Assessments
The following is an overview of the different tests related specifically to courses taken at North Creek. Some of these tests must be passed in order to graduate, and others provide the school with information about how students are doing. Others, like the optional AP tests, are conducted offsite by outside organizations and may provide college credits based on the students' scores.
For college applications, the SAT or ACT tests will be required. For more information on these exams please visit our College Readiness / What Tests to Take webpage.
AP Testing
AP classes are rigorous academic courses designed for students who are college bound. There is no placement test for AP. Students self-select these courses and should be prepared to work at a college-level pace. At the end of the course, the student is expected to take the AP exam which is managed by College Board.
AP exams are highly recognized by colleges and universities with regard to a student's preparation for the demands of college courses. AP exams present an opportunity for college credit and/or higher placement in college courses. Each college decides which AP exam grades it will accept for credit or placement.
Information about exam dates and fees can be found on the College Board website.
For more information about North Creek High School's AP Programs please visit our Advanced Placement Programs website.
Smarter Balanced Testing
The Smarter Balanced assessment system provides educators, students and parents meaningful results with actionable data to help students succeed. The assessment is aligned to Common Core State Standards and consists of three major components, all designed to improve teaching and learning.
The Smarter Balanced Summative assessments are required. They will take place during the last 12 weeks of the school year. These computer-based tests will help schools evaluate how well their students performed by comparing them with students from other schools across the nation. The end-of-year assessments also will empower families by providing them with a clear indication of how well their children are progressing toward mastering the academic knowledge and skills necessary for college and career readiness.
Smarter Balanced assessments replaced the math, reading and writing portions of the MSP students in grades 3-8. The science portion of the MSP (tested in grades 5 and 8) remained the same. 11th graders will take the high school level of the new Smarter Balanced tests, but meeting standard on the tests is not a graduation requirement until the Class of 2019. Students will not take the new Smarter Balanced tests in grades K-2, 9, or 12. 10th graders will only take the English Language Arts Smarter Balanced test.
Smarter Balanced testing is administered in the the spring and is a state-mandated set of online tests for ELA and Math (10th graders) and Science (11th graders). Parents and students should make it a priority not to take time off of school during testing times as it is difficult to schedule makeup exams and will cause students to miss class time.
Spring Testing
English
English Language Arts (ELA)
Computer Adaptive Testing (CAT):
These are administered in May during 10th grade English classes.
Any 11th graders that have not passed this test will take it along with the 10th graders in one of the testing classrooms.
Performance Tasks (PT):
These are administered the also in May during 10th grade English classes.
Any 11th graders that have not passed this test will take it along with the 10th graders in one of the testing classrooms.
Math
Math
Computer Adaptive Testing (CAT):
These are administered the first part of the in May during 10th grade math classes.
Any 11th graders that have not passed this test will take it along with the 10th graders in one of the testing classrooms.
Performance Tasks (PT):
These are administered the second part of the in May during 10th grade math classes.
Any 11th graders that have not passed this test will take it along with the 10th graders in one of the testing classrooms.
Science
PSAT
Pending health and safety conditions, The Northshore School District is considering offering the PSAT/NMSQT exam on Tuesday January 26, 2021 during the school day. This will be an on-campus, in person, live test. This exam is optional. Current Juniors will be given priority and we will be limited to 500 exams per high school. The PSAT/NMSQT is the Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test. All 11th grade students who take the PSAT/NMSQT are also automatically screened for the National Merit Scholarship program. Our plan includes to offer the exam at Bothell, Inglemoor, North Creek, and Woodinville High School. Details are listed below:
- Registration for the PSAT can be done online here: Total Registration
- Registration window is from December 7-December 18
- NO LATE REGISTRATIONS ACCEPTED
- Cost for the exam is $18.00
- Full refunds will be given in the event we do not host the exam
- Participation is voluntary and is limited to 11th grade students in the Northshore School District. Current 10th graders will be on a lottery system if there are exam seats available.
- The test will be given Tuesday, January 26, 2021 during school hours.
- Free practice assistance available through KHAN Academy