Schwarzkoff Elementary fourth grader Andrian Popovski has achieved a rare accomplishment with perfect mathematics and English Language Arts scores on the Michigan Student Test of Educational Progress (M-STEP) program.

What makes the accomplishment even more rare is that Popovski earned the perfect score for a test he took last year as a third grader  – the first year that the standardized test was administered to Michigan students.

“It makes me feel awesome in the way I know I will be successful,” he said.  “I know that I will be good in life.”

M-STEP is a standardized exam administrated to all Michigan students and is used each year to measure academic progress. Students are evaluated from third to eighth grade, and again in 11th grade.  

Schwarzkoff fourth-grade teacher Nichole Gorski said the perfect score reflected Popovski’s hard work and talent.

“M-STEP is a very difficult assessment and Andrian is always willing to stretch his brain to the highest heights,” Gorski said. “I believe that this outstanding achievement is only one of many to come for him.” 

Popovski is focused on his future, saying he plans to follow his dad into an engineering career with math as his favorite subject.

While recognizing that he may not earn a perfect score every year, Popovski said he believes he will continue to do well and has some thoughts for other students taking the test.

“My advice is to try to practice at home,” he said. “Try to read at home and that will help. Practice the old stuff but try new stuff too.“