Tests / By city / Washington, DC
High school entrance tests in the Washington, DC area
In the Washington, DC area the Catholic high school test is the HSPT. Twelve high schools in the Archdiocese of Washington require it, with test dates on Dec 5 and Dec 12, 2026 and Jan 9, 2027. The Diocese of Arlington in Virginia requires it too. In both, a student may take it only once.
For students entering 9th grade in fall 2027. Facts checked October 11, 2026 on the official pages listed at the bottom. We read a sample of schools, not every one, and dates change every year. Confirm with each school.
Catholic high schools
| Archdiocese of Washington | 12 Catholic high schools require the HSPT. 6 others have their own testing |
|---|---|
| Washington test dates | Saturday, Dec 5, 2026, Saturday, Dec 12, 2026 and Saturday, Jan 9, 2027. In archdiocesan schools: Wednesday, Dec 2, 2026 |
| Washington fee and sign-up | $70, with scores sent to up to four schools. Registration opened Oct 5, 2026 |
| Washington retakes | None. One sitting, and not in a neighboring diocese either |
| Diocese of Arlington | Required of every 8th grader applying to a Catholic high school in the diocese |
| Arlington test dates | Nov 14, 2026 and Dec 5, 2026. In diocesan elementary schools: Dec 3, 2026 |
| Arlington rules | Taken once, by 8th graders only. Each test site sets its own fee |
Selective public high schools
| DC selective high schools | Admission is by criteria, not lottery. Schools may ask for a report card, an essay and staff recommendations. Apply by Feb 1, 2027 |
|---|---|
| Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology | No standardized admissions test is named. Students are evaluated on grade point average, a student portrait sheet and an essay written at a set session |
About this test
Questions parents in Washington, DC ask
When is the HSPT in Washington, DC?
For fall 2027 entry, the Archdiocese of Washington offers the HSPT on Saturday, Dec 5, 2026, Saturday, Dec 12, 2026 and Saturday, Jan 9, 2027.
How much does the HSPT cost in the Archdiocese of Washington?
$70, which sends scores to up to four schools in the archdiocese.
Can you take the HSPT twice in the Washington, DC area?
No. The Archdiocese of Washington says students may not take the exam more than once in the archdiocese or in any neighboring diocese. The Diocese of Arlington also allows one sitting.
Do all Catholic high schools in Washington require the HSPT?
No. Twelve Catholic high schools in the Archdiocese of Washington require it, and six have their own testing requirements.
Is there an entrance test for Thomas Jefferson High School?
Fairfax County names no standardized admissions test. Applicants are evaluated on grades, a student portrait sheet and an essay.
Sources
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