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K to grade 8

School tests in New York

New York students in grades 3 to 8 take state tests in English language arts and math every spring, with science in grades 5 and 8. Since 2026, all students take them on a computer. The tests are untimed, and each is spread over two days. Results come as a level from 1 to 4.

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. NYSITELL and NYSESLAT

    For students who may be learning English: a test after enrolling, then a yearly test in spring.

    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 or MAP Growth, 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. NYS tests: ELA and math

    Every spring, grades 3 to 8, on computer.

    grade 3 8–9; grade 4 9–10; grade 5 10–11; grade 6 11–12; grade 7 12–13; grade 8 13–14
  4. NYS tests: science

    In grades 5 and 8.

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

    No state requirement. Some districts, including New York City, run their own.

    grade K age 5–6; grade 1 6–7; grade 2 7–8; grade 3 8–9

What do the New York levels mean?

Each test places your child in one of four levels. Level 3 and above is proficient.

  1. Level 4

    Excels in the standards for the grade.

  2. Level 3

    Proficient in the standards for the grade.

  3. Level 2

    Partially proficient: shows some of the knowledge and skills.

  4. Level 1

    Well below proficient.

Your child also gets a scale score. Schools use the results alongside report card grades and teacher assessments.

The test guides

These guides apply in every state.

The 2026–2027 school year

Schools pick days within the state window. Exact dates are shown only where checked against the official timetable; other periods are indicative. Confirm local arrangements with your school.

  1. Late January 2027 (indicative; check locally)
    Practice on the computer system

    Grades 3 to 8 · many schools run a practice session

  2. April – May 2027 (indicative; check locally)
    State test window

    ELA in mid-April, math in late April, science in May

  3. Late summer 2027 (indicative; check locally)
    Results

    Through the school or the district 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.