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Kindergarten to grade 8

School tests in Ontario

Ontario students take the EQAO Assessment of Reading, Writing and Mathematics in grade 3 and grade 6, online, in May and June. Results come as a level from 1 to 4, where level 3 is the provincial standard. Kindergarten to grade 2 students also have a short reading screening.

Tests by school yearWhat the levels 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. Early reading screening

    Required from the second year of kindergarten to grade 2.

    grade K age 5–6; grade 1 6–7; grade 2 7–8
  2. EQAO: reading, writing and math

    In grade 3 and grade 6, online, in May and June.

    grade 3 8–9; grade 6 11–12
  3. Report cards

    A progress report in the fall and two report cards, in grades 1 to 8.

    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 the EQAO levels mean?

Each part of the test gives a level. Level 3 or 4 means your child met the provincial standard.

  1. Level 4

    Above the provincial standard. Similar to an A.

  2. Level 3

    Meets the provincial standard. Similar to a B.

  3. Level 2

    Approaching the standard. Similar to a C.

  4. Level 1

    Well below the standard.

In 2025–26, in English-language schools, 75% of grade 3 students met the standard in reading and 65% in math. In grade 6, 86% met it in reading and 52% in math.

The test guide

Every province's test side by side.

The 2026–2027 school year

EQAO sets the window. Your school picks the days. Exact dates are shown only where checked against the official timetable; other periods are indicative. Confirm local arrangements with your school.

  1. September 2026 (indicative; check locally)
    EQAO results for 2025–26

    Provincial, board and school results

  2. November 2026 (indicative; check locally)
    Progress report card

    Grades 1 to 8

  3. February 2027 (indicative; check locally)
    First report card

    Grades 1 to 8

  4. 4 May – 8 June 2027
    EQAO assessments

    Grades 3 and 6

  5. Late June 2027 (indicative; check locally)
    Second report card

    Grades 1 to 8

  6. By the end of September 2027 (indicative; check locally)
    Individual EQAO results

    Grades 3 and 6 · through the school

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.