The annual Pennsylvania System School Assessment (PSSA) is a standards-based assessment which provides an understanding of student and school performance. Every Pennsylvania student in grades 3 through 8 is assessed in English Language Arts and Math. Every Pennsylvania student in grades 5 and 8 is assessed in Science.
Individual student scores, provided only to the student’s school, can be used to assist teachers in identifying students who may be in need of additional educational opportunities. School scores provide information for curriculum and instruction improvement discussions and planning.
2025 Testing Dates
Grades 3-5
April 23, 24 & 25 - ELA PSSAs (Grades 3-5)
April 28 & 29 - Math PSSAs (Grades 3-5)
April 30 & May 1 - Science PSSAs (Grade 5 only)
Make-Up Days: May 2-8 (Grades 3-5)
Grades 6-8
April 22, 23 & 25 - ELA PSSAs (Grades 6-8)
April 28 & April 29 - Math PSSAs (Grades 6-8)
May 1 & 2 - Science PSSAs (Grade 8 only)
Make-Up and Virtual Learning Testing Days
ELA: April 24 at 8 a.m., April 25 at 11 a.m., May 5-9 at 8 a.m. (Grades 6-8)
Pennsylvania requires all students to take the PSSAs. However, a parent/guardian may excuse their child(ren) for religious reasons. For more information, please click the link below.
Keystone Exams are end-of-course assessments designed to evaluate proficiency in Algebra I, Biology and Grade 10 Literature, and make up one component of Pennsylvania's statewide high school graduation requirements.
All high school and middle school students enrolled in Algebra I, Biology and Grade 10 Literature will take the Keystone Exam for that course at the end of the school year.
Keystone Exam scores help school districts guide students toward meeting state standards.
PSSA, Keystone Exam, and PASA test booklets will be destroyed one year after student reports are delivered for the administration associated with the test booklets. PSSA and Keystone Exam answer booklets and PASA media recordings will be destroyed three years after completion of the assessment. For more information, please contact the Assistant Superintendent at 412-318-1017.
