When should we start preparing for the STAR Assessment—and how much prep is needed?

We recommend starting STAR prep about 2 to 4 months before your child’s expected test window. While the STAR Assessment isn’t as long or high-stakes as the SAT or SSAT, its adaptive format and unfamiliar structure can be challenging without the right preparation. If your child is applying to a U.S. private school that uses STAR scores as a benchmark, early prep ensures they are not only comfortable with the format but can also perform at their highest academic level.

Prep needs vary depending on your child’s baseline skills and familiarity with English-language testing formats. For students in the Swiss public school system, we often focus on vocabulary, reading comprehension, and number fluency. For IB students, the focus may shift toward timing strategies and bridging curriculum gaps. We start with a diagnostic, build a personalized prep plan, and offer timed practice tests to track growth. With the right timeline and support, Swiss students consistently see measurable gains and walk into the real test with confidence.