Our approach to assessments at Grace Christian School is distinct from that of public schools. While standardized assessments are a common tool across educational institutions, at GCS, we integrate these assessments into a broader framework aimed at nurturing not only academic excellence but also spiritual and personal growth. We use the results to inform instruction, support individual student needs, and engage families in their child’s learning journey.
Additionally, each student grades 3-12 is required to have a norm-referenced standardized test score to be a recipient of the NCSEAA Opportunity Scholarship. Our assessment schedule provides that opportunity for your student.
Each of these assessments is chosen to support our mission of fostering academic excellence and spiritual growth. We utilize the results to tailor instruction, enhance curriculum planning and involve families in the educational process.
This assessment serves as a universal screener to monitor and effectively gauge reading acquisition and progress, aligning to the research for the Science of Reading. The assessment generates student specific data for teachers and allows for progress monitoring assessments for students that are falling below benchmark in early literacy skills.
Participants: Grades K-3rd
Testing: August, December, April
Resources: Learn about NWEA
The CogAT measures students’ reasoning and problem-solving abilities. This assessment identifies students’ strengths and weaknesses, informs instruction, and identifies gifted and talented students.
Participants: Grade 3
Testing: September
Resources: Overview of CogAT for Parents
MAP Growth measures what students know and what they are ready to learn next, providing insights into student progress and helping tailor instruction. This assessment helps track student growth over time, identifies areas for improvement, provides norm-referenced data points, and supports differentiated instruction.
Participants: K – Grade 8
*Fulfills NCSEAA Opportunity Scholarship requirement for Grades 3-8
Testings: August, December, April
Resources:
The Pre-ACT and Pre-ACT 8/9 provide practice for the ACT test and offers insights into students’ academic progress and college readiness. Students in 9th grade take the Pre-ACT 8/9 and our 10th Graders take the Pre-ACT. This assessment helps students prepare for the ACT, identify strengths and areas for growth, and plan for college and career pathways.
Participants: Grades 9-10
*Fulfills NCSEAA Opportunity Scholarship requirement for Grades 9-10
Testings:
Resources:
The ACT assesses students’ academic readiness for college in English, mathematics, reading, and science. This assessment is used for college admissions, scholarships, and course placement.
Participants: Grades 11 – 12
*Fulfills NCSEAA Opportunity Scholarship requirement for Grades 11-12
Testings:
Resources: ACT Resources for Students and Families
The ASVAB is a multiple-aptitude battery that measures developed abilities and helps predict future academic and occupational success in the military. This assessment assists students in career exploration and planning, whether or not they are considering a military career.
Participants: Optional for Grades 11 and 12
Testing: December
Resources: ASVAB Parent Information
The PSAT is a standardized test designed to help students prepare for the SAT assessment in the areas of reading, writing, and math. This assessment helps students identify their personal strengths and weaknesses in regards to testing, prior to taking the SAT or ACT for college application process. For 11th graders, this assessment is used to determine possible participation in the Nation Merit Scholarship Program.
Participants: Grades 10-11 (through registration with GCS School Counselor)
Testings: October (optional)
Resources: The Parents Guide to PSAT
The SAT is a standardized test widely used for college admissions in the United States. It helps students demonstrate their readiness for college and is used in college admissions. It is optional for all high school students.
Participants: Optional for Grades 9-12 (through registration with GCS School Counselor)
Testings:
Resources: A Parent’s Guide to Getting Your Teen Ready for the SAT
Thank you for your continued support and commitment to the success of Grace Christian School. Should you have any questions or need further information, you may contact our Director of Academics.
