What is the STAR Assessment, and why might my child need to take it for U.S. school admissions?

The STAR Assessment is a computer-adaptive test created by Renaissance Learning that measures students’ academic performance in reading and math. While it’s commonly used by schools in the U.S. to track student growth throughout the year, some top-tier American private schools have started requesting STAR scores as part of their admissions or placement process. For Swiss families applying to U.S. schools—particularly those from public, IB, or bilingual programs—the STAR can serve as a useful benchmark.

Since curricula in Switzerland differ from American grade-level expectations, a strong STAR score helps demonstrate your child’s readiness and ensures they won’t be misjudged based on unfamiliar transcripts or grading systems. The test adjusts in difficulty as the student answers, which means every child’s performance is evaluated at their own level. It’s fast, efficient, and insightful—but without preparation, even excellent students may be caught off guard. That’s why strategic prep is key.