The Pennsylvania System of School Assessment (PSSA) is Pennsylvania's statewide standards-based assessment that measures student achievement in English Language Arts, Mathematics, and Science. The assessments are aligned with the Pennsylvania Academic Standards and provide valuable information about student learning, academic progress, and school performance.
PSSA results help the District evaluate the effectiveness of its curriculum, instruction, and academic programs while identifying areas of strength and opportunities for improvement. The District encourages parents and guardians to discuss the importance of these assessments with their children and encourage them to do their best on each assessment.
2026–2027 Testing Windows
April 26–30, 2027 (Grades 3–8)
May 3–7, 2027 (Grades 3–8)
May 3–7, 2027 (Grades 5 & 8)
May 3–7, 2027
Parent Information
Test Day Information
State-Mandated, Opt-Out Process
Parents and guardians may opt their child out of the PSSA exams only if the test conflicts with their family's religious beliefs. If the reason for opting out is not religious, it is classified as a "Refusal." Students classified as "Refusal" and not participating in testing will be counted against the school's and district's attendance requirements.
The Pennsylvania Department of Education establishes the following process for requesting a religious exemption from PSSA testing:
- Parents/Guardians who feel that the assessment may conflict with their religious beliefs must schedule a meeting and review the assessment (reviews begin the week of April 6). Parents/Guardians of students in grades 3–5 should contact Emily Sirinides in the School Office, and parents/guardians of students in grades 6–8 should contact Jennifer Melchior in the Counseling Office to schedule an appointment.
- Parents/Guardians must review the assessment on district property and district personnel must be present at all times.
- Parents/Guardians must sign the Parent Confidentiality Agreement prior to the review.
- Parents/Guardians may not photocopy, write down, or in any other manner record any portion of the assessments.
- If, after reviewing the test, parents/guardians find the test to conflict with their religious beliefs and wish their child to be excused from the test, the parents/guardians must provide a written request that states the objection to the Superintendent.
- If a student is excused from the assessment at the request of a parent or guardian, school personnel will provide the student with an alternative learning environment.
- Opting out of the assessment will not negatively impact the individual student. However, the school's participation rate may be affected, which could, in turn, impact the school's accountability status.
Questions/Concerns
If you have any questions or concerns regarding the state assessment system, please do not hesitate to contact your child's school principal.
Additional Resources
