What are the HSAs?

The High School Assessments, or HSAs, are four exams—one each in algebra/data analysis, biology, government, and English—that all students who entered 9th grade in or after 2005 must take and pass in order to graduate. (Students who entered 9th grade in or before 2004 are required only to take the HSAs.)

The HSAs are only one component of Maryland's graduation requirements. Students must also earn state-specified credits, fulfill the state’s service-learning and attendance requirements, and complete any additional local school system requirements to receive a Maryland High School Diploma.

For more information about state and local high school graduation requirements, contact your school or school system.

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When are the HSAs taken?

Students who take a high-school-level, HSA-related course must take the HSA once they successfully complete the course. (Receiving credit for the course counts as completing the course.) That means that if a student is in middle school but is taking a high-school-level course (this happens most frequently with algebra), he or she will have to pass the appropriate HSA to graduate.

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For a list of scheduled HSA testing dates, click here.

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What are the HSAs based on?

The HSAs are aligned with the Maryland High School Core Learning Goals, which were developed by Maryland teachers and education experts. The Core Learning Goals have been part of Maryland's public school curricula since 1996. To review Maryland's Core Learning Goals, visit the links below.

• Algebra/Data Analysis (pdf)
• English (pdf)
• Biology (pdf)
• Government (pdf)