Standards of Learning (SOL) season is upon us, and for some, this may be a magnum opus — signifying all of their hard work and effort throughout the school year. For others, it’s a time of anxiety, disappointment, and regret.
“A lot of my classmates are getting stressed,” says freshman Lucien Wickersham. “[Teachers] keep mounting assignments on.” The assignments, quizzes, and assessments, are given to students by their teachers in preparation for the SOL’s.
The methods used to prep students for the SOL assessments vary. Freshman Luka Jalagonia says that teachers use “a lot of TestNav and JLab.” Testnav can be used as an application or a website. JLab is a website that doesn’t need registration, but it’s considered more out of date, and according to its website, will be retired on May 31, 2025.
However, it is important to remember that online help is not the only valid method of preparation; traditional packets and paper quizzes are also commonly used to prepare students for the SOL exams.
“All of my teachers are currently doing reviews with packets and quizzes on the entire year,” says freshman Andi Ingram. “It’s helping a lot.”
Despite the assignments and quizzes given to students by teachers, plenty of teenagers still fail.
Governor Glenn Youngkin claimed in a 2025 statement that during the 2023-2024 school year, 29% of high school students in Virginia failed their science SOL. Stafford Sr High specifically had varying results with science SOLs, with “Science” having an 82% pass rate while only 32% of Earth Science students passed according to the Virginia Department of Education’s website.
Right now, the worst-case scenario for failing your SOL is retaking it and hoping for a better score. In fact, you’re able to retake the test as many times as you want, as long as your school’s testing schedule allows it. However, in the 2026-2027 school year, the SOL will account for 10% of your final grade.
“10 percent?” asked Jonathan Ramirez-Garcia upon hearing the new rule. “I think I really need to lock in junior year.’
All hope isn’t lost, however. If you earn a solid SOL score, it could bump up your poor grade. Your teachers and their assignments don’t have to be the only source of preparation you have for your end of year exams.
Khan Academy is a helpful website with videos and interactive activities to go over and study the stuff you may have learned throughout the school year. While it doesn’t have a dedicated section for studying for any high school SOL assessments, it still offers lessons that are covered under the Virginia curriculum.
Another useful, albeit more misused resource, is ChatGPT, or any website that acts similarly to it and can help you study. While AI may have a somewhat poor reputation within the sphere of education, it can be a helpful tool when used responsibly. Asking it to give you flashcards or create study guides can assist your learning to improve your test scores and confidence.
