NATCHEZ — Natchez High School students will be put to the test this week as they prepare for annual state exams.

In Mississippi, high school students are assessed with the Subject Area Testing Program state tests in four content areas — algebra, biology, English and U.S. History.

Natchez High School students will begin testing today in English and continue throughout the week wrapping up the week Friday with biology tests. Students who missed any test throughout the week will tajke the tests May 12.

NASD Deputy Superintendent Tanish Smith encouraged parents to help their students prepare for an important week of testing.

“They should be going to sleep on time and be well rested when they come to school,” Smith said. “And being on time is another essential thing because once the test starts, they’ll miss their window for that test if they’re late.”

Students in grades three through eight will be administered the Mississippi Curriculum Test 2 the following week, May 13-16.

The MCT2 tests students on language arts and mathematics subject areas.

Both assessments are used to put a label on the respective schools and district, while also helping teachers pinpoint students’ weaknesses and strengths before the following school year begins.

Results of the assessments are released in the fall.