When should Saudi Arabian families start preparing for the STAR Assessment?

The short answer? Sooner than you think. While the STAR Assessment can pop up at different points in the year, starting prep a few months ahead gives your child time to adapt to its adaptive nature. (Yes, that’s a mouthful, but trust us, it matters.)

If you are applying to U.S. private schools, your timing matters. Most Saudi families find that early fall or right after a big school break works best. Why? Because kids are refreshed, focused, and not buried under school projects. Plus, early prep means you have room for practice tests, skill building, and confidence boosting.

The test itself measures reading and math skills aligned with U.S. standards, so even if your child excels in IB or British curriculum, the format can feel different. Cramming two weeks before the test is a recipe for stress. A structured, gradual approach wins every time. Bottom line: start early, keep it consistent, and watch those scores climb.