Benchmark Exams for Incoming Freshmen

All incoming freshmen are expected to complete benchmark examinations in English, mathematics and, if applicable, World Languages prior to beginning their Stevenson High School career. Benchmark examination results and successful completion of junior high school courses determine students’ placement in freshmen-level courses at Stevenson.

Eighth-grade students in Stevenson’s public consortium school districts (76, 79, 96, 102 and 103) and St. Mary’s in Buffalo Grove will complete benchmark examinations at their junior high schools in January. Students who miss an exam due to absence, as well as Stevenson-bound students from other public, private, and religious schools, will take all necessary exams at the high school on Thursday, August 8. The mathematics exam begins at 8 a.m., the English exam starts at 9 a.m., and World Language exams will be offered at 11:30  a.m. Students will have a short break between the English and World Language exams. Testing should end by 1 p.m.

Students should plan to arrive by 7:45 a.m.  Testing locations and parking instructions will be posted on this website at a later date.

All students will need to bring No. 2 pencils to the tests. Calculators are allowed on portions of the mathematics exam. Students should bring reading materials in case they finish their tests early.

Stevenson faculty and eighth-grade teachers meet regularly to determine the goals and review prior results for the benchmark examinations. Due to that close communication, eighth-grade teachers are aware of the content expectations for the benchmark examinations. Students have no reason to look beyond their classroom for help on the tests.

For more information on the benchmark examinations, contact your junior high school principal or Stevenson's Office of Teaching and Learning at 847-415-4200.