PSSA and Keystone Exam Information
PSSA:
The Pennsylvania System of School Assessment (PSSA) is an annual English Language Arts and Mathematics assessment administered during the spring semester in grades 3 through 8. Science assessments are also given in grades 5 and 8. If you would like to learn more about our performance on PSSA assessments, please visit the Future Ready Index webpage at futurereadypa.org. For general information on the PSSA exams, please review this document: Informacion para los padres o representantes - Information for Parents or Guardians
PSSA Testing Window 2025
PSSA Tests are end-of-year assessments in Math, ELA, and Science. PSSA tests are taken by students in 3rd - 8th grade.
PSSA Test Dates for Elementary Schools
ELA 3rd - 5th Grade: April 22nd, 23rd, and 24th.
Math 3rd - 5th Grade: April 28th and 29th
Science 5th Grade: April 30th and May 1st
*Please note that the 4th Grade Science PSSA has moved to 5th grade Science PSSA. Also, NYCSD will pilot all 5th grade science testing in an online format. In addition, WES will test 5th Grade ELA and Math in the online format. This is to prepare us for mandatory online testing beginning in Spring 2026.
PSSA Test Dates for Northern Middle School
ELA 6th - 8th Grade: April 22nd, 23rd, and 24th
Math 6th - 8th Grade: April 28th and 29th
Science 8th Grade: April 30th and May 1st
Keystone Exams:
The Keystone Exams are end-of-course assessments designed to assess proficiency in Algebra I, Literature, and Biology. At NYCSD, the Algebra I assessment may be given in grades 7 through 11. The Literature and Biology assessments may be given in grades 9 through 11. Keystone Exams are administered in the winter and the spring. The Middle School and High School will communicate which students are taking which test and on what date. If you would like to learn more about our performance on Keystone assessments, please visit the Future Ready Index webpage at futurereadypa.org. For general information on the Keystone exams, please review this document: Informacion para padres o tutores - Information for Parents or Guardians
Keystone Exams Winter Testing Schedule 2025
NYCSD only tests a limited number of students in grades 9 through 11 during the Winter Testing window. If your student is required to test at this time, you will be notified.
January 6th & 7th 2025: Algebra for 9th grade students & Literature for 11th grade students
January 8th & 9th, 2025: Algebra for 10th grade students & Biology for 11th grade students
Make Up exams will be scheduled up to January 17th, 2025
Keystone Exams Spring Testing Schedule 2025
Keystone Exam Test Dates for Northern High School
May 12th and 13th: Literature and Biology for 9th grade students
May 19th and 20th: Algebra for 10th grade students & Biology for 11th grade students
Keystone Exam Test Dates for Northern Middle School
May 19th and 20th: Algebra
If you have general questions regarding the PSSA or Keystone assessments, please contact Dr. Matthew Meakin, Assistant Superintendent & District Assessment Coordinator at 717-432-8691 or mmeakin@northernyork.org. For specific questions regarding your student and the state assessments, please contact your students' building principal.