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K to grade 8

School tests in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania students in grades 3 to 8 take the PSSA in English language arts and math every spring. Students in grades 5 and 8 also take science. In 2027, ELA is in the last week of April and math and science follow in early May. Results come as one of four performance levels.

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. 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
  2. Gifted identification

    Schools must identify mentally gifted students. An IQ of 130 or higher is one criterion.

    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. PSSA: 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
  4. PSSA: science

    In grades 5 and 8.

    grade 5 10–11; grade 8 13–14

What do the PSSA levels mean?

Each PSSA test places your child in one of four performance levels.

  1. Advanced

    Superior understanding of the standards for the grade.

  2. Proficient

    Solid understanding of the standards for the grade.

  3. Basic

    Marginal understanding. Your child may need some extra help.

  4. Below Basic

    Inadequate understanding. Your child is likely to need extra support.

Individual student reports usually reach families in the fall after the test.

The test guides

These guides apply in every state.

The 2026–2027 school year

Statewide windows from the Pennsylvania Department of Education. Exact dates are shown only where checked against the official timetable; other periods are indicative. Confirm local arrangements with your school.

  1. April 2027 (indicative; check locally)
  2. May 2027 (indicative; check locally)
    PSSA math, science and make-ups

    Grades 3 to 8 · science in grades 5 and 8

  3. May 2027 (indicative; check locally)
    Optional extra week

    Math, science and make-ups, if the school uses it

  4. Fall 2027 (indicative; check locally)
    Individual student reports

    Grades 3 to 8 · from the school

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.