Testing Time

We schedule CAT testing here in the office every year at least once a month between September and May. All 8th and 11th graders are required to take a standardized test. For 8th graders, it is the passage into High School. For 11th / 12th graders, this functions as an exit exam from High School. We strongly recommend that all students 4th grade and above test every 2 years. This is a great way to keep track of your student’s actual progress. It is good to be able to compare how they do on each subsequent test. This helps you to recognize any weak areas they may be developing.

You are not required to take the CAT at the office. In some cases, we will mail the test to you to take at home. You would need to return it when completed for scoring and norming. This is frequently done for younger students. If you are enrolled in Grace Christian Schools, there is no fee for taking the CAT with us, either in the office or at home.

You may choose to take a different exam such as the Iowa or Sanford tests. These can be obtained online from a variety of sources. (Do an online search to find providers and costs.) We ask that after you have received the results, that you send us a copy for your student’s file.

Juniors and seniors are encouraged to take an SAT or ACT exam prior to graduation. This is available through www.collegeboard.com. Taking the SAT or ACT not only substitutes for the CAT, but also validates your transcripts for any college that you may attend in the future and may qualify you for financial aid that may not be available on your transcript alone.

There are special honors and recognitions for both elementary and high school students who score exceptionally well on these tests. (Most require that the tests be administered by someone other than a parent.) Last year we were able to nominate 5 8th graders for California Young Scholars awards. We can not submit students for recognition if we do not have current test scores.