Testing Information

ACT State and District Testing Spring: 11th Grade ACT with Writing is a national standardized test developed to determine college readiness for high school students and college admissions. The test has five sections: English, Math, Reading, Science, and Writing. The state of Minnesota requires all public high schools to offer a college entrance exam to all students in either their junior or senior year.

Farmington High School offers the ACT to all FHS juniors free of charge during the April statewide administration. The ACT is also available to be taken at FHS multiple times throughout the school year during national administrations (at a fee). You may contact the FHS counseling office for further information on the national ACT administrations.

Students have access to test results 4 – 6 weeks after completing the ACT. Summary reports are provided to the school in late August.

More information about the ACT

FAQ: 
Where can I view test scores? 

• Here is the link to view test scores.

Do I need to register my student for the ACT? How can my student register for the ACT?

• Parents do not register their students for the exam.
• All juniors will be registered to take the exam by the district.

What is the cost? 

• NO Cost for the April statewide administration of the ACT.

Contact Laura Pierce, Assistant Principal, Grades 11 & 12 lpierce@farmington.k12.mn.us 651-252-2512

ACT National Testing 7 Saturdays throughout the year 
The ACT (American College Test) is a standardized test. It is designed to assess students’ educational development and ability to complete college-level work. Colleges across the country use this test as JUST ONE component to determine how successful they feel a student applying to their school might be in their college career there. The ACT has four, individual multiple choice tests; English, Math, Reading, Science and also an optional Writing Test.

FAQ:
When is the test?
The National Test Dates are ALL on Saturday mornings throughout the year. (National Test Dates Link) What time does a test begin? Arrival is typically between 7:30-7:45 a.m., and check-in completes at 8 a.m. promptly.

How long is the test?
Standard Time Completions for the exams are approximately 12:00 - 12:30 p.m. for the ACT NO Writing and approximately 12:30 - 1:00 p.m. for the ACT WITH Writing. Finish time for students testing with accommodations varies depending upon the accommodation. 

How much does it cost?
Current ACT test fees can be found here.
 

How do I register?
Register online through ACT (Link to Register) Contact Alyssa Belko, School Counselor
abelko@farmington.k12.mn.us
651-252-2542

AP - Advanced Placement College Board Exams
Spring, May of each school year

About the Advanced Placement® (AP®) Program

The AP Program gives you a chance to experience college-level classes in high school and opens the door to earning college credit before you ever set foot on campus. You’ll get to dig deeper into subjects you love while building the skills and confidence you need to succeed in college.

Our school offers AP courses in nine (9) subjects, each of which culminates in an optional exam in May. If you score a 3 or higher (on a scale of 1–5), you could earn college credit, skip intro-level courses, or both at thousands of U.S. colleges and universities. Earning credit in high school means paying for fewer credits in college. It also opens up your schedule, allowing you to take more electives, pursue a second major, or study abroad.

Regardless of your AP Exam score, taking AP courses can have a positive impact on your college applications. Admissions officers know college faculty play a big role in developing AP courses, so they know students who took AP pushed themselves to take challenging, college-level courses. This is something colleges like to see.

Take some time to look through the AP courses we offer. See if any interest you. By taking these courses, you can find out what college work is like while you have the support of teachers you trust in an environment you know.

New AP Exam Registration Process

Starting with the 2019-20 school year, you’ll be asked to register for AP Exams in the fall, September and early October. The exams will still take place in May. For help registering, talk to your AP teacher, counselor, or your school’s AP coordinator.

Tests offered at Farmington High School:

• Biology
• Calculus BC
• Chemistry
• Computer Principles
• English Language and Composition
• English Literature and Composition
• European History
• Psychology
• Statistics
• Studio Art
• United States History

FAQ: How do I register?

• AP Exam Registration is on Revtrak. 

What is the fee to take an exam?

• The cost to take an exam is $50.
• If the cost to take an exam is a hardship to the family, please contact the AP College Board Exam Coordinator.

How does my student receive their scores?

• Students will need to create a college board account at AP Students. Scores are released online only to students in early July.

Contact: Laura Pierce Assistant Principal, Grades 11 & 12 AP College Board Exam Coordinator lpierce@farmington.k12.mn.us 651-252-2512

 

The Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments (MCAs) are state tests in reading, math & science developed to measure student achievement on the state standards in those content areas.  These tests are required by federal law to be given to all public school students in grades 3 – 8 for reading and math, one grade level in high school for reading and math, and one grade each at the elementary, middle and high school levels for science.  Minnesota gives the high school reading test at grade 10, the high school math test at grade 11 and the science tests at grades 5, 8 and when students finish high school biology. Results are used to report school and district progress on the state standards.  Official results are made available about 6 weeks after the school year. More information about the MCA.
FAQ:

When are the MCA tests given?

• Test dates can be viewed on the district Testing Calendar

Can I opt my student out of taking the tests?

• Opt-out information can be found here.

How do I opt my student out of the MCA exams?

• Parents must return the District Opt Out Form to the MCA Test Coordinator.

Contact: Chad Olson Assistant Principal, Grade 9 MCA Test Coordinator colson@isd192.org 651-252-2503

NWEA
Fall, Winter and Spring, Designated students in Grades 9 - 12

Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) is a nationally normalized assessment developed by the Northwest Evaluation Association (NWEA).  It is a computer delivered adaptive assessment that provides immediate results of student achievement and academic level. Farmington Schools administers MAP tests in reading and math in the fall to gather diagnostic data for teachers to use for instructional planning, in the winter for monitoring progress and in the spring to evaluate growth from fall to spring and from year to year.  The MAP tests are given to all students in grades 2 – 8 and some students 9 – 12. Teachers have access to results the day after the students test. Fall results are used to plan instruction. Spring results are used to monitor growth and achievement. More information about the NWEA MAP test.

Contact:

Laura Wagner
Assistant Principal, Grade 9
NWEA Test Coordinator
lwagner@farmington.k12.mn.us
651-252-2503

 

PSAT Test
October, Grades 10 & 11

The PSAT/NMSQT (Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test) is for juniors and accelerated sophomores (top 10%) as a practice test for the SAT Reasoning Test.

It is a three-hour test consisting of two verbal, two mathematics, and one writing skills sections. 

Detailed results help to alert students to what areas they scored best/worst in and predict an approximate equivalent score for the SAT I. The PSAT is unique in that you receive your test booklet and correct answers with your results. Thus, you can go back and check your work.

Of the 1.2 million students who take the test annually, 15,000 become National Merit Scholarship Semifinalists that can later lead to academic honors. Junior year is the only year that counts towards National Merit Qualifying; sophomore year is just an opportunity to practice.

PSAT College Board Website Link

Registration for the PSAT at FHS is located in the 3rd Floor Counseling Office.

Contact:
Katie Kelly
School Counselor
kkelly@farmington.k12.mn.us
651-252-2565