What your state tests
Connecticut uses the Smarter Balanced assessment for ELA and math in grades 3–8, the NGSS science test, and the SAT School Day for all 11th graders. All are run by the Connecticut State Department of Education. There is no high-school exit exam.
Which tests, which grades
- Smarter Balanced — ELA & MathGrades 3–8 (computer-adaptive with a performance task)
- Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) testScience in grades 5, 8, and 11
- SAT School Day (grade 11)A free, in-school SAT that also serves as the high-school accountability test
- CTAAAlternate assessment for eligible students
Format & subjects
Smarter Balanced is computer-adaptive; the grade-11 SAT follows the national digital SAT format, giving students a real college-usable score at no cost.
Is passing required to graduate?
No exit-exam gate. Connecticut doesn't require passing a state test to graduate; districts set course and credit requirements. The grade-11 SAT provides a college-usable score.
How it's scored
Smarter Balanced reports four levels (Level 3+ meets standard). The grade-11 SAT is scored 400–1600.
Testing windows
Testing runs in a spring window (by subject, roughly March–June) set by each district.
How to prepare
- SAT prep for grade 11Our SAT guide and free Khan Academy Official SAT Practice apply directly
- Smarter Balanced practiceCSDE provides free practice and training tests
Participation & opting out
Students in tested grades participate; ask your district about any participation questions.
Accommodations & multilingual learners
Accommodations follow a student's IEP or 504 plan; eligible students take the state's alternate assessment. Multilingual learners take an English proficiency test (WIDA ACCESS or the state equivalent) and may receive designated supports.
Accountability & promotion
Results feed accountability (the Next Generation Accountability System) and school reporting, guide instruction, and — via the free grade-11 SAT — support college access.
Key facts
- Grades 3–8Smarter Balanced (ELA & Math)
- ScienceNGSS (gr 5, 8, 11)
- High schoolFree SAT School Day (gr 11)
- Exit examNone
- AgencyCT State Dept. of Education
Where to learn more
Confirm current details with the official source and your district: