K to grade 8School tests in Texas
Texas students in grades 3 to 8 take STAAR in reading and math every spring, with science in grades 5 and 8. Spring 2027 is the last year in this form. From the 2027–28 school year, a new law replaces STAAR with three shorter tests at the beginning, middle and end of the year.
Which test in which grade?
From kindergarten to grade 8, for the 2026–27 school year.
- Early reading assessments
Reading checks in kindergarten to grade 2.
grade K age 5–6; grade 1 6–7; grade 2 7–8 Every district must identify and serve G/T students, from kindergarten.
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 13–14Every spring, grades 3 to 8. Spanish versions in grades 3 to 5.
grade 3 8–9; grade 4 9–10; grade 5 10–11; grade 6 11–12; grade 7 12–13; grade 8 13–14- STAAR: social studies
In grade 8.
grade 8 13–14
What do the STAAR levels mean?
Each STAAR test reports one of four performance levels.
Masters Grade Level
Your child is expected to succeed in the next grade with little or no extra help.
Meets Grade Level
Your child has a strong chance of success in the next grade, with some targeted help.
Approaches Grade Level
Your child is likely to succeed in the next grade with targeted support.
Did Not Meet Grade Level
Your child is unlikely to succeed in the next grade without significant support.
Under House Bill 8, signed in September 2025, STAAR in grades 3 to 8 is replaced from 2027–28 by three shorter tests a year. Only the end-of-year test counts for school ratings.
The 2026–2027 school year
Dates marked as expected follow earlier years. The Texas Education Agency publishes the calendar. Exact dates are shown only where checked against the official timetable; other periods are indicative. Confirm local arrangements with your school.
- Fall 2027 (indicative; check locally)New beginning-of-year test
Grades 3 to 8 · the first year of the new system
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
- Grade 5
- 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
- Apply
- 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:
Sources
- Texas Education Agency: student assessment (opens in a new tab)
- Texas Tribune: what replaces STAAR (opens in a new tab)
Updated on 12 October 2026. Spotted something out of date? Let us know.