Testing Dates for Secondary Education
Pennsylvania System of School Assessment (PSSA)
In compliance with §4.51(a)(4) of the PA School Code, the State Board of Education approved, "specific criteria for advanced, proficient, basic and below basic levels of performance."
The state's assessment system known as the Pennsylvania System of School Assessment (PSSA) helps Pennsylvania and the district meet federal and state requirements. They are designed to serve as one data point to indicate how students, schools, and school districts are progressing on those standards to parents, educators, policymakers, and other stakeholders.
The English Language Arts and Mathematics PSSAS are taken by students in grades 3–8. These assessments include items that are consistent with the Assessment Anchors/Eligible Content aligned to the Pennsylvania Core Standards in English Language Arts and Mathematics.
The Science PSSA is administered to students in grades 4 & 8. This assessment includes items that are aligned to the Assessment Anchors/Eligible Content aligned to the Pennsylvania Academic Standards for Science, Technology, Environment and Ecology.
PSSAs are administered during the spring according to a testing schedule set by the Department of Education.
Testing Dates
English Language Arts for Grades 3–8
- April 20–24, 2026
Math for Grades 3–8
- April 27–May 1, 2026
Science for Grades 5 & 8
- April 27–May 1, 2026
New Student & Summer Advancement Math Placement Testing (Summer 2026)
For Students Moving into the District
Testing will take place at Marshall Middle School (5145 Wexford Run Road, Wexford, PA 15090). The testing will be administered in the cafe on the first floor at MMS. Testing times on each of the days listed below will be from 8:00 AM–Noon but students must arrive no later than 10:00 AM. The middle school tests take approximately 60 minutes and for students completing Algebra I or beyond, the test takes approximately 1.5 hours. There is no need to register in advance. Students are permitted to bring their own calculator, however, scientific and graphics calculators are available on site.
For Students Attempting to Advance Over the Summer
Testing will take place at CCAC North Campus (8701 Perry Hwy, Pittsburgh, PA 15237) on Thursday, July 23, 2026, which is the last day of summer school at CCAC.
NOTE: Students must bring their own calculator!
Testing Dates for Students Moving into the District
@ Marshall Middle School
- Wednesday, June 10
- Wednesday, July 15
- Wednesday, August 5
Testing Date for Students Attempting to Advance Over the Summer
@ CCAC North Campus
- Thursday, July 23
NOTE: Students must complete exam in their room’s 3-hour testing window
Advanced Placement
The Advanced Placement Tests are published by the College Board. Participating in Advanced Placement courses gives students an opportunity to take college-level work in high school and gain valuable skills and study habits for college. By taking an Advanced Placement Test and scoring a qualifying score of 3 or better, students can earn college credit or advanced placement status.
AP Testing Window
- May 4–15, 2026
Resources
ACT
The American College Test (ACT®) contains multiple-choice tests in four areas: English, mathematics, reading, and science. ACT's writing test is optional and will not affect your composite score. In addition, ACT Test Results assist teachers and school administrators in developing and implementing more effective educational services to students.
Measures
- Understanding of English, production of writing and knowledge of language skills
- The mathematical skills typically acquired in courses up to the beginning of grade 12
- Reading comprehension commonly encountered in first-year college curricula
- The interpretation, analysis, evaluation, reasoning, and problem-solving skills required in biology, chemistry, Earth/space sciences, and physics
- Scale scores range from 1 (low) to 36 (high)
Test Dates
All tests are administered at NASH. Doors open at 7:15 AM
- October 18, 2025
- December 13, 2025
- February 14, 2026
- April 11, 2026
- June 13, 2026
For scheduling and other information, visit ACT.org or contact your student’s guidance counselor.
PSAT/NMSQT
The Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT) is a standardized test administered by the College Board and cosponsored by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) in the United States.
Measures
- Verbal Reasoning Skills
- Critical Reading Skills
- Math Problem-Solving Skills
- Writing Skills
Test Date
- October 11, 2025
Reasons for Taking the PSAT/NMSQT
- Practice test for SAT program tests
- To receive feedback on strengths and weaknesses on skills necessary for college study
- To see how performance on an admissions test might compare with that of others applying to college
- To enter the competition for scholarships from the National Merit Scholarship Corporation
- The PSAT/NMSQT is designed to be taken in the junior year, however, it can be taken earlier
For scheduling and other information, visit www.collegeboard.org or contact your student’s guidance counselor.
SAT
What is It?
The Standardized Achievement Test (SAT) created by the College Board, the SAT is an entrance exam used by most colleges and universities to make admissions decisions.
The SAT provides colleges with one common criterion that can be used to compare all applicants. However, it is just one factor in the admissions decision. Schools consider high school GPA, academic transcript, letters of recommendation, extracurricular activities, interviews, and personal essays.
Colleges and universities use SAT results for admission in specific programs and as a basis for awarding merit-based financial aid.
What Areas Are Covered?
There are three sections of the SAT: Critical Reading, Writing, and Math.
Scoring
The mean score for each section of the SAT is set at or near the midpoint of 500 of the 200-800 score scale.
How Long is the Test?
The new SAT is a 3 hour and 45-minute test that measures critical thinking skills students need for academic success in college.
Test Dates
All tests are administered at NASH. Doors open at 7:15 AM
- August 23, 2025
- October 4. 2025
- November 8, 2025
- December 6, 2025
- March 14, 2026
- May 2, 2026
For scheduling and other information, visit www.collegeboard.org or contact your student’s guidance counselor.
The Keystone Exams
The Keystone Exams are state-mandated, end-of-course assessments designed to assess proficiency in the subject areas of Algebra, Literature, and Biology.
Test Dates
- December 3–17, 2025
- May 11–22, 2026
