Assessment Calendar and Information

2025-2026 Testing Calendar

NWEA MAP Growth Testing

Students will participate in MAP Growth testing in language arts and math classes in all grades. MAP Growth tests will be given during fall and spring windows, and may be given more frequently at teacher discretion. MAP Growth test results will be used to track student progress towards MCA proficiency, help identify students needing interventions and offer both the student and the school a view of student academic growth.

Fall - During subject (Math or Language Arts). First two weeks of school, in class, specific days at teacher's discretion.

Testing reading and math to establish current levels, confirm course placement, implement interventions and measure growth.
When the assessment indicates deficits in the subject area interventions are taken to bring the student closer to grade level.
Reading - all grade levels language arts students.
Math - all students enrolled in HCIS math courses.

Spring - During subject (Math or Language Arts) Last 4 weeks of semester 2, in class, specific days at teacher's discretion.

Testing reading and math to establish placement and to measure growth.
When the assessment indicates deficits in the subject area interventions are taken to bring the student closer to grade level.
Reading - all grade levels language arts students.
Math - all students enrolled in math courses.

MCA Testing - Statewide Accountability Assessments (Grades 7-8)

Reading - Reading tests are given in grades 7 and 8 in the spring of every school year. MCAs in Reading measure students' progress towards meeting Minnesota Academic Standards, as required by Minnesota Statutes, section 120B.30 and ESEA. They focus on students being able to understand how a piece of writing is structured by the author and the kinds of writing devices an author uses to express the storyline or argument.

Primary Test Date: Tuesday, April 14th, 2026 (window March 3rd, 2026 - May 2nd, 2026)
Make up arranged with testing coordinator. Must complete by May 2nd, 2026.

Mathematics - Math tests are given in grades 7 and 8 in the spring of every school year. MCAs in Math measure students' progress towards meeting Minnesota Academic Standards, as required by Minnesota Statutes, section 120B.30 and ESEA. They focus on students being able to solve complex, multi-step problems based on real-world situations using math.

Primary Test Date: Tuesday, April 21st, 2026 (window March 3rd, 2026 - May 2nd, 2026)
Make up arranged with testing coordinator. Must complete by May 2nd, 2026.

Science - Science tests are given in grade 8 in the spring of every school year. MCAs in Science measure students' progress towards meeting Minnesota Academic Standards, as required by Minnesota Statutes, section 120B.30 and ESEA. Often, the problems focus on students solving problems with given scientific scenarios they might encounter doing real-world research and investigations

Primary Test Date: Tuesday, April 28th, 2026 (window March 3rd, 2026 - May 9th, 2026)
Make up arranged with testing coordinator. Must complete by May 9th, 2026.

MCA Testing - Statewide Accountability Assessments (Grades 9-12)

Reading - Reading tests are given in grade 10 in the spring of every school year. MCAs in Reading measure students' progress towards meeting Minnesota Academic Standards, as required by Minnesota Statutes, section 120B.30 and ESEA. They focus on students being able to understand how a piece of writing is structured by the author and the kinds of writing devices an author uses to express the storyline or argument.

Primary Test Date: Tuesday, April 14th, 2026 (window March 3rd, 2026 - May 2nd, 2026)
Make up arranged with testing coordinator. Must complete by May 2nd, 2026.

Mathematics - Math tests are given in grade 11 in the spring of every school year. MCAs in Math measure students' progress towards meeting Minnesota Academic Standards, as required by Minnesota Statutes, section 120B.30 and ESEA. They focus on students being able to solve complex, multi-step problems based on real-world situations using math.

Primary Test Date: Tuesday, April 14th, 2026 (window March 3rd, 2026 - May 2nd, 2026)
Make up arranged with testing coordinator. Must complete by May 2nd, 2026.

Science - In the spring of every year, science tests are given to high schoolers that have just finished their Biology class. MCAs in Science measure students' progress towards meeting Minnesota Academic Standards, as required by Minnesota Statutes, section 120B.30 and ESEA. Often, the problems focus on students solving problems with given scientific scenarios they might encounter doing real-world research and investigations.

Primary Test Date: Tuesday, April 21st, 2026 (window March 3rd, 2026 - May 9th, 2026)
Make up arranged with testing coordinator. Must complete by May 9th, 2026.

AP Exams (Advanced Placement)

AP Biology - Monday May 4th, 2026 at 8:30am
AP World History: Modern - Thursday May 7th at 8:30am
AP Precalculus - Tuesday May 12th, 2026 at 8:30am
AP Psychology - Tuesday May 12th, 2026 at 12:00pm
AP English Lang and Comp - Wednesday May 13th at 8:30am

ACT Testing

Harbor City International School sets aside a day for students to take the ACT during the school day in the spring of their 11th and 12th grade years. Results from the ACT help provide Minnesota students with information related to college and career readiness, as required by Minnesota Statutes, section 120B.30.

Test Date: Tuesday, April 21st, 2026 at Harbor City International School
Juniors (graduating in 2027) are encouraged to take the ACT
School offers a testing opportunity at the school, during the school day as required by Minnesota law.
Seniors can take the test on this date. Reach out to [email protected] for more information.

The test will take approx. 4.5 - 5 hours to complete and there is a section to fill out the day before or before the test starts (which would add approximately 30-45 minutes to complete). Make sure you understand the requirements before the week of the test.