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Assessments Overview

Assessments at Ballard HS

Testing News

Smarter Balanced and Science Testing Logo. Laptop with hands taking a test online.

State Required Assessment Windows Grades 10 & 11 April – May

State Required Assessments Schedule.

AP Collegeboard Logo

AP Exams (Pre-Registered) Are At Ballard HS May 6 – 10, 13 – 17

May 2024 AP Exam Details.

Types of Assessments

On the corresponding individual test specific pages you will find helpful dates and detailed information about the different kinds of testing that happen for students over the course of their four years at Ballard High School.

Please visit the SPS Testing and Assessments page for updates and news on how assessments are used and their requirements in Seattle Public Schools. Note: SPS contracts with the College Board for the school-day PSAT and SAT only. The district—as a single entity—does not contract with the College Board for any Saturday testing or the ACT exam.

SAT

  • On Wed, Oct. 11, 2023 Grade 12 students took the SAT at Ballard HS.
    • The College Board provides districts with the Paper Option (not Digital SAT).
    • Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) is the most widely used college admission test in the country. The test can be used as a substitute graduation requirement if the student didn’t meet passing scores on other assessments in ELA or math.
BHS SAT Testing Overview

PSAT/NMSQT

October 16-31, 2023: Test Window for School-Day PSAT/NMSQT for Grade 11 students.

  • The College Board has transitioned the PSAT/NMSQT to a Digital Exam and SPS High Schools will administer the PSAT/NMSQT during this window.
  • IMPORTANT: All Grade 11 students will be required to use their SPS devices for the PSAT/NMSQT. This will ensure that technical assistance can be provided on-site by SPS staff on the day of testing.
    • The Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test (PSAT/NMSQT) helps Juniors prepare for the SAT and is used to qualify students for scholarships and advanced learning opportunities. 
    • SPS students will be automatically registered for the PSAT/NMSQT.
    • SPS administers the PSAT/NMSQT assessments free of charge during a regular school day.
BHS PSAT Testing Overview

AP Exams

School Year 23-24

AP Exam Registration & Payments were due by November 6, 2023.

AP Exam Dates

May 2024: May 6–10 and 13–17, 2024. 

Learn more about AP Testing

State Assessments

Smarter Balanced Assessments (SBA): ELA, Math, WCAS
WIDA: Assessment for Multilingual Students

All students are required to meet State Standards in English Language Arts and Math in order to earn a diploma from Ballard High School. The most efficient way to demonstrate proficiency is by taking and passing the state exams given to students the spring of their sophomore year.

Learn more about State Assessments

ACT

The ACT, is an entrance exam used by some colleges to make admissions decisions. It is administered by ACT, Inc to measure a student’s readiness for college.

How important ACT scores are varies from school to school. Students and families need to register and pay for these exams as they are not offered at SPS or Ballard High School.

Overall, the higher you score on the ACT and/or SAT, the more options for attending and paying for college in the US will be available. Refer to the ACT website for more information on ACT dates, locations and fees.