Dear Parents/Guardians:
During the month of December, students at Apollo-Ridge High School will participate in the Winter Keystone Exams. These state assessments measure student proficiency in Literature, Algebra, and Biology and serve as one of the Pennsylvania Department of Education’s Act 158 Graduation Pathways.
Students in grades 9–11 who did not reach proficiency during last spring’s testing window, as well as grade 12 students who have not yet met an Act 158 graduation requirement, will be required to participate. Below is the testing schedule we will follow:
- December 4 & 5, 2025 – Keystone Literature
- December 8 & 9, 2025 – Keystone Algebra
- December 10 & 11, 2025 – Keystone Biology
This year, the Keystone Exams will be administered online using the Department of Education’s secure digital platform. Students will complete the assessments on school-issued laptops under the supervision of trained test administrators. The online testing format offers a smoother testing experience, accessibility tools for students, and quicker result processing. Students should:
- Ensure their laptop is fully charged the night before testing.
- Bring their charging cord just in case it’s needed.
- Bring only approved materials (such as pencils, etc.).
Apollo-Ridge Virtual Academy (ARVA) students required to take a Keystone Exam must report to the high school on their designated test day(s).
- Students needing transportation may ride their assigned bus on testing days.
- Students driven to school should arrive by 7:45 a.m.
- Testing will conclude at approximately 11:00 a.m.
- Students who finish early may call for a ride home with parent/guardian permission.
To ensure test security, no personal electronic devices are permitted in testing rooms. This includes, but is not limited to: cell phones, smartphones, smartwatches, tablets, e-readers, and any device capable of taking photos, accessing the internet, or communicating with others. (Note: Exceptions will be made for students requiring their cell phone for medical reasons and school issued laptops required for testing.) Possession or use of an electronic device during testing will result in:
- Immediate confiscation of the device
- The student’s exam being invalidated and not scored
- Possible disciplinary action under the school’s code of conduct
The Pennsylvania Department of Education strictly enforces this policy, as all test materials are copyrighted and protected under federal law (17 U.S.C. § 101 et seq.). Please discuss this rule with your child prior to testing.
The Keystone assessments can be a stressful and exhausting experience. Please encourage your child to prepare both mentally and physically for testing. Here are several helpful tips:
- Get plenty of rest the night before each exam. A full night’s sleep helps improve focus and stamina.
- Eat a healthy breakfast to boost concentration and energy.
- Arrive on time and with a positive mindset — stress can impact performance.
- Read all directions carefully and pace yourself during the test. Remember, you will get a much time as you need to complete the test.
- Use test-taking strategies such as eliminating obviously wrong answers, highlighting key words, and reviewing questions if time allows.
- Stay calm and confident. Encourage your child to do their best and not dwell on difficult questions.
- Charge their laptop and bring it to school ready to go.
- Answer every question. Do not leave questions blank. Do your best to answer every question and utilize test taking strategies to help eliminate options that you know are incorrect.
Additional information, including Frequently Asked Questions about the Keystone Exams and Act 158 Graduation Pathways, is attached for your reference. If you have any questions, please contact the Guidance Office at 724-478-6000 ext. 1020. Thank you for your continued partnership in supporting our students’ success.
Sincerely,
Mr. Travis Barta
High School/Middle School Principal
Apollo-Ridge High School