Testing in Kindergarten
Kindergarten student tests
In Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS), kindergarten tests focus on basic literacy and numeracy development. Required tests for kindergarteners are listed in the table below, organized alphabetically by test name.
| Test Name | Requirement Source | Content Tested | Purpose of Test | Time Needed* | Schedule** | Results Distribution |
| Child Behavior Rating Scale (CBRS) | State | Social Emotional Skills | To measure self-control and the ability to successfully interact with peers and adults | Approx. 20 minutes |
Sept. 16 to Oct. 11 April 14 to May 1 |
Incorporated in ongoing performance communication to parents/guardians |
| Early Mathematics Assessment System (EMAS) | State | Mathematics | To measure early mathematics abilities and growth | Approx. 20 minutes |
Sept. 16 to Oct. 11 April 14 to May 1 |
Incorporated in ongoing performance communication to parents/guardians |
| iReady Universal Screener Assessment | State | Reading | To identify gaps in foundational academic skills and measure progress of students identified for support | Approx. 30 minutes |
Oct. 7 to Nov. 1 Jan. 6 to Feb. 28 April 27 to May 22 |
Incorporated in ongoing performance communication to parents/guardians |
| Kindergarten WIDA ACCESS Placement Test (W-APT) |
State ONLY for English learners |
Reading, Writing, Speaking, Listening | To measure English language proficiency of students entering kindergarten in compliance with federal law | Approx. 3 hours total |
Aug. 26 to Sept. 18 |
Distributed to parents/guardians within 2 months |
| WIDA ACCESS for ELLS |
State ONLY for English learners |
Reading, Writing, Speaking, Listening | To measure annual English language proficiency and progress in compliance with federal law | Approx. 5 hours total | Jan. 21 to Mar. 12 | Distributed to parents/ guardians by the following August |
* The amount of time needed for testing varies by student. All times are estimates.
** Schedule dates represent the window of time during which tests may be given. Each school sets and communicates the specific date for each test.