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 2026
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 20th, 21st, and 22nd.
Math 3rd - 5th Grade: April 27th and 28th
Science 5th Grade: April 29th and April 30th
*All PSSA testing will be in an online format beginning in Spring 2026.
PSSA Test Dates for Northern Middle School
ELA 6th - 8th Grade: April 21st, 22nd, 23rd
Math 6th - 8th Grade: April 27th and 28th
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 2026
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 7th & 8th 2026: All exams
Make Up exams and those with multiple exams to be taken will be scheduled on January 12th and 13th, 2026
Keystone Exams Spring Testing Schedule 2026
Keystone Exam Test Dates for Northern High School
May 11th and 12th: Literature and Biology for 9th grade students
May 14th and 15th: Algebra and Biology for all other students
May 18th and 19th: Biology for those with three exams
Keystone Exam Test Dates for Northern Middle School
May 18th and 19th: Algebra
If you have general questions regarding the PSSA or Keystone assessments, please contact Mr. Michael Walker, Assistant Superintendent & District Assessment Coordinator at 717-432-8691 or mwalker@northernyork.org. For specific questions regarding your student and the state assessments, please contact your students' building principal.