Assessment and PA Graduation Requirements
General Assessment Information
Pennsylvania State Assessment System
The Pennsylvania State Assessment System is aligned with the PA Core Standards for reading, writing, and mathematics. English Language Arts (ELA) and Mathematics are assessed every grade from 3rd through 8th grades. Science is assessed in 5th and 8th grades.
The Pennsylvania State Assessment System is aligned with the PA Core Standards for reading, writing, and mathematics. English Language Arts (ELA) and Mathematics are assessed every grade from 3rd through 8th grades. Science is assessed in 5th and 8th grades.
PSSA Testing 2025-2026
The PA Department of Education has established the testing dates listed below with schools setting their own testing schedules within those windows. Information about testing will be sent home from your child's school as testing dates approach.
The PA Department of Education has established the testing dates listed below with schools setting their own testing schedules within those windows. Information about testing will be sent home from your child's school as testing dates approach.
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2025-2026 PSSA Testing Windows |
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| Exam Name | Exam Window | Grades |
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ELA PSSA |
April 20 - April 24, 2026 |
Grades 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 |
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Math PSSA |
April 27- May 1, 2026 |
Grades 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 |
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Science PSSA |
April 27 - May 1, 2026 |
Grades 5 and 8 |
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Make-up PSSA for ELA, Math, and Science |
May 4 - May 8, 2026 |
Grades 3-8 |
Keystone Exams
Keystone Exams are end-of-course assessments that are administered as students are completing courses related to the three Keystone Exams--Algebra 1, Literature, and Biology. Keystone Exams are administered in Literature and Biology in 10th grade during the semester in which a student is taking their English 10 or Biology course. Algebra 1 Keystone Exams are given near the end of Algebra 1 or Algebra 1B courses in either middle or high school depending on an individual student's course sequence.
Keystone Exams are end-of-course assessments that are administered as students are completing courses related to the three Keystone Exams--Algebra 1, Literature, and Biology. Keystone Exams are administered in Literature and Biology in 10th grade during the semester in which a student is taking their English 10 or Biology course. Algebra 1 Keystone Exams are given near the end of Algebra 1 or Algebra 1B courses in either middle or high school depending on an individual student's course sequence.
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2025-2026 Keystone Exam Testing Windows |
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Exam Name |
Winter Test Dates |
Spring Test Dates |
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ELA Keystone |
January 5 - 16, 2026 |
May 11 - 22, 2026 |
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Math Keystone |
January 5 - 16, 2026 |
May 11 - 22, 2026 |
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Biology Keystone |
January 5 - 16, 2026 |
May 11 - 22, 2026 |
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Make-up Keystone Exam |
January 5 - 16, 2026 |
May 11 - 22, 2026 |
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IMPORTANT FOR ALL STUDENTS THE DAILY SCHEDULE IS CHANGED ON TEST DAYS All Central Bucks High Schools will follow a special bell schedule on test days. Please see your building testing schedule for exact dates within the window when the assessment is administered. |