PSSA

Pennsylvania System of School Assessment (PSSA) Information 


2026 letters and information for parents, guardians and students

Please click the links below to view PDF documents 

Elementary Schools - Grades 3 and 4

Middle Schools - Grades 5, 6, 7 and 8

 

The annual Pennsylvania System School Assessment is a standards-based, criterion-referenced assessment which provides students, parents, educators and citizens with an understanding of student and school performance related to the attainment of proficiency of the academic standards. These standards in English Language Arts, Mathematics, and Science and Technology identify what a student should know and be able to do at varying grade levels. 

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 their respective schools, can be used to assist teachers in identifying students who may be in need of additional educational opportunities, and school scores provide information to schools and districts for curriculum and instruction improvement discussions and planning.

2026 Elementary PSSA Testing Dates

Assessment Dates
English Language Arts (Grades 3 & 4) April 21, 22, and 24
Mathematics (Grades 3 & 4) April 28 and 29
Make-Up Window April 27 through April 30

2026 Middle School PSSA Testing Dates

Assessment Dates
English Language Arts (Grades 5, 6, 7, 8) April 21, 22, and 24
Mathematics (Grades 5, 6, 7, 8) April 28 and 29
Science (Grades 5 and 8) May 5 and 6
Make-Up Window April 28 through May 8