Philadelphia Public Schools Testing Calendar (2025–2026): PSSA, Keystone, and PASA Windows

Standardized testing weeks change the rhythm of a school building: schedules tighten, routines shift, and coverage needs spike. If you’re subbing in the School District of Philadelphia (SDP), the most useful thing you can have is a single, clean testing calendar you can plan around.

Below are the testing windows referenced by SDP and Pennsylvania’s Department of Education.

Philadelphia testing windows at a glance (SDP 2025–2026)

• Keystone (high school): January + May windows

• PSSA (grades 3–8): late April into early May

• PASA (alternate assessment): March through early May

2025–2026 Philadelphia SDP testing calendar

Assessment	Who it impacts (typical)	Official window dates	What that means in schools
Keystone Exams – Window 1	Many high schools (Algebra I, Biology, Literature)	Jan 5–16, 2026	Bell schedules, room assignments, proctor coverage, quieter hallways
PASA(Pennsylvania Alternate System of Assessment)	Some students with significant cognitive disabilities (IEP-based eligibility)	Mar 9 – May 1, 2026	Often 1:1 or small-group testing; coverage needs vary by program
PSSA (Pennsylvania System of School Assessment)	Grades 3–8 (ELA/Math; Science for grades 5 & 8)	SDP lists Apr 20 – May 1, 2026  and PDE breaks it into ELA Apr 20–24 + Math/Science Apr 27–May 1	Testing blocks, restricted interruptions, fewer “normal” classroom activities
Keystone Exams – Window 2	Many high schools	May 11–22, 2026	Another round of modified schedules + proctoring coverage

What each test is (PSSA, Keystone, PASA)

PSSA (grades 3–8)

Pennsylvania’s statewide assessment for ELA and Math in grades 3–8, plus Science in grades 5 and 8. PDE publishes the subject windows (ELA first, then Math/Science). 

How it shows up in a school: longer morning testing blocks, fewer specials, fewer pull-outs, and stricter hallway expectations.

Keystone Exams (high school)

End-of-course exams (commonly Algebra I, Biology, Literature). SDP lists two Keystone windows for 2025–2026: one in January and one in May. 

How it shows up in a school: room reassignments (gyms/libraries used as test centers), altered bells, and lots of proctor coverage.

PASA (alternate assessment)

Pennsylvania’s alternate assessment (administered to eligible students based on specific criteria). For 2025–2026, PDE lists the PASA test administration window as March 9 – May 1, 2026. 

How it shows up in a school: it can be quieter and more individualized. Coverage needs can concentrate in special education classrooms and support roles.

What substitute teachers should expect during testing weeks

1) Coverage demand often increases

Teachers are pulled for:

• proctoring

• hallway monitoring

• small-group accommodations

• make-ups and schedule reshuffles

Net effect: more day-to-day absences and more “floating coverage” assignments.

2) Plans can be minimal (by design)

During PSSA/Keystone days, students may test for a big chunk of the morning. Your “lesson” might be:

• silent reading

• make-up work

• independent packets

• supervised downtime after testing

3) The classroom vibe is different

Testing days are usually “library energy,” not “group project energy.” If you’re used to running interactive lessons, be ready to switch modes.

Tips to do well as a sub during testing windows

• Arrive early: schools often do last-minute room changes for testing.

• Ask one question immediately: “What’s the testing schedule today, and where are students going during testing blocks?”

• Guard transitions: hallways are the biggest failure point on test days (noise, wandering, bathroom traffic).

• Follow the script if you’re asked to proctor: schools must follow procedures. If you’re not trained for a specific proctor role, ask to be assigned to coverage or monitoring instead.

FAQ SDP Testing Calendar 2026

Do all Philadelphia schools test on the same exact day?

Not necessarily. These are state/district windows. Each school builds a schedule inside the window (and then runs make-ups as needed). SDP publishes the window dates; school-level schedules can vary. 

Are charter schools included?

Many Philadelphia charters follow Pennsylvania’s statewide windows, but they may publish their own school testing calendars. If you’re subbing at a charter, check that school’s testing notice.

What’s the single most important window to remember?

For K–8 buildings: PSSA late April → early May.

For high schools: Keystone January + May windows. 

Disclaimer:

Testing windows and school schedules can change due to school-level decisions, make-up needs, weather, or updated district/state guidance. Always confirm the latest details with the school and the official SDP/PDE pages before making plans.