The Montclair Public Schools Summary of State and District Testing for 2026-2027 provides a high-level overview of state-required and district-administered assessments given to students throughout the school year.
Specific state assessment dates may vary by school. Families will receive additional information once testing schedules are finalized. Please contact your child's school counselor with questions about individual graduation requirements or performance on district or state assessments.
CLASS OF 2027 GRADUATION ASSESSMENT REQUIREMENTS
Students in the Class of 2027 must participate in the state graduation assessment in Grade 11 and demonstrate proficiency in English Language Arts and Mathematics.
Pathways to Meet the Graduation Assessment Requirement
- First Pathway: Demonstrate proficiency on the state graduation assessment.
- Second Pathway: Meet an approved cut score on a substitute assessment such as the PSAT, SAT, ACT, or ACCUPLACER.
- Third Pathway: Complete an NJDOE-approved portfolio appeal through the district.
Students who do not initially demonstrate proficiency may also have additional opportunities to retake the state assessment.
For the Class of 2027, the New Jersey State Board of Education approved a graduation-ready score of 450 or higher in both English Language Arts and Mathematics.
Graduation assessment requirements for students with disabilities are addressed through the student's Individualized Education Program (IEP), as applicable. Families with questions about an individual student's graduation pathway should contact their school counselor or case manager.
STATE ASSESSMENTS
New Jersey Graduation Proficiency Assessment (NJGPA)
- State graduation assessment administered to Grade 11 students.
New Jersey Student Learning Assessment (NJSLA)
- English Language Arts: Grades 3-9
- Mathematics: Grades 3-9, including Algebra I, Geometry, and Algebra II
- Science: Grades 5, 8, and 11
ACCESS for English Language Learners
- Annual English language proficiency assessment for eligible multilingual learners in Grades K-12.
Dynamic Learning Maps (DLM)
- New Jersey's alternate statewide assessment for eligible students with significant intellectual disabilities.
National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP)
- Administered to selected schools and students nationwide as part of the Nation's Report Card.
New Jersey State Assessment Guidelines
For complete information about New Jersey assessment and graduation requirements, pathways, approved substitute assessments, and current state guidance, visit the New Jersey Department of Education.
View NJDOE Assessment Guidelines
DISTRICT AND OTHER ASSESSMENTS
Acadience Reading
- Reading assessment used in Grades K-8.
- Supports the identification and monitoring of student literacy needs.
IXL
- Math, English Language Arts, and Early Literacy diagnostic and benchmark assessments.
- Administered at designated points throughout the school year.
- Supports personalized practice, intervention, enrichment, and progress monitoring.
Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT)
- Administered to all students in Grades 10 and 11.
District Algebra Placement Test
- Administered to students in Grades 5 and 6.
- Used as one component of the placement criteria for Algebra A Accelerated.
Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB)
Optional assessment for seniors.
Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT)
Optional college admissions assessment for seniors.
American College Test (ACT)
Optional college admissions assessment for seniors.
Avant STAMP Testing
Administered to all Grade 8 students to measure proficiency in reading, writing, listening, and speaking in a target language.