STAAR Testing Dates 2025-2026

Students, educators, and parents alike are planning for the 2025-2026 State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR). STAAR is crucial in gauging students’ academic progress and ensuring they are well-prepared for the challenges ahead. Let’s take a look at the key STAAR testing dates for the 2025-2026 academic year so you can plan ahead.

STAAR Assessment Overview

The STAAR redesign required by HB 3261 (2021) impacted the testing calendar beginning in the 2022-23 school year. The change reorganized testing windows and the calendar itself.  

The 2025-2026 spring assessment cycle STAAR calendar is organized by content area, whereas previous testing calendars were organized by grade level. As a result, STAAR tests within a given content area are grouped together during the same two-week window, regardless of the grade level assessed. 3-8 STAAR and STAAR EOC Reading Language Arts (RLA) tests will be administered first, followed by the science and social studies assessments, and finally, the math assessments. 

What Calendar Changes Mean

Because of calendar restructuring, schools will administer most STAAR assessments earlier in the school year. Districts must now align the scope and sequence of their curricula to ensure they cover the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) before the STAAR administration dates.

Here is a short video that covers the STAAR Testing Calendar.

STAAR Testing Dates

December 2025 Assessments

Assessment begins in December, with tests scheduled from December 2–12, 2025. These test administrations are usually retests for students who have yet to pass the test and cover Algebra I, English I, English II, Biology, and US History. 

NAEP Assessment

• Assessment Window: Late January to Early March 2026
• Assessments:
  • Mathematics -Grades 4 and 8
  • Reading – Grades 4 and 8
  • Civics – Grade 8
  • US History – Grade 8 (selected sample)

STAAR Stand-Alone Field Test

• Assessment Window: February 2–6, 2026
• Subjects: Grades 3-8 Reading Language Arts (English), English I, and English II (selected samples); Grades 3-5 Reading Language Arts (Spanish) (census) 

TELPAS Assessment

• Assessment Window: February 16–March 27, 2026
• Subjects: Grades K–12 Listening, Speaking, Reading, and Writing

TELPAS Alternate

• Assessment Window: February 16–March 17, 2026
• Subjects: Grades 2–12 Listening, Speaking, Reading, and Writing

STAAR Alternate 2

• Preview Window: March 2–April 17, 2026
• Assessment Window: March 16–April 17, 2026
• Subjects: Grades 3–8 Reading Language Arts, English I, English II, Grade 5 Science, Grade 8 Science, Grade 8 Social Studies, Biology, US History, Grades 3-8 Mathematics, and Algebra I 

April and May 2026 Assessments

April is a bustling assessment month, with tests scheduled from April 7 to May 1. Subjects include Grades 3–8 Reading Language Arts, English I, English II, Grade 5 Science, Grade 8 Science, Grade 8 Social Studies, Biology, US History, Grades 3-8 Mathematics, and Algebra I. 

Make-up sessions for each testing period must be completed by the end of the two-week content area testing window. 

June 2026 Assessment

The assessment journey continues into June, with tests scheduled from June 16 to June 26. These test administrations are usually retests for students who have yet to pass the test and cover Algebra I, English I, English II, Biology, and U.S. History. 

Conclusion

As we approach the 2025-2026 STAAR, students, parents, and educators must stay informed about each subject’s test dates. Adequate preparation and a clear understanding of the assessment schedule will contribute to a successful testing experience for all involved.

For additional STAAR resources, visit our website. View Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about STAAR or read through previously answered questions here.  See all of our STAAR blog posts here.

For additional questions, email us at staar@esc13.txed.net.