Virginia · SOL · grades 3-8
SOL
Practice Tests
Questions aligned to Virginia SOL Standards, grades 3-8. Pick a grade and subject and try them without signing up: Math, Science, English/RLA.
Practice SOL Questions
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SOL sample questions with answers
One question from each of several grades, with the answer and a step-by-step explanation. Open a question's answer when your child has tried it.
Question 1 · Grade 3 Math · Standard SOL 3.2
What is the value of 4 hundreds, 2 tens, and 7 ones?
- A.247
- B.427
- C.472
- D.724
Show the answer and explanation
Answer: B. 427
4 hundreds = 400, 2 tens = 20, 7 ones = 7. Total: 400 + 20 + 7 = 427.
Question 2 · Grade 4 English · Standard SOL 4.5
In a story, a boy visits Colonial Williamsburg and thinks history is boring. Then a reenactor tells him about a young spy during the Revolutionary War who was his age. The boy becomes fascinated. How does the boy's attitude change?
- A.He stays bored the entire time
- B.He moves from disinterest to fascination through personal connection
- C.He only likes the food
- D.He wants to become a spy
Show the answer and explanation
Answer: B. He moves from disinterest to fascination through personal connection
The boy connects with history when he learns about someone his own age. Personal relevance transforms boredom to engagement.
Question 3 · Grade 6 Math · Standard SOL 6.6
A ferry from Norfolk to Hampton makes the 12-mile crossing in 40 minutes. At this rate, how many miles could it cover in 2 hours?
- A.24 miles
- B.30 miles
- C.36 miles
- D.48 miles
Show the answer and explanation
Answer: C. 36 miles
Rate: 12 miles / 40 min = 0.3 miles/min. 2 hours = 120 min. 120 × 0.3 = 36 miles.
Question 4 · Grade 7 Math · Standard SOL 7.3
A hiking trail in the Blue Ridge Mountains is 9.6 miles long. If a hiker walks at 3.2 miles per hour, how long will the hike take?
- A.2 hours
- B.2.5 hours
- C.3 hours
- D.3.5 hours
Show the answer and explanation
Answer: C. 3 hours
Time = distance ÷ speed = 9.6 ÷ 3.2 = 3 hours.
Question 5 · Grade 8 English · Standard SOL 8.5
A character in a story says: "I'm fine," while slamming the door and refusing to speak. This is an example of —
- A.Foreshadowing
- B.Irony
- C.Flashback
- D.Imagery
Show the answer and explanation
Answer: B. Irony
The character's words ('I'm fine') contradict their actions (slamming door, refusing to speak). This is verbal/situational irony.
Every grade, every subject
How SOL prep works
- 1
Pick your grade
Select your child's grade level. We show which subjects are available for that grade on the SOL.
- 2
Choose a subject
Pick Math, English/RLA, or Science. Every question is aligned to Virginia SOL Standards at the right difficulty.
- 3
Practice and learn
Answer questions in the real SOL format. Every answer gets a detailed explanation so your child learns from mistakes.
Why Virginia parents choose iMasterly
Virginia SOL Standards-aligned questions
Every question maps to specific Virginia SOL Standards and reporting categories. Not generic — built for SOL.
Verified accuracy
Every question is checked and verified against the answer key. No wrong answers to trip your child up.
Misconception-based distractors
Wrong answers target the exact mistakes students make. Your child learns WHY they got it wrong.
Beyond test prep
SOL prep is just one feature. iMasterly teaches 15+ subjects with AI-personalized curriculum.
DOK-matched difficulty
Questions match the real SOL's Depth of Knowledge distribution for authentic practice.
Built to the real SOL
Practice tests follow the SOL's published blueprint for each grade and subject: the same standards, question types and points as test day, with original questions and every answer explained.
Updated October 22, 2026
What Is the SOL Test in Virginia?
The Virginia Standards of Learning (SOL) tests are Virginia's statewide standardized assessments. Virginia is one of the few states that never adopted Common Core — the SOL standards are fully state-developed and have been in place since 1998. Virginia tests more subjects than almost any other state at the K-8 level, including Virginia Studies (state history) at grade 4 and Civics and Economics at grade 7. Starting with tests taken in 2026-27, Virginia is phasing in higher reading and math cut scores over four years, with a temporary Pass/Approaching level on score reports — the most substantial changes to the SOL assessment system in years.
When Is the SOL Test in 2026-2027?
Spring 2027 statewide windows (VDOE 2026-2027 Test Administration Dates): Grades 3-8 SOL tests, April 5 - June 17, 2027. Grades 5 and 8 Integrated Reading and Writing (IRW), March 8 - May 14, 2027. Each school division picks a three- to four-week window inside the state window for grades 3-6. New for 2026-27: under Chapter 103 of the 2026 Acts of Assembly, students in grades 7-12 must test no earlier than two weeks before the last day of the course, grade level, quarter, or semester.
SOL Subjects by Grade
| Grade | Subjects Tested |
|---|---|
| Grade 3 | Reading and Mathematics |
| Grade 4 | Reading, Mathematics, and Virginia Studies (state history) |
| Grade 5 | Reading (with Integrated Writing), Mathematics, and Science |
| Grade 6 | Reading and Mathematics |
| Grade 7 | Reading, Mathematics, and Civics & Economics |
| Grade 8 | Reading (with Integrated Writing), Mathematics, and Science |
SOL Practice by Grade & Subject
SOL Scoring: Understanding Your Child's Results
Virginia uses the following performance levels. Through 2025-26, 400 was Pass/Proficient on every SOL test. In 2026-27, a score of 400 no longer passes most reading and math SOL tests: the lowest passing score (the bottom of Pass/Approaching) is 408-426 in grades 3-8, depending on grade and subject, and Pass/Proficient starts at 430-451. Cut scores differ by grade, so the ranges above use grade 3 reading as the example. Pass/Approaching counts as passing, but only Pass/Proficient and Pass/Advanced show full grade-level mastery. Science, writing, and history tests are not part of the change.
Fail / Below Basic (grade 3 reading 2026-27: 0-408)
Student had significant difficulty with grade-level content.
Fail / Basic (409-417)
Student shows some understanding but does not pass.
Pass / Approaching (418-443) — temporary, 2026-27 to 2028-29
Counts as passing for school accountability and verified credit during the phase-in, but the student has not yet met full grade-level expectations.
Pass / Proficient (444-501)
Student demonstrates grade-level mastery of the Virginia Standards of Learning.
Pass / Advanced (502-600)
Student demonstrates advanced mastery well beyond grade-level expectations.
SOL Test Format: What to Expect
Partially Computer-Adaptive
Reading and Mathematics SOL tests for grades 3-8 are computer-adaptive (CAT). Other subjects may use fixed-form tests. The adaptive format adjusts question difficulty based on student responses.
0-600 Scale, New Cut Points
SOL scores run from 0 to 600. Through 2025-26, 400 was Pass/Proficient and 500 was Pass/Advanced on every test. From 2026-27, reading and math cut points differ by grade (for example, grade 3 reading: Pass/Proficient 444, Pass/Advanced 502), and a temporary Pass/Approaching band sits just below Proficient.
Integrated Reading and Writing
Grades 5 and 8 take an Integrated Reading and Writing (IRW) test — writing skills are assessed as part of the reading test, not separately.
More Subjects Than Most States
Virginia tests Virginia Studies (grade 4), Civics & Economics (grade 7), and Science (grades 5 & 8) — far more content-area testing than the national average.
What's New on the SOL
Major changes for 2026-2027: the Virginia Board of Education approved higher reading and math cut scores in September 2025, and in December 2025 approved a four-year phased-in implementation, with the first increase in cut scores in the 2026-27 school year. A temporary Pass/Approaching level appears on score reports in 2026-27, 2027-28, and 2028-29, and the higher cut scores are fully in place in 2029-30 (EOC Reading is on a slower timeline, with its new cut taking effect in 2028-29). Students in grades 7-12 must now test in the last two weeks of the course or school year. New 2023 Math Standards of Learning took effect. New 2023 History and Social Science Standards replaced the 2015 version. 2024 Computer Science Standards must be fully implemented by 2025-2026. Scores may appear to drop as the higher bar takes effect — this reflects a raised standard, not declining performance.
Virginia SOL Score Trends
VDOE's 2025-26 test-by-test results are the last ones scored with the old 400 passing score. Across grades 3-8, 72% of students passed reading (72% in 2024-25, 71% in 2023-24) and 69% passed math (68% in 2024-25, 66% in 2023-24). The table shows each grades 3-8 test in 2025-26, with 2024-25 in the note. Math pass rates drop sharply in middle school: grade 7 math was the lowest of any grades 3-8 test.
| Grade / Subject | % Meeting or Exceeding | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Grade 3 Reading | 68% | 67% in 2024-25; lowest reading pass rate in grades 3-8 |
| Grade 4 Reading | 74% | 73% in 2024-25 |
| Grade 5 Reading | 73% | 72% in 2024-25 |
| Grade 6 Reading | 73% | 73% in 2024-25 |
| Grade 7 Reading | 73% | 73% in 2024-25 |
| Grade 8 Reading | 74% | 74% in 2024-25 |
| Grade 3 Math | 74% | 73% in 2024-25; highest math pass rate in grades 3-8 |
| Grade 4 Math | 73% | 73% in 2024-25 |
| Grade 5 Math | 72% | 71% in 2024-25 |
| Grade 6 Math | 66% | 65% in 2024-25 |
| Grade 7 Math | 60% | Down from 62% in 2024-25; lowest of any grades 3-8 test |
| Grade 8 Math | 62% | 63% in 2024-25 |
| Grade 5 Science | 69% | 69% in 2024-25 |
| Grade 8 Science | 66% | Down from 68% in 2024-25 |
| Virginia Studies (grade 4) | 71% | Up from 69% in 2024-25 |
| Civics & Economics (grade 7) | 73% | 72% in 2024-25 |
| Old pass score | 400 | Through 2025-26 only. In 2026-27 (grades 3-8), passing starts at 408-426 and Pass/Proficient at 430-451, by grade and subject |
Read this carefully: these pass rates use the old 400 cut. The Virginia Board of Education raised reading and math cut scores on September 25, 2025, and phases them in from 2026-27 through 2029-30, so pass rates on the same tests may look lower starting with spring 2027 results. The temporary Pass/Approaching performance level (2026-27 through 2028-29) acts as a cushion: scores in Pass/Approaching count as passing during the phase-in. VDOE's cut-score page, checked in October 2026, still lists the four-year phase-in with 2026-27 as the first year. Science, writing, and history/social science tests keep the 400 passing score.
Who Runs the SOL — Virginia Education Leadership
Jenna Conway is Virginia's Superintendent of Public Instruction — appointed by Governor Abigail Spanberger (D), who took office January 2026. Announced January 13, 2026; assumed the role January 17, 2026. She replaced Emily Anne Gullickson, who served under Governor Youngkin (R). The original September 2025 cut-score vote was led by Acting Superintendent Gullickson before Conway took office. Many older sources still reference Lisa Coons (resigned March 2025) — that information is stale.
Recent decisions affecting the SOL
- 2026-01
Conway assumed role as VA Superintendent of Public Instruction on January 17, 2026. Spanberger administration has not yet announced whether it will accelerate or pause the cut-score phase-in.
- 2025-12
Virginia Board of Education approved a four-year, phased-in implementation of the higher cut scores, with the first increase in 2026-27 and full implementation in 2029-30. A temporary Pass/Approaching performance level was added as a transition cushion.
- 2025-09
Virginia Board of Education unanimously raised SOL cut scores on September 25, 2025. New grades 3-8 proficient cuts: Reading 444-451 and Math 430-445, by grade (EOC Reading 479, Algebra I 453). WAVY-TV reported projections that more than 50% of students could fail under new cut scores during early phase-in years.
SOL Performance by District — A Virginia Snapshot
Virginia's SOL pass rates show meaningful district variation. Loudoun and Fairfax sit well above state averages; Richmond Public Schools sits well below. Grade-5 specific district figures are available on VDOE's build-a-table tool — the figures below show overall 3-8 district pass rates for 2023-24 unless noted.
Loudoun County Public Schools
top suburban · Northern Virginia · DC suburbs81% Reading / 79% Math · 2023-24Highest-performing major district in Virginia. Above state average in every subject. Sits in the DC metro federal-worker belt with high median income and parent education levels. English Learner struggles remain a focus despite top overall scores.
Fairfax County Public Schools
largest district in VA · Northern Virginia · DC suburbs78% Reading / 76% Math · 2023-24Virginia's largest school division. Math improved to 78% in 2024-25. Science 73%. Just below Loudoun in overall performance — both districts share the wealthy DC-suburbs demographic profile.
Virginia Beach City Public Schools
coastal · Hampton RoadsExceeded state averages on 26 of 28 testsOne of Virginia's most consistently above-average districts. Reading range: 75% (grade 3) to 91% (grade 11). Math range: 47% (grade 7 subset) to 96% (Algebra 2). The coastal demographic profile produces consistently strong outcomes.
Henrico County Public Schools
mixed suburban · Richmond metro69% Reading / 66% Math · 2023-24Richmond's suburban-ring district. Performance roughly 4-5 ppt below state average. 2024-25: Reading 70%, Math 65% (still below state). Science 68%. Useful 'median Virginia suburb' anchor for parents.
Richmond Public Schools
urban · capital district50% Reading / 47% Math · 2023-24Virginia's capital-city district. Performance roughly 21-24 ppt below state average. Improvement from 47%/44% in 2022-23 but still trailing region. Writing: 45%, Science: 45%, Social Studies: 43%. Richmond illustrates the floor of Virginia's district spread.
Headline spread: Loudoun 81% Reading versus Richmond 50% Reading = 31 percentage points on the same test. Less dramatic than New Jersey or Massachusetts, but Virginia has historically been more equitable in K-12 funding than many states. The new higher cut scores will likely widen the gap during phase-in.
The SOL Equity Gap — What the Data Shows
Virginia's 2025-26 SOL pass rates held steady — 72% in reading and 69% in math across grades 3-8. The story isn't the headline numbers; it's what happens next. Cut scores raised September 25, 2025 by unanimous Board vote. Phase-in 2026-27 through 2029-30. WAVY-TV projections: more than 50% of Virginia students could fail SOLs during early phase-in years before the new instruction catches up. A temporary Pass/Approaching performance level provides a passing cushion 2026-27 through 2028-29. For families: the cushion is real but shrinks each year. If your kid is currently passing comfortably with 410-430, they will likely need to lift to 430-451 (the grades 3-8 proficient cuts) over the next 3-4 years. Targeted practice on the specific reporting categories surfaced in the score report is the highest-leverage move. VDOE's cut-score page, checked in October 2026, still lists the same four-year phase-in.
Virginia Laws & Decisions Shaping the SOL
Three Virginia decisions are reshaping the SOL right now — and most parents have not yet absorbed the full impact.
Virginia Board of Education unanimously raised SOL cut scores on September 25, 2025. Old proficient cut: 400. New grades 3-8 proficient cuts: Reading 444-451 and Math 430-445, depending on grade. The Algebra I passing score rises from 413 (2026-27) to 453 by 2029-30. Tests taken through 2025-26 were scored with the old 400 cut. Temporary Pass/Approaching performance level added for 2026-27 through 2028-29 — scores in this range count as passing during phase-in. WAVY-TV projected more than 50% of students could fail under new cuts in early years.
Chapter 103 of the 2026 Acts of Assembly requires students in grades 7 through 12 to take SOL tests no earlier than two weeks before the last day of the course, grade level, quarter, or semester. VDOE built this into its 2026-27 test administration dates.
Adopted April 20, 2023 after a contentious multi-year process. Goes into effect 2025-26 school year (currently in classrooms). The initial Youngkin draft referred to Native Americans as 'immigrants' and removed MLK and Juneteenth from elementary standards; the final adoption was a compromise after months of public debate. In 2025-26, 70% of history and social science SOL tests were passed, the lowest of the four main subjects (reading 74%, math 73%, science 71%, all grades).
On June 24, 2010, the Virginia Board of Education unanimously rejected Common Core State Standards. The SOL system has been in place since 1998 and is fully state-developed. Notable differences from Common Core: SOL introduces fractions in kindergarten (CCSS waits until grade 3); SOL introduces data collection in kindergarten (CCSS waits until grade 3). Virginia is one of only 4-5 states that has never participated in Common Core.
What Makes the SOL Different From Other State Tests?
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Virginia never adopted Common Core. The SOL standards are fully state-developed and predate CCSS. Virginia is one of the few states with a truly independent standards system.
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Virginia tests more subjects than almost any other state at K-8: Reading, Math, Science, Virginia Studies (grade 4), and Civics & Economics (grade 7). No other state tests state-specific history at the elementary level.
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Virginia Studies at grade 4 is completely unique — students learn and are tested on Virginia-specific history, geography, and government. No other state has an equivalent elementary-level state history test.
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SOL scores use a single 0-600 scale across grades and subjects, with performance levels such as Pass/Proficient and Pass/Advanced printed on every report.
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Virginia is phasing in higher reading and math cut scores over four years, starting with 2026-27 tests and fully in place in 2029-30 — the most significant change to the SOL assessment system in its history.
What Virginia Parents Should Know About the SOL
Read this first: if your child passed last year with a 405, they may not pass next year with the same score. The Virginia Board of Education unanimously raised cut scores on September 25, 2025 — phasing in from 2026-27 through 2029-30. In grades 3-8, the new Reading proficient cut is 444-451 depending on grade; new Math is 430-445. Same kid, same skill, different result. WAVY-TV reported projections showing more than 50% of Virginia students could fail SOLs in early phase-in years.
There IS a cushion. The Board added a temporary Pass/Approaching performance level for 2026-27, 2027-28, and 2028-29. Scores in Pass/Approaching count as passing during phase-in, but only Pass/Proficient and Pass/Advanced mean your child met full grade-level expectations. The band shrinks each year and disappears entirely in 2029-30. The new cut scores start with tests taken in 2026-27; every SOL test taken through 2025-26 was scored with the old 400 passing score.
Virginia tests more subjects than most states. Grade 4 parents: your child takes Virginia Studies (state history). Grade 7 parents: Civics & Economics is tested.
Grades 5 and 8 include an Integrated Reading and Writing component — writing is assessed as part of the reading test. Practice organized written responses with text evidence.
Virginia never adopted Common Core. SOL standards are fully state-developed. Make sure study materials are aligned to the 2023 Math, 2024 English (Reading) and 2023 History/Social Science standards — not the older 2015 version. The new harder SOL tests aligned to these standards launched Spring 2025; Pearson (test vendor) reports they are 30-40% more challenging than previous versions.
Frequently Asked Questions About the SOL
Did the SOL get harder?
Yes. Spring 2025 SOLs were the first administration aligned to the more rigorous 2023-24 standards — Pearson (the test vendor) reports they are 30-40% more challenging than previous versions. On top of that, Virginia's Board of Education unanimously raised proficient cut scores on September 25, 2025. In grades 3-8, new Reading proficient cuts range from 444 to 451 depending on grade; new Math cuts range from 430 to 445. The old cut was a flat 400 across grades.
Does Virginia use Common Core?
No. Virginia rejected Common Core in June 2010 by a unanimous Board of Education vote. The Standards of Learning (SOL) system has been in place since 1998 and is fully state-developed. SOL differs from Common Core in several ways — SOL introduces fractions and data collection in kindergarten, while CCSS waits until grade 3. Virginia is one of only a handful of states that has never participated in CCSS.
What grade levels take the SOL?
Reading and Math: grades 3-8 plus high school end-of-course (EOC). Science: grades 5 and 8 plus EOC. History and social science: Virginia Studies (state-specific history) in grade 4 and Civics & Economics in grade 7, plus high school EOC tests. Virginia tests more subjects than most states at the K-8 level.
What's a passing score on the SOL?
Through 2025-26, 400 was passing (Pass/Proficient) on a 0-600 scale; 500+ was Advanced. In 2026-27, the lowest passing score on grades 3-8 reading and math is the bottom of the new Pass/Approaching band: 408-426 depending on grade and subject (grade 3 reading: 418; grade 3 math: 410). Pass/Proficient starts at 430-451. The passing score rises each year until 2029-30, when Pass/Approaching ends and only Proficient and Advanced pass. Algebra I passing rises from 413 (2026-27) to 453 by 2029-30.
What happens if my child fails the SOL?
Elementary and middle school: no graduation impact, but schools typically offer remediation. High school: students need to pass certain SOL EOCs (Reading, Writing, math, science, history) to earn a Standard Diploma. The graduation impact is at the high-school level; the K-8 tests are diagnostic/accountability. Even during the new cut-score phase-in, the Pass/Approaching performance level counts as passing.
What does Pass/Approaching mean on my child's score report?
Pass/Approaching is a temporary performance level the Virginia Board of Education added for the 2026-27, 2027-28, and 2028-29 school years. A student at this level counts as passing for school accountability and for earning verified credit toward graduation. But VDOE is clear that only students scoring Pass/Proficient or Pass/Advanced have shown grade-level mastery. So Pass/Approaching means 'passed, but not yet at the new grade-level bar'. The band shrinks each year and disappears in 2029-30.
When are SOL tests given in 2027?
VDOE's 2026-2027 Test Administration Dates set the spring 2027 statewide window for grades 3-8 SOL tests at April 5 - June 17, 2027, and grades 5 and 8 Integrated Reading and Writing at March 8 - May 14, 2027. Your school division picks a three- to four-week window inside that for grades 3-6; students in grades 7-12 must test in the last two weeks of the course or school year. EOC tests at the high school level are also offered in fall and winter windows.
Are SOL scores public?
Yes. Division and school-level results are at SchoolQuality.virginia.gov. Individual student scores go to parents. VDOE also publishes a 'build-a-table' tool at doe.virginia.gov SOL Test Pass Rates that lets you slice by grade, subject, year, and district.
What changed in the 2023 History/Social Science standards?
Adopted April 20, 2023 after a years-long contested process. Goes into effect 2025-26. The Youngkin-administration initial draft referred to Native Americans as 'immigrants' and removed MLK and Juneteenth from elementary standards. The final adoption was a compromise after months of public debate. In 2025-26, 70% of history and social science SOL tests were passed, the lowest of the four main subjects (reading 74%, math 73%, science 71%, all grades).
How does the SOL compare to other state tests?
Virginia tests MORE subjects than most states at K-8 — Reading, Math, Science, Virginia Studies (grade 4), Civics & Economics (grade 7). The 0-600 scoring scale with a 400 pass / 500 advanced cut is one of the cleanest. SOL standards are fully state-developed (no Common Core). The Spring 2025 administration introduced new harder tests aligned to the 2023-24 revised standards.
Will higher cut scores hurt my child's grade promotion?
No — SOL scores are not directly tied to grade promotion in elementary and middle school. At the high school level, students need to pass certain SOL EOCs for a Standard Diploma. During the phase-in (2026-27 through 2028-29), the Pass/Approaching performance level counts as passing — softening the impact. Tests taken through 2025-26 were scored with the old 400 passing score.
Did the Spanberger administration reverse the cut score decision?
No. Governor Abigail Spanberger took office in January 2026 and Jenna Conway became Superintendent of Public Instruction on January 17, 2026. As of October 2026, VDOE's cut-score page still lists the four-year phase-in approved in December 2025, with the first higher cut scores applying to tests taken in 2026-27 and full implementation in 2029-30.
Questions parents ask
What is the SOL test?
The SOL is Virginia's standardized assessment for grades 3-8. Students are tested in Math and English/RLA every year, and Science in grades 5 and 8.
How does iMasterly match the real SOL?
Practice tests are built to the SOL's published blueprint for each grade and subject: the same reporting categories, question types and point values, with questions written to Virginia SOL Standards. Before a question goes into the bank it is checked independently: a separate check solves it from scratch without seeing the answer key, and on math questions code checks the arithmetic. Questions that fail are reworked and checked again; any that still fail are held back and never shown to your child.
What does it cost?
iMasterly is in beta and pricing has not been announced. SOL practice is not sold separately: it comes with the AI tutoring and personalized curriculum.
How many practice questions are available?
iMasterly has a deep bank of standards-aligned practice questions for every grade and subject, so your child can keep practicing without running out.
SOL is coming. Start practicing today.
Standards-aligned practice for every grade, with every answer explained.