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WHY/PURPOSE

MAP measures student growth, or the rate of their academic progress, which we compare to the growth rate that is expected for each academic year. 

QUÉ

MAP includes math and ELA (English / Language Arts) to measure core literacy (reading) and numeracy (math) skills rather than measuring proficiency in specific subjects (such as Geography or Biology). The assessment was developed by NWEA (Northwest Evaluation Association, now part of Houghton Mifflin Harcourt) and is used in schools and districts across the US but is not required. Washington Latin uses the MAP assessment at both campuses.

CÓMO

These assessments are administered on computers and are adaptive (questions are adjusted automatically to the student’s level) in order to measure each student’s skill level.

CUANDO

Latin administers the test three times each year – Fall, Winter, Spring

• Fall administration – establishes the baseline for each student (where are they starting) and identifies areas where the student needs extra support
• Winter administration – measures students’ rate of progress, both individually and as a grade; this allows us to see whether our instruction requires adjustments to meet individual student needs.
• Spring administration – measures where students end the academic year, which can be compared to their Fall scores to determine their growth.

RESULTS

Scores are reported as a “RIT score,” which shows progress year to year. We provide families with their children’s MAP scores, so they can track progress throughout the year and over multiple years. Washington Latin uses MAP scores to identify learning areas that a class should focus on, as well as monitor the growth of individual students.

Beginning in 2026-27, the DC Public Charter School Board (DCPCSB) will also use student growth data in the ASPIRE framework for evaluation of charter schools.

WHY/PURPOSE

DC CAPE measures achievement, specifically whether students are reaching DC academic grade-level standards. 

QUÉ

Students in grades 5-10 are tested in English Language Arts (ELA), Math, and Science. Grades 5-8 take English and Math annually. Grades 5, 8 and 11 also take a science assessment.

CÓMO

Students take the assessment on computers on campus in May each year. There are strict rules surrounding the testing. Those with individualized education plans (IEPs, or special education) or 504 plans may have accommodations for testing (small group, for example). 

CUANDO

It is administered annually each spring and is required for all DC public schools (public charter and DCPS) by the Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE). Results are released to DC schools in the Summer following the Spring testing, and individual student results are generally made available to students’ families in the early Fall.

RESULTS

Results categorize students into levels (e.g., below expectations, meets expectations). Washington Latin shares individual student results with families. These scores do not directly affect grades, but they are important for school ratings (both ASPIRE and the OSSE DC Report Card).

WHY/PURPOSE

The Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) is designed to measure students’ preparedness for college. The PSAT is the practice version for younger students

QUÉ

The SAT measures students’ abilities in English and math. The English portion requires students to read and analyze brief text passages on a range of subjects. The math portion tests students’ ability to solve problems in algebra, advanced math, problem-solving and data analysis, geometry and trigonometry.

CÓMO

This is an adaptive computer test with two sections: reading / writing (64 minutes), and math (70 minutes). Most questions are multiple choice, with some write-in answers in the math section.

CUANDO

Students may take the SAT multiple times and choose which scores to share with colleges and universities as part of their applications. Washington Latin students may take the SAT or PSAT on campus at no cost each year. (Read a recent announcement of PSAT/SAT Day at 2nd Street to learn more about these testing days.)

RESULTS

Though many colleges and universities have gone “test optional” and do not require students to submit their SAT scores, it can still be useful in the admissions process. The results are provided to students as well as sent directly to the colleges and universities of their choice.

WHY/PURPOSE

AP exams are standardized exams students take at the end of an AP course and count as students’ final exam for that course. A good AP exam score (3, 4 or 5) may also grant them college credit and/or allow them to place out of introductory-level college courses.

QUÉ

The College Board runs the AP program, offering 42 approved courses in seven subject areas. Each AP course is modeled on a comparable introductory college course and culminates in a final AP exam.

CÓMO

Most AP exams are fully digital, though some are hybrid or use another means for testing (view all AP exam modes). Washington Latin coordinates exams for all AP courses we offer, generally off-campus due to space constraints. There is a fee for each exam. This fee is  which is the responsibility of the student’s family, though Washington Latin offers financial assistance. No student will be turned away from this or any academic or extracurricular activity due to fees alone. Please contact the Business Office to learn more.

CUANDO

All AP exams are administered in May at testing locations all over the world. Check out this year’s schedule (link below).

RESULTS

Students and Washington Latin are notified when exam scores become available (usually in July).

WHY/PURPOSE

Washington Latin students in grades 7-12 take final exams at the end of the school year that cover the full year of course content. 

Nota bene! Starting in Spring 2026, students’ final MAP assessment counts as part of the final exam score.

QUÉ

Final exams are created by the teacher for each course and take two hours. Some teachers elect to have a final project rather than a final exam (mostly in Upper School classes). Each teacher determines how much the final exam counts for in the final course grade.

CÓMO

The type of exam and how students take it varies, with some using student Chromebooks and others handwritten. All final exams are taken on campus.

CUANDO

Final exam review week is generally the week of Memorial Day. Final exams are administered during the second to last week of school, which is generally the first week of June. The week after is when students and faculty enjoy fun activities (such as field day) and Valediction.

RESULTS

Students receive final grades by Valediction and report cards are available after that.