Test & Competition Calendar

Key math tests and competitions for Fairfax County students — from AAP screening to SOL tests, all in one place.

Most Important Timeline

AAP Screening & Placement Process

New to AAP? The process runs from October through September of the following year. Here's every step.

Oct

Referral Window Opens

Parents, teachers, or students may submit an AAP screening referral. Contact your school's AAP coordinator.

Dec

Referral Window Closes

After the deadline it is difficult to participate in that year's screening. Submit on time.

Jan–Feb

Ability Testing (CogAT + NNAT)

The school administers CogAT (verbal, quantitative, nonverbal reasoning) and NNAT (nonverbal) tests.

Feb–Mar

Portfolio Review

Report cards, work samples, and teacher evaluations are submitted to the selection committee.

Apr

Placement Notification

FCPS mails placement letters to families. Full-Time AAP starts at a designated center school the following year.

Sep (next yr)

AAP Program Begins

Full-Time AAP students transfer to their assigned center school. Part-Time (Level III) students remain at their home school.

Exact dates vary each school year. Always confirm with your school and the FCPS official AAP page.

All Tests & Competitions

Test Calendar & Details

Oct – Dec (annually)

K–6 (current year students)

AAP Screening Referral Window

Parents, teachers, or students themselves can submit a referral for AAP evaluation. Forms are available through each school's AAP contact. No cost. The referral window closes in early December each year.

Jan – Feb (annually)

Referred students (K–5)

AAP Ability Testing (CogAT / NNAT)

FCPS administers two nationally normed tests: CogAT (Cognitive Abilities Test) measures reasoning in verbal, quantitative, and nonverbal areas. NNAT (Naglieri Nonverbal Ability Test) measures nonverbal reasoning. Scores plus portfolio evidence determine AAP placement.

Apr (annually)

Tested students

AAP Placement Notification

FCPS sends placement letters home. Full-Time AAP students move to a designated AAP center school the following year. Part-Time AAP (Level III) services begin at the home school. Parents may request reconsideration within the given window.

Late Apr – early Jun (annually)

Gr 3 (Math, Reading), Gr 4 (Math, Reading), Gr 5 (Math, Reading, Science), Gr 6 (Math, Reading)

Virginia SOL Testing

Virginia Standards of Learning (SOL) tests measure whether students have mastered the grade-level SOL. All public school students in Grades 3–8 are required to take these tests. Results are used for school accreditation and student promotion decisions.

Nov – Mar (5 monthly contests)

Gr 4–6 (school-based teams)

FCPS Math Olympiad (MOEMS)

Mathematical Olympiads for Elementary and Middle Schools (MOEMS) is held in monthly rounds. Schools form teams and students compete individually. Strong preparation for future math competitions.

Jan (annually)

Gr 8 and below

AMC 8

The AMC 8 is a 25-question, 40-minute multiple-choice math exam for students in grade 8 and below, administered by the Mathematical Association of America (MAA). No penalty for wrong answers. An excellent first step toward AMC 10/12 and MATHCOUNTS.

Prepare for These Tests with Daniel Math Academy

AAP screening (CogAT/NNAT), SOL tests, AMC 8 — we build a curriculum tailored to each student's test goals.

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