ROCHESTER, N.Y. -- Common Core tests began Tuesday, and as the day got underway at Rochester's PUC Achieve Charter School, the day began with raucous cheers, and teachers, administrators and parents welcoming students with support and hugs.
"Those kids are like our family. They're family with one another, so when they came in, it was so exciting to see them," said Ashton Rinella, 5th grade teacher. "Their little eyes lit up, they know how hard they've been working and they were just excited to come in and take this day and really show what they know."
While some families across New York opted-out of the test, only one of the 178 students decided to not take Tuesday's English Language Arts state test. That's something principal Arkee Allen encouraged them not to do.
"We look at the state test as a minimal, a minimum skills test. We're actually teaching above those standards," said Allen. "Okay, You're a little worried, a little concerned, you have a little stress, maybe some anxiety about the test. Okay, you're going to have that about lots of situations. Let's learn how to tamper it down, and let's get busy."
Parents seems to agree.
"If you opt them out at such a young age, they're going to think they can opt out of all exams the rest of their life, and testing is important and you need to know where they stand at," said Monica Ortiz, a parent.
"I think I'm going to do pretty good," said Iysis Ortiz-Colon, "because the teachers have been preparing us for this day."
PUC Acheive has 5th and 6th grade but is expanding to add 7th grade next year. Administrators say the goal is to get all students to college one day.
"These exams are rigorous, they are very tough, but that a part of us getting them ready for college. This is one of their first challenges as a student," said Jackie Ehnot, 6th grade teacher. "One of my favorite things about this school is community involvement so, today is a perfect example."