelor in Arts, History & Social Theory
- Rutgers University-New Brunswick - PHD, American History
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- SAT
- PSAT
- ACT
- +110 subjects
Kathy: Denver SSAT course instructor
...I teach with passion and incorporate lesson plans that challenge students, mixed with some light-hearted fun and creativity. I create an environment where students can grow at their own pace and flourish. It is here that students have ample opportunities to work hard, express themselves, share their work and celebrate their successes, both big and small. Acknowledging the it takes a village to make strides in a student's learning, teamwork is essential. Therefore, I welcome...
Education & Certification
- King's College - Bachelor in Arts, English
- University of Colorado Denver - Master of Arts, Curriculum and Instruction
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- HSPT
- ISEE
- SAT Subject Tests
- +21 subjects
Erinrose: Denver SSAT course instructor
...lecturer at Washington University in St. Louis where I completed my MFA and senior post-graduate teaching fellowship. I received my BA in Philosophy from Carleton College in 2009. Before my time in St. Louis and Denver, I taught English Literature at the Loomis Chaffee School in Connecticut and, earlier, at Germantown High School in Philadelphia. During my time at Loomis and Germantown, I taught English Lit I/III, Contemporary Literature, 10th grade grammar and expository writing...
Education & Certification
- Carleton College - Bachelor in Arts, Philosophy
- Washington University in St Louis - Master of Fine Arts, Creative Writing
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- SAT
- SSAT- Middle Level
- Other
- +33 subjects
Rebecca: Denver SSAT course instructor
I believe that all students can achieve. It takes someone who is willing to work with each student to find out how they learn and apply those techniques to help the student learn.... My teaching philosophy is to help students reach their full potential while providing a safe, caring, and engaging environment.... In the first session with a student, I would find out a little bit about them and find out what might motivate them. I would also do an initial assessment to see where I need to begin my instruction.
Education & Certification
- Saint Leo University - Bachelors, Elementary Education
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ISEE
- Elementary School Reading
- Math
- +16 subjects
Lizzie: Denver SSAT course instructor
...way or another since I was about 12 years old. With babysitting at a young age, working at day cares, and now teaching people of all ages how to ride horses you could say that I have a passion not only for kids but for being an educator. I am currently going to school to be an elementary school teacher and would love to have the opportunity to work with a diverse community of students.
Education & Certification
- Red Rocks Community College - Current Undergrad, elementary education
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- PARCC
- ISEE
- GED
- +41 subjects
Molly: Denver SSAT course instructor
...received a Master's of Science in Education. I have ample classroom experience and expertise in elementary Math and Reading intervention. I have several tools and resources from various curricula to work with and would love to help your students in any elementary or middle school subject area. For the past three years, I have been working as a classroom Teacher in 2nd, 3rd, and 4th grade classrooms, teaching students with a variety of needs. I...
Education & Certification
- Columbia University in the City of New York - Bachelor in Arts, History
- Northwestern University - Masters, Elementary Education
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- SAT Subject Tests
- SAT
- ISAT
- +111 subjects
Max: Denver SSAT course instructor
...about education, particularly in helping high school students achieve their academic goals as they work their way towards college. I volunteer in New Haven as a math teacher and coach at a public middle school (my team of 7th graders just won the 2016 New Haven regional championship!), and I've been tutoring middle and high school students for over 7 years. On top of all of that, I'm an aspiring professional in the business world...
Education & Certification
- Yale University - Current Undergrad, Economics
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- Advanced Placement
- ISEE
- ACT
- +104 subjects
Connor: Denver SSAT course instructor
...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, introductory physics, economics and for the MCAT exam. I excelled in undergraduate coursework pertaining to these subjects and have prior experience in assisting pre-professional...
Education & Certification
- Saint Louis University-Main Campus - Bachelor in Arts, Economics
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ISEE
- HSPT
- STAAR
- +43 subjects
Margarita: Denver SSAT course instructor
...related to smoking cessation. I have also been tutoring students in a variety of subjects. I have been tutoring students since I was in 7th grade, and my favorite subject to tutor is math. My family is originally from Russia, and I grew up with a very strong and traditional math background. I always find teaching math to students to be gratifying, and I hope to share some of my love for math with my...
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- PSAT
- ISEE
- SAT Subject Tests
- +55 subjects
Kaley: Denver SSAT course instructor
...I have experience both as a classroom teacher and a tutor and in these roles I look for ways to make learning fun and rewarding. I especially love teaching reading and writing and I have taught or tutored these subjects to students ranging from kindergarten through adults. I also have experience tutoring test prep subjects and focus both on the content material and test taking skills. My passion is psychology and I have been able...
Education & Certification
- Brown University - Bachelors, Education and Public Policy
- Harvard Graduate School of Education - Masters, Human Development and Psychology
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ACT
- PSAT
- ISEE
- +35 subjects
Samantha: Denver SSAT course instructor
...and writing. I have also continued to help many high school seniors with college application essays. While I tutor a variety of subjects, I am very passionate about helping students improve their reading and writing skills, and I really enjoy helping students with Critical Reading and Writing portions of Standardized Tests. I love working with students and helping them realize their full academic potential. In my spare time, I enjoy traveling, exploring Chicago, reading, and...
Education & Certification
- Northwestern University - Current Undergrad, Political Science & Legal Studies
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- ACT
- ISEE
- SAT
- +36 subjects
Diptesh: Denver SSAT course instructor
...science tutoring as well as standardized exam preparation. In the past, I have helped students achieve significant improvements and success on the SAT, SHSAT, Regents and other exams! I truly believe education is a mutual learning and teaching opportunity and enjoy helping my students achieve a thorough understanding (those "Aha!" moments) and appreciation of whatever they choose to study! In the future, I seek to pursue clinical and pedagogical medicine and enjoy biking, skateboarding, dancing,...
Education & Certification
- New York University - Bachelor of Science, Global Public Health & Chemistry
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- SHSAT
- TACHS
- OLSAT
- +88 subjects
Vivek: Denver SSAT course instructor
...current sophomore at Austin College. I am a biology major and neuroscience minor. Science has been my passion from a young age. I like tutoring because I sincerely enjoy helping others and being able to impart my knowledge and experience. Along with being strong in my curricular classes, I have experience helping and tutoring younger students in various subjects and test prep. As a patient and encouraging teacher, I am adept at helping others reach...
Education & Certification
- Austin College - Bachelor of Science, Biology, General
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- TOEFL
- ISEE
- Advanced Placement
- +66 subjects
Michelle: Denver SSAT course instructor
...of teaching international folk dance to middle schoolers, which involves learning geography and social studies, tutoring in middle-school and high-school classrooms, teaching English as a second language to adults, and one-on-one tutoring in Math and Language Arts. I tutor Math up through Algebra II, middle and high school English & grammar, and the core subjects of middle school. My intent, when tutoring, is to responsively connect with students, so that they can engage in understanding...
Education & Certification
- Oregon State University - Bachelor in Arts, Sociology
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- GED
- ISEE
- HSPT
- +50 subjects
Daniel: Denver SSAT course instructor
...legal studies. As a high achiever throughout high school and college, I've always viewed education as one of our most valuable resources and am passionate about expanding the educational prospects of others. I have worked as a TA and recently spent a summer creating content for educational programs for disadvantaged populations. My priority as a tutor is truly meeting every student where they are and breaking things down into understandable elements to build from there.
Education & Certification
- Northwestern University - Bachelors, Sociology and Theatre
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- SAT
- PSAT
- ISEE
- +48 subjects
Rachel: Denver SSAT course instructor
...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 a tutor...
Education & Certification
- University of Washington-Seattle Campus - Bachelors, General Biology
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- HSPT
- SAT Subject Tests
- ISEE
- +89 subjects
Erika: Denver SSAT course instructor
...school math, history and test prep. I have tutored math and history in the past and I previously taught a test prep course at a school in Hanoi, Vietnam. I have a lot of experience teaching all the need-to-know tricks to doing great on the SATS/ACTS! When I am not in school myself, I love rowing, equestrian and exploring my new city of Boston! I look forward to meeting and working with you soon!
Education & Certification
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill - Bachelor of Science, Public Health
- Harvard University - Master of Public Policy, Public Policy
Subject Expertise
- SSAT
- SAT
- PSAT
- ACT
- +44 subjects