Files for Families

The SAT is an entrance exam used by most colleges and universities. It is typically taken by juniors in the spring and seniors in the fall. It is offered in October, November, December, March, May, and June. Students who choose to take the exam must register to do so and assume the related costs. Registration materials are available at www.collegeboard.com.

The American College Testing (ACT) is an entrance exam used by colleges/universities for the purpose of admission decisions. It is administered in September, October, December, February, April, and June of each year. High school students typically take the ACT during their junior year and can take it as late as the fall of senior year. Students who choose to take the ACT Assessment must register to do so and assume the related costs. Registration materials are available at www.act.org.

The PreACT is a test consisting of multiple-choice sections in English, Math, Reading, and Science. The PreACT provides valuable practice, including questions and scores similar to those on the ACT test. It also provides career suggestions based upon answers to the PreACT Interest Inventory. After testing, students will receive an estimated ACT score based on their performance, as well as data that they can use to help them understand their performance and prepare for the official exam. This exam is offered annually to 10th grade students. Information for this exam can be accessed through the school counseling office. 

The Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test (PSAT) is an assessment that is aligned to the SAT. It measures reading, writing and language, and mathematical abilities important for academic success in college. The test is useful as a practice test for the SAT. The PSAT is offered in October for juniors and serves as the National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test in a nationwide competition for recognition, awards, and scholarships. 

Tenth grade students may elect to take the PSAT for practice; however, their scores are not applicable to the NMSQT. Grade 10 students interested in taking the exam will assume all related costs. Registration information and details for grade 10 students will be available in the School Counseling Office. 

The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) is a multiple-aptitude battery that measures developed abilities and helps predict future academic and occupational success in the military. It is administered annually to more than one million military applicants, high school, and post-secondary students. Visit the official ASVAB website to learn more: www.officialasvab.com.

The Pennsylvania System of School Assessment (PSSA) tests are state-mandated exams designed to measure how well students are learning the skills and knowledge outlined in the Pennsylvania Academic Standards. The PSSAs assess students in English Language Arts (ELA), Mathematics, and Science (for certain grades) and help schools, parents, and educators understand student progress and identify areas where additional support may be needed. These tests are typically administered to students in grades 3 through 8.

Keystone Exams are end-of-course assessments designed to assess proficiency in three subjects: Algebra I, Literature, and Biology. Keystone Exams are one component of Pennsylvania’s system of high school graduation requirements and help school districts guide students toward meeting state standards. Federal regulations require schools to participate in state assessments. Keystone Exams are typically taken during the spring of the year in which a student is enrolled in the given course. Students must demonstrate proficiency on each of the three Keystone Exams. If a student does not receive a score of “Advanced” or “Proficient”, the student will be scheduled to retest during the next designated testing window. If a Proficient or Advanced score is still not obtained during a student’s second attempt, additional pathways will be explored at that time. It is our goal that all California Academy of Learning Charter School’s students demonstrate a Proficient or higher score on each Keystone Exam. 

Through Act 158 of 2018 and Act 6 of 2017, students graduating from a Pennsylvania public high school will have greater flexibility in reaching proficiency through five pathway options. These pathways provide greater flexibility to students; however, they are not considered until a student has made two attempts to reach Proficiency on each of the Keystone exams.

For more information about the Keystone Exams, including graduation pathway details, please see the Program of Studies file located in the “Files for Families” section above.