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K to grade 8

School tests in Florida

Florida tests reading and math three times a year with FAST: at the start, middle and end of the year. The first two tests are for information. The end-of-year test gives your child an achievement level from 1 to 5. In grade 3, a Level 1 in reading can mean repeating the year, unless an exemption applies.

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. FAST (Star), grades K to 2

    Early literacy, reading and math, three times a year.

    grade K age 5–6; grade 1 6–7; grade 2 7–8
  2. FAST, grades 3 to 8

    ELA reading and math, three times a year. Levels 1 to 5 at the end.

    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. B.E.S.T. Writing

    One writing task each spring, from grade 4.

    grade 4 9–10; grade 5 10–11; grade 6 11–12; grade 7 12–13; grade 8 13–14
  4. Statewide Science Assessment

    In grades 5 and 8.

    grade 5 10–11; grade 8 13–14
  5. Gifted identification

    Required statewide, with an IQ criterion and an alternative plan.

    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 the FAST levels mean?

The end-of-year test (PM3) places your child in one of five achievement levels. Level 3 and above means on grade level.

  1. Level 5

    Mastery: highly likely to excel in the next grade.

  2. Level 4

    Proficient: likely to do well in the next grade.

  3. Level 3

    Satisfactory: on grade level, may need some support.

  4. Level 2

    Below satisfactory: likely to need support.

  5. Level 1

    Inadequate: highly likely to need substantial support.

In 2026, 61% of students in grades 3 to 10 scored Level 3 or above in reading, and 62% of students in grades 3 to 8 in math.

The test guides

These guides apply in every state.

The 2026–2027 school year

Statewide windows. Your district 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. August – September 2026 (indicative; check locally)
    FAST PM1

    Grades 3 to 8 · K to 2 from August

  2. November 2026 – January 2027 (indicative; check locally)
    FAST PM2

    Reading to January, math to December

  3. Spring 2027 (indicative; check locally)
    B.E.S.T. Writing

    Grades 4 to 10

  4. May 2027 (indicative; check locally)
    FAST PM3 and science

    Grades 3 to 8 · science in grades 5 and 8

  5. July 2027 (indicative; check locally)
    Grade 3 reading retake

    For students who need another chance

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.