Do homeschoolers have to take standardized tests?
This is a tenuous question for a lot of people. Standardized testing is a polarizing subject, and people have strong opinions about it. For homeschoolers in certain areas, it’s a necessity.
The answer to this question will depend on the laws for your area. Whether or not you have to take homeschool standardized tests will depend on where you live and the homeschool testing requirements for your area. State laws (and country laws, if you live outside of the United States) govern whether or not your homeschooler needs to be assessed on a regular basis. There are some relaxed homeschooling states that do not require homeschool testing of any kind, while other states require regular assessments or testing of homeschooled students, generally on a periodic or annual basis.
Head over to our handy list here for state-by-state homeschool requirements.
What about placement tests?
For some learners, it can be helpful to assess aptitude and progress at some points. There are many homeschooling placement tests available from private companies. Many of these have fees associated with them but there are some free options available.
Alpha Omega
Alpha Omega offers placement tests in subjects such as reading, writing, and math. One of the great things about Alpha Omega is that they offer testing options for specific curriculum choices, such as Switched on Schoolhouse, LIFEPAC, Horizons, or Monarch math. It’s a one-stop-shop for free placement tests and placing an order for curriculum for the school year based on those test results. If you’re not interested in using the Alpha Omega curriculum, you will still get results that can help you determine an approximate grade level for your child.
Internet4lassrooms
Internet4Classrooms is another popular homeschool placement test resource. They range from first grade through college preparation. You’ll be pleasantly surprised by the number of options available for each grade level.
If you’d rather administer paper tests, you’ll find the printable options here
K5 Learning
The online reading and math assessment from K5 Learning is good for your youngest students! You can access it for free with a 14-day trial that also includes their entire program! You’ll also receive a free report providing an objective evaluation of your student’s reading and math skills.
This curriculum allows your children to receive a personalized online learning program so that they learn at their own pace and level.
Math U See
While their curriculum doesn’t follow the standard grade-level approach, you’ll find Math U See provides math class options for your youngest students through Calculus. Their free placement tool is online and you’ll receive recommendations online and can call customer support for more advice as well.
You’ll also find many free resources available through the parent and teacher resource pages including worksheets, drills, webinars, and more.
Free placement test options
Saxon Math
Saxon Math is a traditional Textbook based math curriculum that covers Kindergarten through Advanced Mathematics. You can determine where your children will need to start with the free printable placement tests for their curriculum.
While these placement tests are featured on Sonlight’s website you can purchase Saxon math at various places online after completing the free placement test.
Monarch
You’ll need to create an account to access the Monarch Math and Language Arts placement tests for your students to take. They offer online curriculum for all grades and subjects!
If your students enjoy completing their work online then definitely check out this curriculum, just keep in mind you’ll need an internet connection to complete all lessons.
Sonlight
Sonlight is a Christian-based curriculum company, also providing free homeschool placement tests. No need to make a purchase. Test options include language arts, a general reading assessment, and tests for several popular math curriculum programs.
This curriculum is literature-based, and a wonderful option for kids who love to read!
Lifepac
Lifepac homeschool curriculum features workbooks that are student-paced for Kindergarten through 12th Grade. They offer curriculum for Bible, Math, Language Arts, Science, History, and more! There are free printable placement tests for Bible, History/Geography, Language Arts, Math, and Science covering Grades 1-8 and 7-12.
SAT Practice Tests
Before it comes time for your homeschooler to take the SAT, it’s time to practice, practice, PRACTICE! Check out these great resources for practice ACT and SAT tests!
