Neshaminy School District

PSSA Participation

The PSSA is the Pennsylvania Department of Education’s (PDE) annual standards-based assessment used to measure students’ attainment of the Pennsylvania Academic Standards in English Language Arts (ELA), Mathematics, and Science.

• The ELA and Mathematics PSSAs are administered in grades 3 through 8.
• The Science PSSA is administered in grades 5 and 8.

The PSSAs will be administered online at your child’s school using their district-issued Chromebook. Specific testing times will be provided by your child’s school principal. Below is the general testing schedule:

Students learn the skills, concepts, and content necessary to take the PSSA through their daily instruction in reading, writing, and mathematics. The results of these assessments will be one of the measures used to guide curricular updates and revisions. Additionally, the data will help the district plan targeted support for students who are not meeting expectations.

PSSA Opt-Out Procedures

The following procedures outline the process for parents and guardians requesting that their child be excused from state assessments based on religious beliefs, in accordance with Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) guidelines.

1. Review of assessment materials. Parents and guardians must schedule an appointment with their child’s school to review the assessment.
   • Reviews must take place on district property.
   • A district staff member must be present at all times during the review.
   • The PSSA assessment review window opens the week of April 6, 2026.
   • The Keystone assessment review window opens the week of April 27, 2026. The district will provide reasonable and convenient times for scheduling.
2. Confidentiality agreement. Parents and guardians are required to sign a Parent Confidentiality Agreement prior to reviewing the assessment. No part of the assessment, including directions, may be copied, recorded, or reproduced in any manner.
3. Written request for exclusion. If, after reviewing the assessment, a parent or guardian determines that it conflicts with their religious beliefs, they must submit a written request for exemption.
   • The request must be in writing and clearly state the specific religious basis for the objection.
   • Please send your request to your child’s school using the correct opt-out email address:

    

   • Albert Schweitzer Elementary School: [email protected]
   • Core Creek Elementary School: [email protected]
   • Herbert Hoover Elementary School: [email protected]
   • Joseph Ferdbar Elementary School: [email protected]
   • Tawanka Elementary School: [email protected]
   • Walter Miller Elementary School: [email protected]
   • Carl Sandburg Middle School: [email protected]
   • Maple Point Middle School: [email protected]
   • Poquessing Middle School: [email protected]
   • Neshaminy High School: [email protected]
4. Multiple students. A separate written request must be submitted for each student for whom an exemption is requested.
5. Alternative educational arrangement. Students who are excused from participation will be provided with an appropriate alternative learning environment during the assessment period.