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 12 – May 21 |
| DeSSA ELA and Mathematics | Paper/Pencil accommodation | April 12 – May 7 |
| DeSSA Science | Grades 5, 8, and Biology | April 12 – May 21 |
| DeSSA Science | Paper/Pencil accommodation | April 12 – May 7 |
| DeSSA Social Studies | Grades 4, 6, 8: Admin 1 | November 2 – November 20 |
| DeSSA Social Studies | Grades 4, 6, 8: Admin 2 | February 8 – February 26 |
| DeSSA Social Studies | Grades 4, 6, 8: Admin 3 | May 3 – May 21 |
| DeSSA Social Studies | Grades 5, 7: Admin 1 | January 11 – January 29 |
| DeSSA Social Studies | Grades 5, 7: Admin 2 | May 3 – May 21 |
| DeSSA Social Studies | Grade 11 | April 12 – May 21 |
| DeSSA Social Studies | Grades 4-8 Paper/Pencil accommodation | Available during online testing windows |
| SAT School Day (online) | Grade 11, make-up days and accomm | March 1 – 25 |
| DCPS | OBS 1 | November 2 – November 30 |
| DCPS | OBS 2 | February 1 – March 1 |
| DCPS | OBS 3 | April 21 – May 21 |
| DeSSA-Alt | ELA and Math: Grades 3-8, 11 | September 14 – December 18 |
| DeSSA-Alt | Opt. Science: Grade 5, 8, 10 | September 14 – December 18 |
| DeSSA-Alt | ELA and Math: Grades 3-8, 11 | February 1 – May 21 |
| DeSSA-Alt | Required Science: Grade 5, 8, 10 | February 1 – May 21 |
| ACCESS | MLLs Grade K-12 | January 25 – March 12 |
| NAEP | Grades 4, 8 | N/A in 2027 |
Optional: Smarter Interim and Tools for Teachers – September 8, 2026 – July 23, 2027
Download a PDF of the Delaware System of Student Assessments (DeSSA) State Mandated Testing Calendar.
