Testing
          Diagnostic Testing
          Achievement Testing
          College Entrance Testing

FCA offers two types of testing. The first is a Diagnostic test, offered year-round. This test is helpful in determining the appropriate grade level in which a student should begin course work and is required for all new students. The Stanford Achievement Test, which is also required of all on campus students taking academic courses with FCA.

Diagnostic Testing
Diagnostic testing is highly recommended for first time home educators. Please contact the office to schedule this test. The cost is $125.00 to have an FCA staff member perform the test or we are able to train the parents to administer the test at a reduced rate of $100.

The test takes approximately 1-2 hours, is given one-on-one and is untimed.

Achievement Testing
Type of Test and Results
FCA administers the Stanford Achievement Test Christian School 10th Edition. The “Stanford” is an Achievement Test, not a Placement Test. It can be used as an indicator of weak academic areas which need to be strengthened. FCA offers Diagnostic Testing specifically designed for helping with grade placement and with choosing curricula. The Stanford Achievement Test is offered in the spring, usually between March 15th–April 15th.

The Stanford Corporation scores the tests and sends the results to FCA in June. FCA provides a date and time in late June for parents to pick up their test, reenroll, and receive bookstore discounts.

Testing Requirements & Recommendations
In order to graduate with an FCA approved diploma, students must meet the FCA credit requirements and obtain a qualifying score from one of the following test during the 11th or 12th grade. High school Stanford Achievement Test – minimum stanine score of 4, College entrance ACT – minimum score of 20, College entrance SAT – minimum score of 500 verbal/500 math.

What the Test Measures & Provides to Parents
The test is an excellent tool to measure strengths and weaknesses on a broad range of subjects including the following:
     Word Analysis (K5-2nd)
     Reading Skills/Comprehension (K5-12)
     Vocabulary (2-12)
     Mathematics (K5-12)
     Language (1-12)
     Spelling (1-12)
     Study Skills (4-12)
     Social Studies & Science (K5-12)
     Listening (K5-8)

The test provides to parents scaled, percentile grade-equivalent scores, and an ability/achievement comparison on combination test.

Length of Test
Grades K-8: 3 hours per day, 2 consecutive days
Grades 9-12: 2-3 hours per day, 2 consecutive days

Make-Up Test
If, for any reason, a student is unable to test on an assigned date, or if the student missed part of a test, parents must transfer to another test site or arrange for Private Testing through FCA. Call the office, additional fees will apply.

What to Expect the Day of the Test
Our testing policies are in effect to ensure a proper, fair and safe testing environment. Please help us maintain these policies so our students can have a good testing experience.

Testing begins promptly at 9:00am each morning. Parents and students are asked to arrive at 8:30am the first morning to receive a brief orientation and classroom assignments.

Testing last from 9:00am-12:30pm for 2 consecutive days. Schedule varies by site, watch for details on your site location by web or mail.

Students should eat a good breakfast and come to test well rested.

Bring scratch paper, at least 2 sharpened #2 pencils, a ruler (with inches and centimeters) and a calculator for 4th grade and above.

Parents are encouraged to bring juice, fruit or any other nutritious snack.

FCA uses facilities graciously donated to us. Please take care of the property and be sure to stay within designated areas. Students are allowed in testing rooms, break rooms and bathrooms only.

College Entrance Testing
ACT, SAT and PSAT
If the student will be applying to a private university, it is recommended that they take the college entrance test instead of the high school Stanford Achievement Test (SAT). The ACT and SAT college entrance tests are offered up to six times annually. Students usually increase their scores on these tests each time they are taken (after Algebra 1) and colleges usually accept the highest score.

FCA’s school code for the SAT & ACT college entrance tests is: 431252

Warning: When a student applies for a scholarship, some colleges average all ACT or SAT test scores taken. This could hinder the student’s chances for a scholarship if the student has taken these test several times in the lower grades “for practice.”

The PSAT should be taken in October (or the sophomore year for those completing high school in 3 years) for the purpose of entering the valuable National Merit Scholarship Competition.