By Stephanie Smith, M.Ed.

NWEA MAP Science Test Scores by Grade Level 2026–2027: Complete Percentile Chart (1st–99th)

The NWEA science score chart below shows every RIT score from the 1st to the 99th percentile for Grades 2–10, updated with 2025 NWEA national norms — the most complete NWEA MAP science scores by grade level reference available online. Note that NWEA MAP Science is administered from Grade 2 through Grade 10 only. The 50th percentile row (highlighted in dark green) is the national average for each grade. For an instant percentile from any RIT score, use the free NWEA MAP score calculator.

Source: NWEA 2025 MAP Growth Norms Study. Every percentile rank 1–99 shown for Grades 2–10. The highlighted row marks the national average (50th percentile). Scroll right on mobile to see all grades.

Fall NWEA MAP Science Scores by Grade Level — All Percentiles 1st–99th

Fall science MAP test scores are the baseline for the academic year, typically tested September–October.

↑ Back to top of Fall table  Fall Winter Spring

Winter NWEA MAP Science Scores by Grade Level — All Percentiles 1st–99th

Winter testing (January–February) shows mid-year progress. Typical science RIT growth from Fall to Winter is 1–4 points.

↑ Back to top of Winter table  Fall Winter Spring

Spring NWEA MAP Science Scores by Grade Level — All Percentiles 1st–99th

Spring scores (April–May) reflect a full year of science learning and are the highest of the three seasons.

↑ Back to top of Spring table  Fall Winter Spring

How to Read This NWEA Science Score Chart

Match your child’s test season, find their grade column (Grades 2–10), then read down the percentile column on the left until you find the RIT score closest to theirs. That row’s number is their national percentile rank among all students who took the NWEA MAP Science test in the same grade and season. The 50th percentile row (dark green) is the national average: scores above it are above average, scores below are below average.

The heat map colouring makes scores quick to assess at a glance. Unlike most science map test scores charts that show only five or six data points, this chart shows all 99 percentile ranks for every grade from 2 through 10. An important note on Science growth: gains are modest compared to Math and Reading — typically 3–9 RIT points per year in elementary school, slowing to 1–3 points in Grades 8–10. This is reflected clearly in the NWEA MAP science scores by grade level shown above.

NWEA MAP Science Scores: Frequently Asked Questions

What does the NWEA MAP Science test measure?

The NWEA MAP Science test measures student achievement across three primary domains: Life Science (cells, organisms, ecosystems, and heredity), Earth and Space Science (earth systems, weather, space, and environmental science), and Physical Science (matter, energy, forces, and waves). The test is aligned to the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) framework and uses the same continuous RIT scale across all tested grades, making the nwea science score chart above a true cross-grade comparison tool.

What science topics appear on the NWEA MAP Science test?

Topics on the NWEA MAP Science test include living organisms and ecosystems, cell biology, genetics and heredity, earth’s systems and geological processes, weather and climate, forces and motion, energy and matter, waves and electromagnetic radiation, and engineering design principles. The specific balance of topics shifts across grade levels, with foundational life and earth science dominant in Grades 2–5 and more complex physical and chemical science concepts appearing in Grades 6–10.

Why does the NWEA MAP Science assessment only cover Grades 2 through 10?

NWEA MAP Science is designed for Grades 2 through 10 because the assessment framework aligns to the grade bands used in the Next Generation Science Standards, and most schools begin formal science MAP testing in Grade 2. Science instruction in Kindergarten and Grade 1 is typically integrated and exploratory rather than standards-based in the way the MAP test measures. At Grade 10, students transition to course-specific science (Biology, Chemistry, Physics) that falls outside the scope of the general MAP Science scale.

How does NWEA MAP Science compare in difficulty to MAP Math and Reading?

NWEA MAP Science shows smaller annual RIT gains than MAP Math and Reading, with typical growth of 3–9 RIT points per year in elementary grades compared to 8–17 for Math. This reflects the nature of science learning rather than test difficulty — science curricula often revisit concepts across grade levels rather than building linearly, which produces more modest RIT growth on a continuous scale. The nwea map science scores by grade level chart above shows this slower growth pattern clearly across Grades 2–10.

How is the NWEA MAP Science test structured?

The NWEA MAP Science test is adaptive, meaning the difficulty of each question adjusts based on the student’s previous answers. Students see a mix of multiple-choice and technology-enhanced questions covering Life, Earth, and Physical Science domains. Each question is linked to a specific science standard, and the test’s algorithm selects questions to accurately pinpoint the student’s achievement level on the RIT scale, which is what the science map test scores chart above reflects for each grade and season.

How many questions are on the NWEA MAP Science test?

The NWEA MAP Science test contains approximately 40 to 43 questions for most students, though the exact number varies because the adaptive algorithm adjusts question count based on the student’s response pattern. Fewer questions may appear in lower grades where the test terminates when the student’s level is confidently established. The adaptive design ensures that the nwea map science scores by grade level accurately reflect each student’s true science achievement rather than their stamina or test-taking speed.

How long does the NWEA MAP Science test take?

The NWEA MAP Science test typically takes between 45 and 60 minutes for most students, with no strict time limit. Students who encounter many challenging questions near their performance ceiling may take slightly longer. Schools generally schedule MAP Science within a single class period, and the vast majority of students complete the science map test scores assessment within the allotted time. The test may be slightly shorter than MAP Math or Reading because of the narrower grade-band content range.

What is a RIT score on the NWEA MAP Science test?

A RIT score on the NWEA MAP Science test is a number on the Rasch Unit scale representing a student’s current science achievement level, independent of grade. The RIT scale for Science typically ranges from around 150 in Grade 2 to around 220 for advanced Grade 10 students. The same scale applies across all grades, so a Grade 5 student and a Grade 8 student who both score 201 are at the same science achievement level. Every cell in the nwea science score chart above shows the exact RIT score at that percentile rank for each grade and season.

How do NWEA MAP Science scores relate to state science standards?

NWEA MAP Science is aligned to the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) framework, which has been adopted in full or in part by many US states. However, because state science standards vary, a student’s NWEA MAP Science RIT score does not directly map to state science test proficiency levels. The nwea map science scores by grade level chart above reflects national norms, not state-specific benchmarks. For state-level science expectations, always refer to your state’s released proficiency cut scores alongside the MAP national norms shown here.

How can parents support their child’s NWEA MAP Science performance?

Parents can support NWEA MAP Science performance by encouraging curiosity about the natural world, reading science-focused books and articles, watching science documentaries, and supporting STEM activities and science fair projects. For students scoring below the 25th percentile in science map test scores, additional focus on reading comprehension helps significantly, since science questions require students to interpret passages, data tables, and diagrams. The NWEA MAP improvement guide on this site offers more targeted strategies.

What is the average NWEA MAP Science score by grade level?

The average NWEA MAP Science score by grade level — the 50th percentile in the Fall nwea science score chart above — ranges from 176 RIT in Grade 2 to 213 RIT in Grade 10, based on 2025 NWEA national norms. Full Fall national averages: Grade 2 176, Grade 3 187, Grade 4 195, Grade 5 201, Grade 6 204, Grade 7 207, Grade 8 210, Grade 9 212, Grade 10 213. Science MAP scores grow more slowly than Math or Reading, which is why averages plateau in the upper grades.

What is the average NWEA MAP Science score for Grade 2?

The average NWEA MAP Science score for Grade 2 is 176 RIT in Fall, 181 in Winter, and 185 in Spring, based on 2025 NWEA norms at the 50th percentile — the highlighted row in the Grade 2 column of the nwea science score chart above. A 2nd grade student at the 25th percentile scores around 167 in Fall, while a student at the 90th percentile scores around 194. Grade 2 is the first year MAP Science is formally assessed. Students are beginning structured science inquiry covering plants, animals, weather, and basic properties of matter.

What is the average NWEA MAP Science score for Grade 3?

The average NWEA MAP Science score for Grade 3 is 187 RIT in Fall, 191 in Winter, and 194 in Spring, based on 2025 NWEA norms at the 50th percentile — the highlighted row in the Grade 3 column of the nwea science score chart above. A 3rd grade student at the 25th percentile scores around 178 in Fall, while a student at the 90th percentile scores around 204. Grade 3 science MAP scores reflect introductory life science, basic earth science, and foundational physical science. Growth from Grade 2 to Grade 3 is typically among the largest on the Science scale.

What is the average NWEA MAP Science score for Grade 4?

The average NWEA MAP Science score for Grade 4 is 195 RIT in Fall, 198 in Winter, and 200 in Spring, based on 2025 NWEA norms at the 50th percentile — the highlighted row in the Grade 4 column of the nwea science score chart above. A 4th grade student at the 25th percentile scores around 186 in Fall, while a student at the 90th percentile scores around 212. By Grade 4, students are applying science concepts to ecosystems, energy, and earth processes. A score at the 75th percentile or above in Grade 4 indicates the student is working comfortably above grade-level science expectations.

What is the average NWEA MAP Science score for Grade 5?

The average NWEA MAP Science score for Grade 5 is 201 RIT in Fall, 204 in Winter, and 207 in Spring, based on 2025 NWEA norms at the 50th percentile — the highlighted row in the Grade 5 column of the nwea science score chart above. A 5th grade student at the 25th percentile scores around 192 in Fall, while a student at the 90th percentile scores around 218. Grade 5 science covers earth systems, heredity, and engineering design. A score at or above the 50th percentile in Grade 5 indicates the student is on track for the increased complexity of middle school science.

What is the average NWEA MAP Science score for Grade 6?

The average NWEA MAP Science score for Grade 6 is 204 RIT in Fall, 206 in Winter, and 207 in Spring, based on 2025 NWEA norms at the 50th percentile — the highlighted row in the Grade 6 column of the nwea science score chart above. A 6th grade student at the 25th percentile scores around 195 in Fall, while a student at the 90th percentile scores around 221. Grade 6 marks the transition to middle school science, where content becomes more specialised and concepts more abstract. Students scoring below the 25th percentile in Grade 6 may benefit from additional support before the more rigorous Grade 7 content.

What is the average NWEA MAP Science score for Grade 7?

The average NWEA MAP Science score for Grade 7 is 207 RIT in Fall, 209 in Winter, and 210 in Spring, based on 2025 NWEA norms at the 50th percentile — the highlighted row in the Grade 7 column of the nwea science score chart above. A 7th grade student at the 25th percentile scores around 198 in Fall, while a student at the 90th percentile scores around 225. Grade 7 science MAP scores reflect more advanced life science including cells and genetics, as well as chemical and physical science concepts. Growth continues to slow compared to elementary grades.

What is the average NWEA MAP Science score for Grade 8?

The average NWEA MAP Science score for Grade 8 is 210 RIT in Fall, 211 in Winter, and 213 in Spring, based on 2025 NWEA norms at the 50th percentile — the highlighted row in the Grade 8 column of the nwea science score chart above. A 8th grade student at the 25th percentile scores around 201 in Fall, while a student at the 90th percentile scores around 228. Grade 8 science introduces more complex physical science, chemistry concepts, and advanced earth science. A score of 219 or above (75th percentile) indicates strong readiness for high school science courses.

What is the average NWEA MAP Science score for Grade 9?

The average NWEA MAP Science score for Grade 9 is 212 RIT in Fall, 213 in Winter, and 213 in Spring, based on 2025 NWEA norms at the 50th percentile — the highlighted row in the Grade 9 column of the nwea science score chart above. A 9th grade student at the 25th percentile scores around 203 in Fall, while a student at the 90th percentile scores around 229. Grade 9 science MAP scores reflect a broad range of high school science backgrounds, from Biology to integrated science. Growth is smallest at this level as students diverge across different science course tracks.

What is the average NWEA MAP Science score for Grade 10?

The average NWEA MAP Science score for Grade 10 is 213 RIT in Fall, 214 in Winter, and 215 in Spring, based on 2025 NWEA norms at the 50th percentile — the highlighted row in the Grade 10 column of the nwea science score chart above. A 10th grade student at the 25th percentile scores around 204 in Fall, while a student at the 90th percentile scores around 230. Grade 10 is the final year for which NWEA MAP Science norms exist. Scores at this level reflect the full span of science learning from Grade 2 onwards, and the 99th percentile reaches approximately 242 RIT in Spring.

What is a good NWEA MAP Science score by grade level?

A good NWEA MAP Science score is any score at or above the 50th percentile for your child’s grade and testing season, meaning the student performed at or above the national average for science map test scores. Scores at the 75th percentile or above are well above average, and scores at the 90th percentile represent exceptional science achievement. Use the per-grade breakdowns below for specific targets, or calculate the exact percentile instantly using the free NWEA MAP score calculator.

What is a good NWEA MAP Science score for Grade 2?

A good NWEA MAP Science score for Grade 2 is 176 RIT or higher in Fall, the national average (50th percentile) for 2nd grade science according to 2025 NWEA norms. A score of 185 or above (75th percentile) is well above average for 2nd grade, 194 or above (90th percentile) is exceptional, and 199 or above (95th percentile) places the student in the top 5% of all Grade 2 students nationally on the NWEA MAP Science assessment. Find the full 1st through 99th percentile breakdown for Grade 2 in the Fall science map test scores table above.

What is a good NWEA MAP Science score for Grade 3?

A good NWEA MAP Science score for Grade 3 is 187 RIT or higher in Fall, the national average (50th percentile) for 3rd grade science according to 2025 NWEA norms. A score of 196 or above (75th percentile) is well above average for 3rd grade, 204 or above (90th percentile) is exceptional, and 208 or above (95th percentile) places the student in the top 5% of all Grade 3 students nationally on the NWEA MAP Science assessment. Find the full 1st through 99th percentile breakdown for Grade 3 in the Fall science map test scores table above.

What is a good NWEA MAP Science score for Grade 4?

A good NWEA MAP Science score for Grade 4 is 195 RIT or higher in Fall, the national average (50th percentile) for 4th grade science according to 2025 NWEA norms. A score of 204 or above (75th percentile) is well above average for 4th grade, 212 or above (90th percentile) is exceptional, and 216 or above (95th percentile) places the student in the top 5% of all Grade 4 students nationally on the NWEA MAP Science assessment. Find the full 1st through 99th percentile breakdown for Grade 4 in the Fall science map test scores table above.

What is a good NWEA MAP Science score for Grade 5?

A good NWEA MAP Science score for Grade 5 is 201 RIT or higher in Fall, the national average (50th percentile) for 5th grade science according to 2025 NWEA norms. A score of 210 or above (75th percentile) is well above average for 5th grade, 218 or above (90th percentile) is exceptional, and 222 or above (95th percentile) places the student in the top 5% of all Grade 5 students nationally on the NWEA MAP Science assessment. Find the full 1st through 99th percentile breakdown for Grade 5 in the Fall science map test scores table above.

What is a good NWEA MAP Science score for Grade 6?

A good NWEA MAP Science score for Grade 6 is 204 RIT or higher in Fall, the national average (50th percentile) for 6th grade science according to 2025 NWEA norms. A score of 213 or above (75th percentile) is well above average for 6th grade, 221 or above (90th percentile) is exceptional, and 225 or above (95th percentile) places the student in the top 5% of all Grade 6 students nationally on the NWEA MAP Science assessment. Find the full 1st through 99th percentile breakdown for Grade 6 in the Fall science map test scores table above.

What is a good NWEA MAP Science score for Grade 7?

A good NWEA MAP Science score for Grade 7 is 207 RIT or higher in Fall, the national average (50th percentile) for 7th grade science according to 2025 NWEA norms. A score of 216 or above (75th percentile) is well above average for 7th grade, 225 or above (90th percentile) is exceptional, and 230 or above (95th percentile) places the student in the top 5% of all Grade 7 students nationally on the NWEA MAP Science assessment. Find the full 1st through 99th percentile breakdown for Grade 7 in the Fall science map test scores table above.

What is a good NWEA MAP Science score for Grade 8?

A good NWEA MAP Science score for Grade 8 is 210 RIT or higher in Fall, the national average (50th percentile) for 8th grade science according to 2025 NWEA norms. A score of 219 or above (75th percentile) is well above average for 8th grade, 228 or above (90th percentile) is exceptional, and 233 or above (95th percentile) places the student in the top 5% of all Grade 8 students nationally on the NWEA MAP Science assessment. Find the full 1st through 99th percentile breakdown for Grade 8 in the Fall science map test scores table above.

What is a good NWEA MAP Science score for Grade 9?

A good NWEA MAP Science score for Grade 9 is 212 RIT or higher in Fall, the national average (50th percentile) for 9th grade science according to 2025 NWEA norms. A score of 221 or above (75th percentile) is well above average for 9th grade, 229 or above (90th percentile) is exceptional, and 233 or above (95th percentile) places the student in the top 5% of all Grade 9 students nationally on the NWEA MAP Science assessment. Find the full 1st through 99th percentile breakdown for Grade 9 in the Fall science map test scores table above.

What is a good NWEA MAP Science score for Grade 10?

A good NWEA MAP Science score for Grade 10 is 213 RIT or higher in Fall, the national average (50th percentile) for 10th grade science according to 2025 NWEA norms. A score of 222 or above (75th percentile) is well above average for 10th grade, 230 or above (90th percentile) is exceptional, and 234 or above (95th percentile) places the student in the top 5% of all Grade 10 students nationally on the NWEA MAP Science assessment. Find the full 1st through 99th percentile breakdown for Grade 10 in the Fall science map test scores table above.

For more on interpreting these science map test scores, read our complete guide to what is a good MAP score by grade, visit our NWEA MAP FAQ page, or use the NWEA MAP growth tracker to see whether your child’s science growth is on track. If scores are below expectations, our guide on below-grade-level NWEA MAP growth and our article on how to improve your child’s NWEA MAP test scores provide actionable next steps. View all subject percentile data at NWEA MAP test scores and percentile charts.