Quick Links

High School Assessments (HSA)

The Maryland High School Assessments (HSAs) are a series of three tests -- one each in:

• Algebra/Data Analysis
• Biology
• English 10

 Students graduating in the Class of 2012 are required to take and pass three HSAs in order to earn a Maryland High School Diploma. There are a number of options to meet the testing requirement for graduation which include the following:

• Passing all three HSA tests.
• Earning a combined-score of 1208 on the three HSA tests. (The combined-score option allows students to offset a lower score on one HSA test with a higher score on another HSA test.)
• Students who have previously taken and passed the government HSA may use their government score to meet the 1602 combined-score for four assessments or they can use a combined score of 1208 on the three HSAs.
• A student who earns a score of 3, 4 or 5 on an Advanced Placement (AP) test does not have to take the HSA in the related subject. The student will receive the passing score for the content area.

Additional Information (PDF Form)

• Top 10 Things Parents Need to Know About the HSAs -- English, MSDE, July 2011 (Translated - Spanish)
• Elimination of Government High School Assessment - MSDE, April 15, 2011
• High School Graduation Requirements Questions and Answers - MSDE, May 2011

HSA Results - 12th Grade Students

Links

• HSAExam.org - An overview of Maryland's High School Assessments (HSAs) as well as related print, online and multi-media resources.
• MDReportCard.org - Web site displays data at the school, school system and the state level as the percent passing.
• Maryland High School Assessments and Your Child - This publication answers parents' frequently asked questions about the tests, and provides a list of high school graduation requirements. The document is available in English and 12 other languages.