The Placement Test is scheduled to take place on Saturday, March 2, 2024. The test will begin at 8:30 AM, but please plan to arrive on campus at 8:00, to allow time for finding and settling into your testing room. Testing could conclude between 10:30 and 11 depending on how many tests you register for.
The English portion of the exam assesses grammar awareness, reading comprehension skills and effective written strategies through sound development and articulation, while the Math portion covers basic math skills, pre-algebra topics, graphical analysis and interpretation, and Algebra I topics. The science portion will cover some important mathematical skills that are recommended for success in an Honors-level course. Some of these skills include manipulation of algebraic equations, comprehension of word problems, and analyzing graphical data to construct a claim/hypothesis. The history portion will be a document based question while Latin will test grammar and usage. Based on HSPT exam performance, each freshman has been scheduled for:
- Either English I or English I Honors.
- Either Algebra I, Geometry, or Geometry Honors.
- Either Chemistry I or Chemistry I Honors
- World Civilizations or AP Modern World History
- Latin I or Latin I Honors
Course progressions and descriptions for all departments can be found by visiting our Curriculum Guide page.
After these tests have been scored, you will be notified of any change in course placement. If you have any questions, please direct them to the appropriate department chairs:
- Ms. Erin Stark (Math): StarkE@spprep.org
- Mr. Pete Geary, ’05 (English): GearyP@spprep.org
- Mr. Kevin Kuhl, ’14 (Science): KuhlK@spprep.org
- Mr. Anthony Verdi (History): verdia@spprep.org
- Ms. Rosalie Romano (World Languages): RomanoR@spprep.org
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the location of the Placement tests?
A: The tests will take place at Saint Peter’s Prep. Students will register for each exam they would like to take. Specific details will be sent to all registered students and parents after our initial registration deadline.
Q: What are the expectations for an Honors Course?
A: A student within an honors course is expected to manage a greater workload. The assumption is that a student who selects, with the approval of the respective department, an advanced section is willing both to approach the topic at a more sophisticated level and to devote additional time to study at home and at school. Homework responsibilities, in addition to other facets of an honors-designated course, may take twice as much as a non-honors student.
Q: What is covered in the English Placement Test?
A: Although referenced above, the English portion assesses a student’s skills in basic grammar, reading comprehension and writing. Students will:
- answer multiple choice questions covering basic grammatical principles;
- read a short story and a poem;
- answer reading comprehension questions; and
- produce two written samples based on their readings of the short story and poem.
Q: What is covered in the required Math Placement Test?
A: Topics include but are not limited to computational arithmetic, including fractions and decimals, positive and negative numbers, order of operations, absolute value, evaluating algebraic expressions, solving one variable equations, rules of exponents, solving systems of equations, writing equations of lines, multiplying and factoring polynomials, and solving a quadratic equation using the quadratic formula. For a more detailed list, please see Placement Test Info and Practice Problems.
Q: Is there a way to see sample problems for the Placement Test?
A: Practice Problems and further test information can be found here.