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TK to grade 8

School tests in California

California tests students in English language arts and math every spring from grade 3 to grade 8, with the Smarter Balanced tests that are part of CAASPP. Science is tested in grades 5 and 8. Children who are learning English also take the ELPAC. From the 2025–26 reports, the four score levels have new names.

Tests by school yearWhat the levels mean
Updated on Sources

Which test in which grade?

From transitional kindergarten to grade 8.

gradeTKage 4–5
gradeKage 5–6
grade16–7
grade27–8
grade38–9
grade49–10
grade510–11
grade611–12
grade712–13
grade813–14
  1. ELPAC

    For students learning English. Initial ELPAC after enrolling, then a summative test every spring.

    grade TK age 4–5; 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; grade 6 11–12; grade 7 12–13; grade 8 13–14
  2. District benchmarks

    Often i-Ready, MAP Growth or Star, chosen by the district.

    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
  3. GATE identification

    Optional for districts. Often in grade 2 or 3.

    grade 2 7–8; grade 3 8–9
  4. Smarter Balanced (CAASPP)

    ELA and math every spring, grades 3 to 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
  5. California Science Test (CAST)

    In grades 5 and 8.

    grade 5 10–11; grade 8 13–14

What do the CAASPP levels mean?

Each Smarter Balanced and CAST score falls in one of four levels. The names changed with the 2025–26 score reports, but the score ranges did not.

  1. Advanced

    Level 4. Formerly Standard Exceeded.

  2. Proficient

    Level 3. Formerly Standard Met.

  3. Developing

    Level 2. Formerly Standard Nearly Met.

  4. Minimal

    Level 1. Formerly Standard Not Met.

In 2024–25, 48.8% of students statewide met or exceeded the standard in ELA and 37.3% in math. Statewide results for 2025–26 are due on October 2026.

The test guides

These guides apply in every state.

The 2026–2027 school year

Statewide dates where they exist. Your district sets its testing days. Exact dates are shown only where checked against the official timetable; other periods are indicative. Confirm local arrangements with your school.

  1. October 2026 (indicative; check locally)
    Statewide CAASPP results

    School and state results, with the California School Dashboard

  2. February – May 2027 (indicative; check locally)
    Summative ELPAC

    English learners, K to grade 12

  3. Spring 2027 (indicative; check locally)
    Smarter Balanced and CAST

    Grades 3 to 8 · your district sets the days

  4. From mid-May 2027 (indicative; check locally)
    Student score reports

    Through the school or the parent portal

After elementary school

Elementary school usually ends after grade 5, and middle school runs to grade 8. Most children go to their neighborhood public school without a test.

  • Neighborhood school

    1. Grade 5
    2. Middle school

    Then: High school from grade 9

    Some districts start middle school in grade 6 or 7. State test results do not decide places.

  • Choice programs

    1. Apply
    2. Magnet or charter

    Then: Lottery or admission criteria

    Many districts have magnet, charter or dual-language schools. Some use test scores or gifted identification.

More in the guides:

State tests and benchmark testsGifted and talented tests

Sources

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