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Kindergarten to grade 9

School tests in Alberta

Alberta checks reading and math early: from 2026–27, every child from kindergarten to grade 5 has a short literacy and numeracy screening with the teacher. In grades 6 and 9, students write Provincial Achievement Tests, or PATs, in May and June. Results help schools plan and do not decide your child's grade.

Tests by school yearWhat the PAT standards mean
Updated on Sources

Which test in which grade?

From kindergarten to grade 8.

gradeKage 5–6
grade16–7
grade27–8
grade38–9
grade49–10
grade510–11
grade611–12
grade712–13
grade813–14
  1. Literacy and numeracy screening

    Short checks with the teacher, from kindergarten to grade 5.

    grade K age 5–6; grade 1 6–7; grade 2 7–8; grade 3 8–9; grade 4 9–10; grade 5 10–11
  2. Provincial Achievement Tests (PATs)

    Grade 6 in May and June. Grade 9 follows.

    grade 6 11–12
  3. Report cards

    Set by the school board.

    grade K age 5–6; grade 1 6–7; grade 2 7–8; grade 3 8–9; grade 4 9–10; grade 5 10–11; grade 6 11–12; grade 7 12–13; grade 8 13–14

What do PAT results mean?

PAT results show whether your child reached one of two standards.

  1. Standard of excellence

    Your child shows a very strong understanding of the year's learning.

  2. Acceptable standard

    Your child shows the basic understanding expected.

  3. Below acceptable standard

    Your child is likely to need extra help. Ask the school about support.

Screening results are different: they show whether your child may need extra support in reading or math, and the teacher shares them with you.

The test guide

Every province's test side by side.

The 2026–2027 school year

Alberta Education and Childcare sets the windows. Exact dates are shown only where checked against the official timetable; other periods are indicative. Confirm local arrangements with your school.

  1. September – October 2026 (indicative; check locally)
    Fall screening

    Kindergarten to grade 5

  2. January – February 2027 (indicative; check locally)
    Winter screening

    Grades 1 to 3

  3. Spring 2027 (indicative; check locally)
    Follow-up screening

    Students who need extra support

After elementary school

Most children move on to the public school for their neighbourhood without a test. Provincial test results do not decide school places.

  • Local school

    1. Elementary
    2. Middle or high school

    Then: High school diploma after grade 12

    When children change school depends on the board: after grade 5, 6, 7 or 8.

  • Programs and private schools

    1. Apply
    2. Program or private school

    Then: Admission criteria set by the school

    French immersion, arts and specialized programs, and private schools may have their own application or entrance test.

More in the guide:

Provincial tests

Sources

Updated on 12 October 2026. Spotted something out of date? Let us know.