If you want to save both time AND money, then TESTING may be a great option for you! In this article, we will review:
- State Testing
- Evaluations
- Portfolios
- Advanced Placement (AP) Testing
- College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) Testing
- DSST
State Testing
Some states require homeschooled students to take a standardized test as a part of their state’s homeschooling laws. The HSLDA Website provides detailed information about your state’s laws and testing requirements.
For state’s that require testing, we recommend taking the California Achievement Test (CAT).
In many states (such as in Florida and Tennessee), by enrolling with PAX Academy, you will be exempt from any testing requirements because you are enrolled in a private, church-related school.
Evaluation
Some states require your child to be evaluated by a certified teacher. While most states will accept enrollment in PAX Academy in lieu of annual evaluations, there are a few states (such as Pennsylvania) that may still require you to be evaluated by a professional.
If you live in a state that requires evaluation, we are happy to walk through the evaluation process with you. Evaluations through PAX Academy are conducted by our founder, Angela Harders, who is a certified teacher with a Master’s Degree in Education. Angela is an expert in both traditional schooling methods as well as alternative educational philosophies such as Charlotte Mason, Waldorf, and Unschooling.
In order to schedule an evaluation, please login to the PAX Academy portal and book an evaluation on a day/time that works best for you and your family.
Portfolios
Some states require homeschooled students to keep and maintain a portfolio. At PAX Academy, we do not require you to maintain a portfolio unless your state law requires that of you.
In most states, by enrolling in PAX Academy, you will be exempt from the requirement to keep and maintain a portfolio.
However, we do recommend that families keep a portfolio because you can earn both high school and college credits because of your portfolio!
To learn more about earning Portfolio Credit (or credit through your real life, real world experience), click here.
Advanced Placement (AP) Testing
One of the best ways to earn credits and “hack your high school education” is through Advanced Placement (AP) Testing.
AP Tests are administered through the College Board on a wide variety of content areas.
Homeschooled and private school students have the right to participate in AP Testing through their local public school. You may find an AP testing center near you here.
YOU MUST ORDER YOUR AP TEST BEFORE NOVEMBER 15th!
AP Tests are administered in May. Students who take and pass an AP Exam may earn both high school AND college credit!
CLEP Testing
College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) Testing is another great way to earn both high school AND college credits.
For just $93, you can earn up to 12 college credits on a wide variety of subject areas with one 90-minute test. (If you are in the military, you can take the CLEP test for FREE!)
Another great benefit of CLEP Testing is that you can take the test at a local college/university or even from the comfort of your own home!
At PAX Academy, we will provide resources to help you in preparing for the CLEP Test so that you can save both time AND money on your high school and college education.
DSST
The DSST is also another way that homeschooled students can earn college and high school credits at the same time.
The DSST Exam fee is covered by the DANTES Funding for military members.
Homeschooled students are not in the military are also welcome to take the DSST for only $100.
To learn more about the DSST or to register for an exam, click here.