Testing Schedule
May 6th, 2025
Dear Families,
Please review the following information regarding our upcoming testing days in October 2026. This guide covers the specific assessments, target grade levels, and logistics to help your student prepare.
Assessment Overview
- PSAT 8/9 (Wednesday, Oct 7, 2026)
- Target Grades: 8th & 9th Grades
- Focus: Provides an early baseline of academic readiness and sets the pathway for high school preparation. There is no fee for this assessment.
- Opt-Out form
- PSAT/NMSQT (Wednesday, Oct 7, 2026)
- Target Grades: 10th & 11th Grades
- Focus: Serves as practice for the SAT and acts as the entry point for National Merit Scholarships for 11th graders. There is no fee for this assessment.
- Opt-Out form
- SAT Exam (Wednesday, Oct 21, 2026)
- Target Grades: 10th, 11th & 12th Grades
- Focus: An official benchmark for college admissions. A $70.00 fee will be added to your student’s MySchoolBucks account.
- Opt-In form
Important Schedules
October 7th (Half-Day Schedule): For students in grades 6, 7, and 12, and any students who have opted out of testing, this will be a half-day. Students arriving for the half-day schedule may be dropped off beginning at 11:15 a.m. at the Athletic Entrance. Afternoon classes will run:
- P1: 11:30 a.m. – 12:25 p.m.
- P3: 12:30 – 1:25 p.m.
- P5: 1:30 – 2:25 p.m.
- P7: 2:30 – 3:30 p.m.
- October 21st (Normal School Day): This is a normal school day. Students who have opted in for the SAT will be excused from their morning classes to complete the assessment.
Testing Essentials & Registration
- Registration Deadline: Please confirm all testing registrations and opt-outs by Wednesday, September 30, 2026.
- Preparation: The school will provide all testing devices, which come pre-loaded with the Bluebook app and built-in Desmos calculator. Pencils and scratch paper will also be provided.
- What to Bring: Please ensure your student brings their official School ID.
- Fee Waivers: Income-eligible fee waivers are available through the Counseling department.
Students are encouraged to visit the College Board website to take advantage of available practice exams to help them prepare.
Thank you,
Amanda Davenport
Testing Coordinator
STEM School Highlands Ranch