What is the HSCP and why is my parochial school using it to brag?

[Anonymous]

I received an invitation to consider parochial education for my children from the church we attend. On the subject of academics, the school pointed me to a pdf file that contained one entry with its test results in reading, language and math, as a placement percentile in "the National Scholastic Testing Services High School Placement Test". Truth is, I'm not excited with my own "Blue Ribbon" school, and I would be open to explore better education through a modestly priced private or parochial school. But the information received makes absolutely no sense to me. We're simply not in a position to afford $40K for multiple kids, while still saving enough for college, retirement and elder care for our parents. But certainly, the cost of parochial school ( $5000K) or even more is within reach. So I'd like to know:

1) *Is* there such a thing as a "National Scholastic Testing Services High School Placement Test"?
2) Who takes it -- how universal is it? Is it a parochial schools-only test? would public schools -- say, in FCPS -- take it?
3) Are there public results made available? Are there any regional results? What does a high-80% mean for this region?

I guess it bothers me that when I asked about standard test results (which they do administer), I was told they will not share those, but they are wonderful. So I'm really not sure how to interpret this one, which apparently ther *do* share.

[Anonymous]

http://huntingtonhelps.com/page/exam-hspt/

This is a start...

[Anonymous]

If it's a high school they should be able/willing to share average SAT/ACT scores.

[Anonymous]

My kids have attended Catholic School in Virginia for 15 years. Each year we take the Terra Nova Test which is a standardized assessment test, and scores are returned to parents and the school. The Principal should be able to share general score information with you. As an 8th grader, you either take the SSAT for independent score admissions or the HSPT(High School Placement Test) for Catholic School Admissions(local parochial or St. John's, Gonzaga, Visitation). These scores are returned to families and I believe the school as well.