State Assessment Information
PSSA/Keystone Information
The following information provides parents and students with updates concerning state assessments and protocols established by the district to administer the assessments.
Chapter 4 of the Pennsylvania School Code requires the development of rigorous academic standards and assessments. In 2013, Pennsylvania adopted the PA Core Standards. This set of rigorous standards for reading, writing, speaking, listening, and mathematics identifies what students should know and be able to do at various grade levels. School districts design their curriculum and instruction to ensure that students meet or exceed the standards’ expectations.
The Pennsylvania System of School Assessment (PSSA) is an annual, standards-based criterion-referenced assessment administered to all students in grades 3 through 8 in the subjects of English Language Arts and math. Students in grades 4 and 8 are also assessed in Science. Individual student scores can be used to provide information to schools and districts for curriculum and instruction planning and improvement discussions.
The Keystone Exams are end of course assessments designed to assess a student’s proficiency in Algebra 1, Biology, and Literature. Keystones are one component of Pennsylvania’s proposed system of high school graduation requirements. Keystone exams will help school districts guide students toward meeting state standards.
| Assessment | Dates | Grades |
|---|---|---|
| English Language Arts | April 20-24, 2026 | Grades 3-8 |
| Mathematics, Science and Makeups | April 27 - May 1, 2026 | Grades 3-8 |
| Early Reporting Deadlines | May 1, 2026 | Grades 3-8 |
| PSSA Math, Science Makeups (Optional) | May 4-8, 2026 (No early reporting) | Grades 3-8 |
| Time of Year | Date |
|---|---|
| Winter Wave 1 | December 3-17, 2025 |
| Winter Wave 2 | January 5-16, 2026 |
| Spring | May 11-22, 2026 |
| Summer | July 27 - July 31 , 2026 |