The PSIA Mission: To inspire private, parochial, charter, and home school student achievement through academic competition.
PSIA is an exciting opportunity for private school students in grades 2 through 8 to engage in academic competition with their peers throughout the state of Texas.
Objective Events
Graded Tests
Mathematics Grades 4-8
In a comprehensive, multiple choice, 30-minute math test, students are challenged beyond their grade levels in a variety of general math questions, including algebraic equations introduced in grades 6-8.
Science Grades 6-8
Earth, Life, and Physical Science information found in current textbooks, plus items from current science publications list, are tested in this 30-minute, multiple choice contest, which usually consists of 50 test questions.
Maps, Graphs, & Charts Grades 5-8
This event is designed to provide students with experience in obtaining information from visual sources, a valuable life skill. Tests include maps, graphs, & charts needed to answer multiple choice questions derived from the Nystrom Desk Atlas, which students bring to the contest.
Spelling Grades 2-8
As spelling words are pronounced at approximately five words per minute, contestants may either write or print each word. While 20% of the test words come from outside sources, 80% come from the PSIA Spelling List. A different list is published annually for the three grade groups.
Dictionary Skills Grades 5-8
Students use all elements of the dictionary and learn practical techniques for extracting and applying resource information.
Listening Grades 5-8
Good listening skills enhance any academic area, and the study materials are useful for all students. Contestants may take notes as they listen to the contest script on tape, and then use these notes as they answer objective test questions in 10 minutes.
Subjective Events
Judged Compositions and Productions
Storytelling Grades 1-3
Contestants hear a story that they retell for their audience in their own words within 7 minutes. This activity encourages the use of recall and also allows young students to bring their own expression and insight to the story.
Ready Writing Grades 3-8
This event brings challenge for the gifted writer. Students are given a choice between two prompts. Each prompt defines the audience and provides the purpose for writing. Time limits vary by grade level.
