HSPT Accommodations Guide: Everything Parents Need to Know

The High School Placement Test (HSPT) often determines admission and scholarship opportunities at Catholic and private high schools. If your child has a documented learning difference, disability, or medical condition, requesting the right accommodations can make all the difference. Because each school—not a central test administrator—approves supports, parents must start early, gather the correct paperwork, and coordinate directly with the admissions team.

This guide explains who qualifies, which accommodations are available, how to apply, and the deadlines you can’t miss.

Why HSPT Accommodations Matter

Accommodations adjust the testing environment — not the exam’s content — so students are evaluated on their academic knowledge rather than the limits of a disability. Approved supports never appear on score reports, and admissions committees will not know whether a student used them.

Who Is Eligible?

A student may qualify if they have professionally documented evidence of:

• Learning disabilities such as dyslexia, dysgraphia, or dyscalculia

• ADHD or other attention disorders

• Visual, hearing, or mobility impairments

• Medical conditions like diabetes, epilepsy, or severe anxiety

• Psychological conditions such as generalized anxiety disorder or OCD

Documentation must be current (usually within the last three years) and show that similar supports are used during regular classroom instruction.

Common HSPT Accommodations

Accommodation	Purpose
Extended time (50 % extra is typical)	Helps students who process or read more slowly
Small-group or private room	Reduces distractions for ADHD or sensory sensitivities
Large-print or Braille test booklets	Supports visual-impairment or print disabilities
Assistive technology	Screen readers, magnification, or text-to-speech tools
Scribe or typing assistance	A proctor records answers for severe motor challenges
Frequent or extended breaks	Manages medical needs, anxiety, or fatigue
Calculator permission	Only for documented math-related disabilities
Medical supports	Snacks, medication, water, or devices such as insulin pumps

Because each high school controls its own test day, the exact list may vary. Always confirm what a specific school can provide.

How to Request HSPT Accommodations

1. Contact the school’s admissions office early

   Reach out at least four to six weeks before the scheduled test date. Ask for their accommodation policy and deadlines.

2. Gather documentation

   Submit a recent psychoeducational or medical evaluation, plus any IEP, 504 Plan, or school accommodation plan. The paperwork must list:

   • Diagnosis and functional limitations

   • Recommended accommodations

   • Proof the student currently receives similar supports in class

3. Submit the request package

   Provide all documents to the school’s designated coordinator. Clarify each accommodation your child needs (for example, “50 % extra time and small-group room”).

4. Await a decision

   The school will review and either approve, deny, or request more information. Keep copies of all correspondence.

5. Confirm test-day logistics

   Once approved, verify the exact start time, room location, and any special instructions. Reconfirm a week before the test.

   
   

Where Will My Child Test?

All approved accommodations are provided by the school administering the HSPT. Students cannot choose an external test center—the school sets the site, proctor, and schedule. If a school cannot meet a specific need, discuss alternatives with admissions as soon as possible.

Key Deadlines

• Each school sets its own cutoff date; many require requests at least one month before the exam.

• Submit documentation early to allow extra time if additional evidence is needed.

• Late requests risk denial if staffing or materials (e.g., Braille booklets) cannot be arranged.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will accommodations show up on my child’s score report?

No. Scores sent to schools never indicate accommodations.

Does an IEP guarantee approval?

Not automatically. The school still reviews all requests and documentation.

Can we add accommodations after registering?

Policies vary, but most schools require approval before final registration. Apply first.

Are accommodations valid for every HSPT section?

Yes—once approved, supports apply across verbal, quantitative, reading, math, and language skills.

Can my child test on a different day?

Some schools schedule alternative dates for students with approved supports. Ask admissions directly.

Final Tips for Parents

• Start early. Early contact with admissions prevents last-minute stress.

• Keep documents organized. Store evaluations, plans, and correspondence in one folder.

• Clarify every detail. Confirm room setup, timing, and breaks well before test day.

• Practice under approved conditions. Simulate extended-time or small-room scenarios during study sessions to build comfort.

With clear communication, thorough documentation, and timely follow-up, securing HSPT accommodations is straightforward—and it ensures your child’s performance truly reflects their academic ability.

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