STAR Test Scores by Grade: Reading & Math Results Explained (Including Charts)

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STAR test scores can be confusing for parents. The reports use scaled scores, percentiles, and grade equivalents that are not easy to interpret.

Many parents wonder if their child is above or below average, and what the scores mean for daily learning.

This article explains the STAR test results in clear terms. You will learn how the scoring system works, what the numbers represent, and how schools use them to track progress.

The guide also shares tips on how you can support your child’s learning at home so they improve skills and score higher on the next testing terms

So, let’s dive right in!

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Created by Roman K., Test Prep Expert Since 2016, who has helped thousands of students achieve higher scores. As a parent myself, I understand your concerns. Feel free to email me at roman@giftedready.com. I'm here to help your child succeed!

Table of Contents

How the STAR Test is Scored

The STAR Test is adaptive. This means the difficulty of each question changes based on the student’s previous answers. Correct answers lead to harder questions. Wrong answers lead to easier ones. This format helps measure the student’s exact level in less time than a fixed test.

Scaled Score (SS)

The scaled score shows a student’s performance on a consistent scale. Scores usually range from about 0 to 1400, depending on the subject and grade. Teachers use scaled scores to track progress and check grade-level expectations.

Percentile Rank (PR)

Percentile rank compares a student’s performance to students nationwide in the same grade. A percentile of 50 is average. Scores above 75 are above average, while scores below 25 are below average.

Student Growth Percentile (SGP)

The student growth percentile measures growth over time compared to academic peers. An SGP of 50 shows average growth. Higher numbers show faster growth, while lower numbers show slower growth.

Grade Equivalent

The grade equivalent shows the grade level and month where the student performed like the typical student. For example, a score of 4.5 means performance like a fourth grader in the fifth month of school. This measure is often misunderstood. It does not mean the student should be placed in that grade.

Benchmark Categories

Schools may group scores into categories. These include At or Above Benchmark, On Watch, and Below Benchmark. The categories help teachers see which students meet standards and which may need support.

Standard Error and Confidence Intervals

Each score has a margin of error. This means the true level may be a bit higher or lower than the reported score. Schools look at growth across testing windows rather than focusing on one score. Growth trends are a more reliable way to measure progress.

STAR Test Score Charts by Subject and Grade

STAR Reading Benchmark Scores

Kindergarten
Grade 1
Grade 2
Grade 3
Grade 4
Grade 5
Grade 6
Grade 7
Grade 8
Grade 9
Grade 10
Grade 11
Grade 12
SeasonBelow BenchmarkOn WatchAt/Above Benchmark
Fall< 487487–529≥ 530
Winter< 534534–576≥ 577
Spring< 573573–615≥ 616
SeasonBelow BenchmarkOn WatchAt/Above Benchmark
Fall< 576576–629≥ 630
Winter< 637637–690≥ 691
Spring< 685685–738≥ 739
SeasonBelow BenchmarkOn WatchAt/Above Benchmark
Fall< 689689–746≥ 747
Winter< 744744–801≥ 802
Spring< 786786–843≥ 844
SeasonBelow BenchmarkOn WatchAt/Above Benchmark
Fall< 756756–812≥ 813
Winter< 800800–856≥ 857
Spring< 833833–889≥ 890
SeasonBelow BenchmarkOn WatchAt/Above Benchmark
Fall< 812812–867≥ 868
Winter< 847847–902≥ 903
Spring< 873873–928≥ 929
SeasonBelow BenchmarkOn WatchAt/Above Benchmark
Fall< 854854–910≥ 911
Winter< 883883–939≥ 940
Spring< 905905–961≥ 962
SeasonBelow BenchmarkOn WatchAt/Above Benchmark
Fall< 889889–946≥ 947
Winter< 914914–971≥ 972
Spring< 934934–991≥ 992
SeasonBelow BenchmarkOn WatchAt/Above Benchmark
Fall< 920920–977≥ 978
Winter< 941941–998≥ 999
Spring< 958958–1015≥ 1016
SeasonBelow BenchmarkOn WatchAt/Above Benchmark
Fall< 946946–1004≥ 1005
Winter< 964964–1022≥ 1023
Spring< 979979–1037≥ 1038
SeasonBelow BenchmarkOn WatchAt/Above Benchmark
Fall< 969969–1028≥ 1029
Winter< 984984–1043≥ 1044
Spring< 997997–1056≥ 1057
SeasonBelow BenchmarkOn WatchAt/Above Benchmark
Fall< 990990–1050≥ 1051
Winter< 10031003–1063≥ 1064
Spring< 10151015–1075≥ 1076
SeasonBelow BenchmarkOn WatchAt/Above Benchmark
Fall< 10081008–1069≥ 1070
Winter< 10191019–1080≥ 1081
Spring< 10301030–1091≥ 1092
SeasonBelow BenchmarkOn WatchAt/Above Benchmark
Fall< 10231023–1085≥ 1086
Winter< 10331033–1095≥ 1096
Spring< 10421042–1104≥ 1105

STAR Math Benchmark Scores

Kindergarten
Grade 1
Grade 2
Grade 3
Grade 4
Grade 5
Grade 6
Grade 7
Grade 8
Grades 9–12
SeasonBelow BenchmarkOn WatchAt/Above Benchmark
Fall< 481481 – 523≥ 524
Winter< 521521 – 563≥ 564
Spring< 555555 – 597≥ 598
SeasonBelow BenchmarkOn WatchAt/Above Benchmark
Fall< 567567 – 607≥ 608
Winter< 610610 – 650≥ 651
Spring< 646646 – 686≥ 687
SeasonBelow BenchmarkOn WatchAt/Above Benchmark
Fall< 658658 – 696≥ 697
Winter< 693693 – 731≥ 732
Spring< 723723 – 761≥ 762
SeasonBelow BenchmarkOn WatchAt/Above Benchmark
Fall< 726726 – 763≥ 764
Winter< 755755 – 792≥ 793
Spring< 780780 – 817≥ 818
SeasonBelow BenchmarkOn WatchAt/Above Benchmark
Fall< 775775 – 812≥ 813
Winter< 801801 – 838≥ 839
Spring< 824824 – 861≥ 862
SeasonBelow BenchmarkOn WatchAt/Above Benchmark
Fall< 817817 – 854≥ 855
Winter< 839839 – 876≥ 877
Spring< 858858 – 895≥ 896
SeasonBelow BenchmarkOn WatchAt/Above Benchmark
Fall< 842842 – 879≥ 880
Winter< 861861 – 898≥ 899
Spring< 877877 – 914≥ 915
SeasonBelow BenchmarkOn WatchAt/Above Benchmark
Fall< 862862 – 899≥ 900
Winter< 879879 – 916≥ 917
Spring< 893893 – 930≥ 931
SeasonBelow BenchmarkOn WatchAt/Above Benchmark
Fall< 879879 – 916≥ 917
Winter< 894894 – 931≥ 932
Spring< 907907 – 944≥ 945
SeasonBelow BenchmarkOn WatchAt/Above Benchmark
Fall< 901901 – 937≥ 938
Winter< 914914 – 950≥ 951
Spring< 925925 – 961≥ 962

Increase Your Child’s Chances of Scoring High Using These Exam-like Practice Questions:

What STAR Score Categories Mean

Understanding your child’s STAR test score is easier when you know what each category means. Scores fall into groups that show how well a student is meeting grade-level expectations.

Each group also links to a percentile range, which compares your child’s performance to students nationwide.

At/Above Benchmark

Students in this range meet or exceed grade-level expectations. They usually score between the 40th and 99th percentile, meaning they perform as well as or better than most students their age.

You should continue supporting regular practice and encourage enrichment activities.

On Watch

Students in this range are close to grade-level expectations but may need extra practice in certain areas. Their percentile rank often falls between the 25th and 39th percentile.

Progress should be monitored carefully. You can help by reviewing classwork at home and encouraging steady practice.

Intervention

Scores in this range show that a student is below benchmark and needs structured support. Students here often rank between the 10th and 24th percentile.

The school may provide small-group lessons or targeted instruction. You should work with teachers to set clear goals and support practice at home.

Urgent Intervention

This is the lowest category. Students here usually score between the 1st and 9th percentile, which shows they are well below grade-level expectations and need immediate, intensive help.

Schools often create special plans for students in this range. You should stay closely involved and may consider extra tutoring or learning resources to help their child catch up.

Interpreting Your Child’s STAR Test Scores

Here’s what you need to know to interpret your child’s scores.

What Is a “Good” STAR Score?

A “good” score depends on grade level, the testing window, and your child’s progress over time. A score at or above the benchmark, in general, shows that a student is meeting grade-level expectations. Higher scores indicate readiness for more advanced skills.

Low vs High Scores

Low scores suggest that a child may be struggling with foundational skills. Teachers often provide targeted support in these cases.

High scores show advanced understanding and may lead to enrichment opportunities. Both low and high scores help schools adjust instruction to meet student needs.

Domain Scores and Skill Sets

Domain scores give a closer look at specific skill areas, such as vocabulary, comprehension, numbers and operations, or algebra.

A child may have strong overall scores but show weaknesses in one domain. This helps parents and teachers target support where it is needed most.

It is important to note that domain scores are not the same as benchmark categories.

Benchmarks are based on percentiles and show how a child’s overall performance compares to national norms.

Domain scores, on the other hand, show relative strengths and weaknesses within the test subject.

A student might be “At Benchmark” overall in reading but still score lower in the vocabulary domain.

This does not mean the child is below grade level. It simply highlights an area where extra practice could help.

How to Help Improve STAR Test Scores

Small, consistent practice at home supports classroom learning. 

  • For STAR Reading: encourage daily reading time with books at the right level. Talk about stories and ask your child to explain what they understood.
  • For STAR Math: use flashcards, puzzles, or simple word problems to practice number sense. Problem-solving games, board games, and logic activities also build critical thinking in fun ways.

Encouraging Growth Mindset and Progress Focus

Children do best when they see learning as growth, not just grades. Praise effort and progress instead of focusing only on high scores. Remind your child that mistakes help them learn. A growth mindset helps reduce stress before tests and builds confidence over time.

Using Practice Tests Effectively

Practice tests show how STAR questions look and how the adaptive format works. Use them as a learning tool, not as a final measure of ability. Review the questions together and talk through the reasoning. Keep sessions short and positive so your child does not feel pressured.

When To Seek Extra Support

It may be time to ask the teacher about extra help if scores stay below benchmark across several test windows. Many schools provide small-group instruction or tutoring for students who need it. Outside support, such as a tutor or online learning program, can also help fill skill gaps and build confidence.

Improve Your Child’s Scores Using These STAR Practice Tests:

Common Questions About STAR Test Scores

What happens if my child’s scores go down from one window to the next?

Small drops are normal because STAR is adaptive and scores can shift with each test. Look at long-term growth across fall, winter, and spring instead of one result.

Can STAR scores predict performance on state tests?

STAR scores often give a good picture of how students might perform on state tests, but they are not exact. Schools use them as an early indicator, not a guarantee.

Should I worry if my child’s percentile is low but their growth is strong?

No. Strong growth shows your child is learning faster than expected, even if their starting percentile is low. Consistent progress is more important than one score.

How often should I review STAR scores with my child’s teacher?

Plan to discuss scores after each testing window. Teachers can explain trends and suggest ways to support learning at home.

How much growth is expected between test windows?

Growth varies by grade and subject. Younger students often grow more points in a year than older students. The Student Growth Percentile (SGP) shows how your child’s progress compares to peers.

Are STAR test scores used for placement?

Some schools use STAR scores to place students in reading or math groups. Others use them to decide if extra support or enrichment is needed.

Do colleges look at STAR test scores?

No. STAR is a K–12 assessment used by schools for monitoring progress. Colleges do not review STAR results for admissions.

Are STAR test scores the same across all states?

Yes. STAR uses national norms, so a score has the same meaning whether your child tests in California, Texas, or New York.