The Classic Learning Test (CLT): An overview for homeschoolers

According to the U.S. Census Bureau’s Household Pulse Survey, the percentage of U.S. households participating in homeschool testing increased from 5.4% in the spring of 2020 to 11.1% by the fall of 2020. This sharp rise was mainly driven by the COVID-19 pandemic, which prompted more families to consider alternative education pathways and evaluate options for assessing academic achievement outside traditional schools. Since then, the number of students who are homeschooled continues to increase: an estimated 4 million students are now being taught at home in the U.S.

Homeschooling, along with tailored homeschool testing solutions, offers flexibility for parents aiming to personalize their child’s educational experience and monitor progress through a range of learning and assessment methods. Many families who initially turned to homeschooling during the health crisis have discovered lasting advantages to nontraditional education for their children. State regulations, although widely variable, can ensure that students meet rigorous academic requirements while taking advantage of the benefits of homeschooling.

As interest in homeschooling expands, finding reliable standardized testing for homeschoolers has become a top priority, especially for evaluating academic development and navigating college admissions requirements. The Classic Learning Test (CLT) stands out as one of the best standardized test options for homeschoolers, emerging as an appealing alternative to the SAT and ACT. This test is gaining popularity among homeschool families seeking credible ways to measure educational progress and provide comparable scores for college applications. In this guide, we’ll discuss the CLT exam, key strategies for homeschool testing preparation, and explore why many homeschool families now favor it as part of their approach to preparing students for higher education opportunities.

What is the Classic Learning Test (CLT)?

The CLT exam is a standardized college admissions test specifically designed to assess the academic strengths of students from diverse academic backgrounds. Focused on classical texts, ethical reasoning, and deep critical thinking, the CLT exam takes a distinctive approach that resonates with individuals immersed in homeschooling and classical education curricula. Its short format, strong emphasis on great works of literature, and commitment to excellent customer service have all fueled the rapid growth and adoption of the CLT exam at over 300 colleges, including select public institutions.

The Classic Learning Test, or CLT exam, is an exciting and transformative addition to the current landscape of college entrance exams. Created to provide a more rigorous, comprehensive, and focused alternative to other standardized tests, the CLT exam is particularly well-suited for homeschooled students, faith-based private school students, or any applicant submitting scores to colleges such as Liberty University, Belmont Abbey College, Grove City College, Christopher Newport University, or Baylor University. Additionally, the CLT exam serves as an effective differentiator for high-achieving students aiming to make their college applications stand out with a unique credential.

How to prepare for the CLT

Preparation for the CLT involves similar strategies to those for the SAT and ACT, but with a unique focus on classical texts and higher-level thinking. Here’s how you can get started:

1. Review the test format: The CLT consists of three main sections: reading, mathematics, and grammar & writing. Students should familiarize themselves with the test format to understand what to expect and how to effectively structure their study time.
2. Use CLT-specific prep materials: The CLT has its own set of prep resources, including practice tests and study guides. High-quality, third-party services can help supplement your preparation by providing additional, comprehensive study tools. These resources often focus more on literature and classical education, which can align better with homeschool curricula.
3. Practice time management: As with any standardized test, time management is key. Students should practice working through each section efficiently to ensure they can complete all questions within the allotted time.
4. Focus on critical thinking: The CLT places a strong emphasis on logical reasoning and the ability to draw conclusions from texts, so students should work on developing these skills alongside traditional academic content.

How to schedule the CLT

Scheduling your CLT exam is easy and convenient, offering more flexibility than other standardized tests. The CLT provides multiple paths to registration, giving students and families control over the testing process. Here’s how to schedule your exam efficiently:

1. Register online: Begin by registering for your CLT exam through the official CLT website. The online registration process is user-friendly, allowing you to reserve a spot for any upcoming CLT exam date.
2. Choose a test date: The CLT exam is administered several times per year, making it simple to select a test window that works best for your schedule. This regular testing cadence allows maximum flexibility for students preparing for the CLT exam.
3. Select a testing center: The CLT exam can be taken at designated testing centers located across the U.S. Use the official CLT online search tool to locate a convenient exam site. Additionally, many homeschool organizations and local co-ops coordinate group testing sessions and provide remote proctoring options for the CLT exam.

Scheduling your CLT exam in advance ensures you receive your preferred testing date and location, making the exam process stress-free and accessible.

Homeschool standardized testing: CLT vs. SAT vs. ACT

For homeschooling families, selecting the best standardized test for homeschoolers is a crucial decision that can significantly impact college admissions and academic planning. Here’s how the CLT compares to other top choices like the SAT and ACT for homeschool students:

• CLT: The CLT is often regarded as the best standardized test for homeschoolers who prioritize classical education and higher-order thinking skills. With a strong focus on reading, writing, and math, the CLT aligns closely with holistic, liberal arts-focused instruction. Its increasing acceptance among colleges makes it a popular option for homeschool families seeking a test that reflects their educational approach.
• SAT: The SAT is one of the most recognized standardized tests for college admissions. It measures reading, writing, and math proficiency. While widely accepted, it is more oriented toward conventional reading and math skills and may not always match the classical education methods preferred by some homeschoolers.
• ACT: The ACT, another leading standardized test for homeschoolers, includes sections on reading, math, writing, and science. It takes a conventional academic approach that may suit students following a traditional curriculum, but might be less tailored to those pursuing classical learning.

Understanding how each option serves homeschoolers can help families choose the best standardized test for their unique educational goals.

Why is the CLT popular among homeschoolers?

The CLT’s popularity with homeschoolers can be attributed to three key factors related to homeschool testing and the path many homeschool students take toward college admission:

• Alignment with classical education: Many families who choose homeschool testing prefer a curriculum rooted in liberal arts education, which places a strong emphasis on critical thinking and the study of enduring texts. The CLT is designed with these principles in mind, making it especially appealing for homeschoolers whose coursework follows a classical model, an important consideration for those preparing for college admissions.
• Flexibility and accessibility: Compared to other homeschool testing options like the SAT or ACT, the CLT offers increased flexibility with multiple testing dates and numerous testing centers. This adaptability is highly valued by homeschooling families, who often require customized schedules. Such flexibility can make the process smoother when planning how homeschoolers get into college, ensuring students can take standardized tests that best fit their needs.
• Fewer test prep pressures: The CLT’s focus on reasoning skills rather than rote memorization means it aligns well with the educational philosophy of many homeschooling families. As a result, homeschoolers often experience less anxiety around test preparation, making the CLT a preferred choice for homeschool testing among those seeking a balanced approach as they plan their college admissions journey.

By addressing these factors, the CLT stands out as a strong option for homeschool testing, supporting the unique ways homeschoolers prepare for and transition to college.

Best standardized test for homeschoolers

When selecting the best standardized test for homeschoolers, it’s essential to consider how each option aligns with your educational philosophy, the flexibility it provides, and how widely the results are accepted by colleges. Homeschool standardized testing can play a crucial role not only in meeting testing requirements for homeschoolers but also in supporting your child’s academic journey. The CLT stands out among homeschool testing options, offering a test that aligns closely with homeschool curricula and teaching methods. For families interested in standardized testing for homeschoolers, whether to track academic progress or fulfill college admissions requirements, the CLT delivers a balanced and effective solution that supports both educational goals and college acceptance.

Conclusion

For homeschool families searching for a standardized test that aligns with their educational style, the CLT exam stands out as a compelling choice. With a primary focus on critical thinking skills, the principles of classical education, and a range of flexible testing options, the CLT exam serves as a distinctive alternative to the traditional SAT and ACT. Gaining familiarity with the CLT exam format, preparation methods, and testing schedules empowers you to guide your homeschooler toward success on the CLT exam and confidently support their journey to college.