NJGPA State Testing Schedule / Graduation Requirements

The purpose of this post is to provide you with information on our state testing schedule for the Junior class. Students in Grade 11 will be taking two performance-based assessments in English Language Arts (ELA) and two performance-based assessments in Mathematics.

New Jersey public schools statewide graduation assessment is called the New Jersey Graduation Proficiency Assessment (NJGPA) for all students in Grade 11. NJGPA is aligned to New Jersey Student Learning Standards for Grade 10 ELA, Algebra I and Geometry.

This test complies with State statute (N.J.S.A. 18A:7C-1 et seq.) and requires, as a prerequisite for graduation, all students to demonstrate proficiency by achieving a passing score on the English Language Arts (ELA) and Mathematics components of the New Jersey Graduation Proficiency Assessment, or by achieving a passing score on a substitute competency assessment, or by submitting portfolio appeals through their district.

NJDOE resource for Graduation Requirements

In an effort to minimize disruption to our educational program, Waldwick High School will isolate the Grade 11 students for testing and instructional classes will continue for students in Grades 9, 10 and 12 while testing is taking place. Below is our Grade 11 NJGPA testing schedule for March.

AM Testing Only 8 - 9:55am (Approximately)

Monday, 3/11 - Day 3 (Math Unit 1)
Tuesday, 3/12 - Day 4 (Math Unit 2)
Wednesday, 3/13 - Day 1 (ELA Unit 1)
Thursday, 3/14 - Day 2 (ELA Unit 2)


Students who are absent on the day of testing will be required to make up the NJGPA assessment at a later date within the testing window. Therefore, please make every effort to have your child attend school on the days of testing.

Students will receive their testing location from their Language Arts teacher during the week of March 4.


Student Preparation for the NJGPA:

• Make sure your Chromebook is fully charged.
• For the Language Arts sections, students will need hard wired headphones that work with their Chromebook.
• Get a good night’s sleep the night before the assessment. Start your day off with a good breakfast so that you have plenty of energy to take the test.
• Think positively and breathe. Believe that you will do your very best. Be confident in your ability.
• Read the directions and questions carefully on each part of the test. If you understand what you are supposed to do, it will save time and help you avoid careless mistakes.
• Flag a question and go on to the next one if you have no idea of the answer. Spending too much time on one question might keep you from having enough time to answer others that you do know. You should not leave any question unanswered. If there is time, you should come back to it later at the end of that part of the test.
• Pace yourself during the test. Budget your time so that you have a chance to answer all of the questions. Your proctor will periodically let you know the time remaining in the part of the test you are taking.
• Check your answers as you take the test.
• Some questions require more planning than others. This is especially true of open-ended questions and writing tasks. First, outline the steps required to respond to the question. Then, identify related information and eliminate non-related information when you can.