Testing season is right around the corner. Testing can definitely feel a bit like a marathon, but with the right strategy, it’s totally manageable. Here are some practical tips to help students stay cool and focused:
🍎 The Night Before
Prioritize Sleep: Your brain needs time to "save" what you’ve learned. Aim for 8–10 hours so you’re sharp.
Prep Your Gear: Lay out your clothes and pack your bag (don't forget your water bottle) so you aren’t rushing in the morning.
🥣 Morning of the Test
Fuel Up: We provide breakfast to our students at school. Try not to eat sugary foods or drinks before school.
Positive Self-Talk: Remind yourself that you’ve done the work. A little confidence goes a long way!
📝 During the Test
Read Every Word: It sounds simple, but many points are lost just by skipping a "not" or "except" in a question.
The "First Pass" Strategy: Answer all the easy questions first. This builds momentum and ensures you get those points in the bag before tackling the tricky ones.
Manage Your Time: If you’re stuck on a question for more than a minute or two, mark it, move on, and come back to it at the end.
Process of Elimination: Even if you don't know the right answer, crossing out the definitely wrong ones significantly increases your odds of guessing correctly.
Attached is the list of testing dates. Not all students take all tests. Refer to the list below to see when your student needs to prepare.
High School | ||
|---|---|---|
Date(s) | Grade Level(s) | Assessment |
April-26 | 7th, 8th, & 10th Grade | MCA Reading |
April-26 | 11th Grade | MCA Math |
April-26 | 9th Grade | Pre-ACT |
April-26 | 7th–8th Grade | MCA Math |
April-26 | 10th Grade | MCA Science |
April-26 | 8th Grade | MCA Science |
May 4–8 | 7th–11th Grade | District: FASTbridge Testing |
Elementary | ||
April 14 & 15 | 5th–6th Grade | MCA Math |
April 15 & 16 | 3rd–4th Grade | MCA Math |
April 21 & 22 | 5th–6th Grade | MCA Reading |
April 22 & 23 | 3rd–4th Grade | MCA Reading |
April 28 & 29 | 5th Grade | MCA Science |
May 4–8 | K–6th Grade | District: FASTbridge Testing |

