Virginia Math SOL 2025: What Every Parent Needs to Know
- corey2833
- 6 days ago
- 6 min read
Updated April 2025 · 8 min read
Keywords: 2023 Math SOL, SOL blueprint, practice items, TestNav, SOL practice test, Algebra SOL, practice test with answers, VDOE math
Warning: This a great resource for the Virginia Math SOL Test so it is a little longer than our normal blogs...enjoy!
If your child is preparing for the Virginia Standards of Learning (SOL) math test this spring, there's important news: the rules of the game have officially changed. The 2023 Mathematics SOL standards are now fully implemented across all Virginia public schools as of the 2024–2025 school year — meaning the test your child takes this year is different from the one older siblings may have taken.
Whether your student is in 3rd grade working on fractions, 8th grade preparing for Algebra I, or in high school facing the Algebra II SOL, this guide walks you through everything you need to know: what changed, how to prepare effectively, and where to find the best practice tests and resources — including a free Virginia SOL math practice test with answers from our tutoring team.
Section 1: How Virginia Math Standards Have Changed in 2025
The Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) approved the new 2023 Mathematics Standards of Learning on August 31, 2023 — the first major revision since 2016. Full implementation across all Virginia public schools began in the 2024–2025 school year, meaning this spring's SOL tests are the first to fully reflect these updated standards.
This is a significant shift. The new 2023 Math SOL was designed to be "best in class" — raising expectations, adding rigor, and better preparing students for college and careers. Here are the five major changes every Virginia parent should understand.
1. Greater Vertical Articulation Math concepts now connect more deliberately across grade levels. Skills introduced in 3rd grade are intentionally scaffolded all the way through Algebra and Geometry, so gaps in foundational knowledge show up more clearly over time.
2. Stronger Data Literacy Data analysis and statistical reasoning have been significantly expanded at every grade level. Students are expected to interpret graphs, analyze data sets, and draw real conclusions — not just compute numbers.
3. Embedded Process Goals (Thinking Like a Mathematician) The 2023 Math SOL embeds mathematical reasoning, problem-solving, and communication as process goals woven throughout all content areas. Students need to explain their thinking, not just get the right answer.
4. Increased Rigor and Real-World Application Problems are more complex and contextual. Students are expected to apply math to real-world situations. This shift in rigor is reflected in the new SOL test blueprints and updated practice items released by VDOE.
5. New Cut Scores Starting 2025–2026 In September 2025, the Virginia Board of Education approved new, higher cut scores for the SOL assessments to match the increased rigor of the 2023 standards. The score needed to pass will be higher going forward — another reason strong preparation matters more than ever.
Important for Parents: If your child used SOL study materials from before 2024, those resources are likely aligned to the old 2016 standards and may not cover what's actually on the test today. Look for materials explicitly labeled as aligned to the 2023 Mathematics SOL.
Understanding the SOL Test Blueprint
The VDOE publishes a Math SOL test blueprint for each grade level and course. Think of the blueprint as a map of the test: it tells you which content standards are covered, how many questions address each topic, and how the overall test is structured. Updated blueprints aligned to the 2023 Math SOL are available on the VDOE Test Blueprints webpage and should be one of your first stops when planning how to study.
Section 2: Best Ways to Practice for the Virginia Math SOL
Knowing the 2023 Math SOL is more rigorous isn't enough — you need a smart preparation strategy. Here are the most effective approaches for Virginia students at any grade level.
Start with VDOE Practice Items in TestNav The VDOE provides official SOL practice items through its TestNav platform — the same online testing software students use during the actual SOL. These practice items are available for free on the VDOE website, organized by grade level and course (Grades 3–8 and End-of-Course assessments including Algebra I, Geometry, and Algebra II).
Practicing inside TestNav matters because the SOL includes technology-enhanced items (TEI) — questions that require students to drag and drop, click and place, or input answers directly into graphs. Students who haven't practiced with the TestNav interface can lose points simply from being unfamiliar with the format, not from lacking the knowledge.
Pro Tip: Have your child complete at least one full practice item set inside TestNav before test day. Familiarity with the interface, tools, and question types reduces test anxiety and helps with time management.
Use the SOL Blueprint to Target Weak Areas Once your child has done some practice, use the Math SOL blueprint to identify which reporting categories they're struggling with. For example, if the Algebra I blueprint shows that 25% of the test covers linear equations and your child is missing most of those questions, that's where preparation time should be focused.
Compare your child's errors against the blueprint reporting categories
Prioritize high-weight categories (those with the most test questions)
Re-test on weak areas after targeted practice before moving on
Practice multi-step and word problems specifically — the 2023 SOL includes more of these than the 2016 standards did
For high schoolers, practice with the Desmos Virginia Calculator built into TestNav, not a hand-held calculator
Simulate Real Test Conditions A practice test only prepares your child fully when taken under realistic conditions. Set a timer, minimize distractions, and have your child complete the full practice test in one sitting. After grading, go through every missed question together and identify the concept behind each error — not just the arithmetic mistake. This is why having a practice test with answers and explanations matters so much.
Work with a Tutor Familiar with the 2023 Math SOL For students significantly below grade level, or those facing the high-stakes End-of-Course exams — especially the Algebra I SOL, which is required for a verified credit toward a Virginia Standard Diploma — working with a tutor who knows the specific 2023 standards and blueprints can make a meaningful difference. Justmath have a lot of experience with Math SOLs at all levels. Book with us!
Section 3: Resources Available for Parents
Here's a breakdown of the most useful free and paid resources for the 2023 Virginia Math SOL.
Official VDOE Free Resources
SOL Practice Items (TestNav) — Official online practice items in the real test format, grouped by grade and course. Good for all students to build interface familiarity.
PDF Practice Items — Printable multiple-choice practice items for the 2023 Math SOL (Grades 3–8 and End-of-Course). Great for paper-based practice at home.
Math SOL Test Blueprints — The official breakdown of topics and question counts for each test. Essential for targeted study planning. They are about mid-way the page.
Released SOL Tests — Previously administered SOL questions released by VDOE. Use these for full-length, realistic practice sessions. There aren't a lot of up-to-date ones but they are useful.
Just-in-Time Quick Checks — Math Teachers love these. Short formative assessments aligned to the 2023 Math SOL standard by standard. Excellent for pinpointing specific knowledge gaps.
Math Forward VA — Volunteer-built instructional resources aligned to the 2023 SOL through Algebra II, including scope and sequence documents and unit guides.
How to Access VDOE Practice Items
Go to doe.virginia.gov and navigate to Teaching, Learning & Assessment → Student Assessment → SOL Practice Items. Select your child's grade level or course, then click the TestNav link to launch the online practice items in the browser — no login required. You can also download the PDF version for paper practice at home.
Understanding TestNav
TestNav is the online platform used to deliver the Virginia SOL assessments. It includes built-in tools like the Desmos Virginia Calculator, a ruler, a protractor, a highlighter, and the ability to eliminate answer choices — but only if students know these tools exist. Many students lose valuable time on test day figuring out the interface. Even 30 minutes of practice inside TestNav beforehand can meaningfully reduce test-day confusion.
Growth Assessments: Fall and Winter Data
Virginia now administers growth assessments in the fall and winter for grades 3–8 in math and reading. These shorter computer-adaptive tests use the same TestNav platform and give parents early data on where students stand. If your child's fall or winter scores were lower than expected, spring SOL preparation should start now.
📌 Note for Parents of High Schoolers: The Algebra I SOL is a verified credit required for a Virginia Standard Diploma. Students who don't pass must retake it. The 2023 standards have increased rigor for Algebra I specifically, and the new cut scores make passing harder — making dedicated, current-aligned practice essential.
Get a Free Virginia Math SOL Practice Test — With Answers
We're offering a free Virginia Math SOL practice test aligned to the 2023 Mathematics Standards of Learning, complete with a full answer key. Sign up with your email below and we'll send it straight to your inbox along with our SOL prep checklist and a suggested study schedule.
Ready to Go Deeper? Try Our Algebra I SOL Practice Test Bundle
Our full Algebra I SOL Practice Test is aligned to the 2023 Math SOL standards and blueprint, includes technology-enhanced item formats, and comes with complete step-by-step answer explanations. Everything your student needs to walk in confident on test day.
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