Pennsylvania Keystone Exams
Students must take the Keystone Exams for federal accountability, even if they have not been required for graduation since the Class of 2023.
Keystone Testing Windows for 2025-26
Winter Wave 1: December 3-17, 2025
Spring: May 11-22, 2026
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Accountability Requirement:
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No Longer Required for Graduation:
While testing is still required, students are no longer required to achieve proficiency on the Keystone Exams for statewide graduation purposes, according to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Department of Education.
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Multiple Opportunities:
Students are given multiple chances to take the exams throughout their high school careers.
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Graduation Pathways:
Students may choose one of four Pennsylvania graduation pathways to demonstrate postsecondary preparedness as an alternative to the Keystone proficiency requirement.
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Contact Your Counselor:
For specific questions regarding Keystone testing requirements and how they apply to your child, contact their school counselor.
Pennsylvania State System of Assessment (PSSA)
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.
2025-2026 PSSA TESTING WINDOW
English Language Arts (Grades 3-8): April 21-23 2026
Mathematics (Grades 3-8): April 27-28, 2026
Science (Grade 5): April 29-30, 2026
Purpose of PSSA Scores
- Instructional Support: Results help identify student strengths and weaknesses to support learning.
- Curriculum Development: Teachers and schools use scores to inform future curriculum and programs.
- Public Accountability: Scores provide information on student achievement to the public.