Every year, Delaware districts and charter schools administer assessments, alongside other recurring tests, in order to create a balanced assessment system aimed at supporting student growth.

DeSSA and State-mandated Testing Calendar:

Districts and charters choose to administer the test between early April and one week before the end of May each year.

Test Names Grades Tested Test Dates
DeSSA ELA and Mathematics Grades 3-8 April 7 – May 22
DeSSA ELA and Mathematics Paper/Pencil accommodation April 7 – May 9
DeSSA Science Grades 5, 8, and Biology April 7 – May 22
DeSSA Science Paper/Pencil accommodation April 7 – May 9
DeSSA Social Studies Grades 4, 6, 8: Admin 1 November 4 – December 6
DeSSA Social Studies Grades 4, 6, 8: Admin 2 February 10 – February 28
DeSSA Social Studies Grades 4, 6, 8: Admin 3 May 5 – May 22
DeSSA Social Studies Grades 5, 7: Admin 1 January 13 – January 31
DeSSA Social Studies Grades 5, 7: Admin 2 May 5 – May 22
DeSSA Social Studies Grades 4, 6, 8 P/P Available during all three windows
DeSSA Social Studies Grade 11 April 7 – May 22
DeSSA Social Studies Paper/Pencil accommodation April 7 – May 9
PSAT 10 (online) Grade 10 March 3 – 28
SAT School Day (online) Grade 11 March 3 – 28
SAT School Day (online) Make-up Days March 3 – 28
SAT School Day (online) Accomm March 3 – 28
DCPS OBS 1 November 4 – December 3
DCPS OBS 2 February 3 – March 3
DCPS OBS 3 April 16 – May 16
DeSSA-Alt ELA and Math: Grades 3-8, 11 September 9 – December 20
DeSSA-Alt Opt. Science: Grade 5, 8, 10 September 9 – December 20
DeSSA-Alt ELA and Math: Grades 3-8, 11 February 3 – May 16
DeSSA-Alt Required Science: Grade 5, 8, 10 February 3 – May 16
ACCESS N/A January 27 – March 7

Optional: Smarter Interim and Tools for Teachers – August 2024 – July 26, 2025

Download a PDF of the Delaware System of Student Assessments (DeSSA) State Mandated Testing Calendar.