Assessments & Testing Information
Types of Assessments
On the Garfield HS Assessments page you will find an overview and helpful dates and detailed information about the different kinds of testing that happen for students over the course of their four years at Garfield High School. Please visit the SPS Testing and Assessments page for news on how assessments are used and their requirements in Seattle Public Schools.
PSAT & SAT In-School Testing Details
Grade 11 PSAT & Grade 12 SAT Oct. 2025

This fall, Garfield High School will offer school-day administrations of the PSAT and SAT for our Juniors and Seniors. These opportunities allow students to test in a familiar environment during the school day, without the need for weekend registration. Learn more on the district PSAT and SAT page.
Testing Dates
- PSAT for 11th Graders: Wed, October 8
- SAT for 12th Graders: Wed, October 15
- Make-up testing: Thursday, October 16 and Friday, October 17 (for students who miss their scheduled date)
Purpose of the Assessments
- The PSAT helps 11th graders practice for the SAT and provides entry into the National Merit Scholarship Program.
- The SAT is widely used for college admissions and scholarships. Many colleges remain test-optional, but a strong SAT score can support applications and expand scholarship opportunities.
What Students Should Bring
- A fully charged district-issued laptop and charger
- If a student comes without a school-issued laptop, they cannot take the exam and will need to bring their device during the make-up testing days to test.
- A limited number of seats are available on make-up days, so students are strongly encouraged to test on their scheduled exam date.
- Acceptable calculator (see College Board’s calculator policy for approved models)
- At least two sharpened No. 2 pencils with erasers.
- School ID or other photo identification
- Water and a snack for the break (optional)
Testing Day Details
- Testing will begin promptly in the morning; students should arrive on time to ensure they are seated before testing begins.
- Students will test in assigned rooms — room assignments will be posted and shared in advance.
- Regular classes will be adjusted for students who are testing.
Make-Up Testing
Students who are absent on October 8 or October 15 will have the opportunity to complete their assessment on October 16 or 17.
AP Exam Registration & Payment – Due By Oct. 31 at 5 p.m. PT
Important Checklist
- Students must Register (on CollegeBoard) and Pay (via Parent/Guardian SchoolPay) for their AP Exams by October 31 by 5 p.m. PT in order to take the AP Exams on May 4-8 and 11-15, 2026.
- The standard exam fee is $125.00 + a 3.99 SchoolPay transaction fee.
- Students eligible to receive an exam fee reduction or waiver for the 2025-26 school year, pay $20 per exam. Please email AP Test Coordinator, Mr. Rhodes at idrhodes@seattleschools.org for a reduced fee SchoolPay link. Complete the application: School Meals Application. Students who qualify for Free and Reduced lunch qualify for the reduced fee.
- Students must be currently enrolled in an AP Class at BHS to register for the corresponding AP test.
- Registrations that are not paid by October 31, 2025 at 5 p.m. PT will be cancelled/exams will not be ordered.
- AP Students are NOT required to take AP exams.
- Students who cancel an exam BEFORE March 13, 2026 will be charged $65 per exam (College Board Policy). Your $60 refund will be processed after completion of AP exam administration June 2026.
- Students who don’t end up taking their exam that was ordered, will be charged $65 per unused exam. Your refund of $60 per exam for any unused AP exams will be processed after completion of AP exam administration June 2026.
If you have any questions about AP Exam Fees, or Free and Reduced Lunch please contact AP Test Coordinator, Mr. Rhodes at idrhodes@seattleschools.org or visit the district AP Exam Information page.
Garfield HS students taking an AP Exams MUST Register AND Pay for AP Exam(s) by October 31, 2025 5 p.m. PT. AP Exams will be in May 2026.
AP Exams in May 2026
- Week 1: May 4 – 8, 2026
- Week 2: May 11 – 15, 2026
For a full AP Exam schedule, including late-testing dates, visit the College Board AP Exam Test Schedule.
AP Exam Resources
- What is AP?
- AP Exam Dates
- AP CollegeBoard Overview
- AP CollegeBoard Practice Resources
- AP CollegeBoard Practice
- AP Exams Overview & FAQ CollegeBoard
Learn more on the district AP Exam page.
State Assessment Information
- Smarter Balanced ELA & Math (SBA) Window: TBD
- Required for all 10th graders.
- Available for 11th and 12th graders needing to meet graduation requirements.
- Washington Comprehensive Assessment of Science (WCAS)Window: TBD
- 11th graders
All Assessments Overview & Bluebook App
As of October 8, 2025