Standardized Testing & Evaluations
Standardized Testing
HCCA offers homeschooling families the chance to have their students complete a standardized test in a “school-like” environment, using a traditional testing booklet and answer sheet. HCCA administers the Terra Nova 2 for 3rd, 5th, 7th, 9th, and 11th-grade students. This is a nationally standardized test that meets the Colorado home school statute requirements. This test is open to all homeschool students, but registration is required. For more information on The Terra Nova 2, please visit their website.
2025 Testing will be held on May 6 & 7, 2025. For general information about testing please read the 2025 Testing Information Page. Registration for 2025 Testing will open January 2, 2025.
For other testing options and information on evaluations in lieu of testing, scroll down the page.
Evaluations
HCCA also accepts evaluations in lieu of testing. We mirror the Colorado Home School Law which states that you may have your child evaluated by a “Qualified person”:
“"Qualified person" means an individual who is selected by the parent of a child who is participating in a nonpublic home-based educational program to evaluate such child's progress and who is a teacher licensed pursuant to article 60.5 of this title, a teacher who is employed by an independent or parochial school, a licensed psychologist, or a person with a graduate degree in education.”
Please note that HCCA does not endorse specific testing or evaluator services, the sites and information listed below are to assist you in your research.
COLORADO CERTIFIED Evaluators:
Beth Japhet (Monument) 719-282-2822 or bethjaphet2020@gmail.com
Beth has 20 years of experience offering both portfolio-style evaluations and standardized testing options for homeschool families.
Amanda Bench 719-641-1125 or Amanda@coloradohomeschooling.com
Amanda, a homeschool mom herself, loves helping homeschool moms fulfill this requirement in a simple and low stress way. Evaluations are flexible and each family’s educational philosophies are honored.
Marianne Michaux (719) 590-6246 or mjmichaux@comcast.net
Marianne has assisted many homeschool families, including special needs. As a certified teacher, she served families in a Christian school for many years along with evaluations. She is very knowledgeable and can advise you well as you navigate this journey.
Samantha Eason (407) 925-7140 or eason.samantha@gmail.com
Samantha is a homeschooling mom who offers stress-free, virtual portfolio evaluations for families across Colorado. She has a thorough understanding when it comes to children with special needs.
Deborah Randall (719)749-2258 or learninginthesprings@gmail.com
Deborah’s family attended HCEC for a number of years and her daughter graduated at High Country's commencement ceremony. Deborah offers homeschool evaluations and testing assistance.
Judy Van Acker (719)640-5979 or jfvanacker@gmail.com
Judy offers homeschool evaluations via email throughout the state of Colorado.
Has Testing Requirements for Homeschoolers Changed due to COVID-19?
In regards to the 2020/2021 public school state assessments being canceled by Governor Polis and President Trump, our Colorado HSLDA attorney, Michael Donnelly, has stated,
"The public schools can decide how they operate. However, parents who homeschool in CO operate either under the supervision of an Independent School or as a non-public home based education program in accordance with 22-33-104.5. The CDE has no authority to suspend the operation of this statute. Although homeschooled children have some legal rights to participate in state assessments and thus this announcement would make that more challenging, parents under the NOI portion of 22-33-104.5 are still obligated to comply with assessments. There are various options as it relates to assessments and you can get more information at www.hslda.org/co. You can join HSLDA at www.hslda.org/join for answers to your questions. Blessings all!!
More standardized testing options
If you would like to administer a standardized test to your own student, listed below are some testing services. Please note that HCCA does not endorse specific testing or evaluator services, the sites and information listed below are to assist you in your research.
The Stanford 10 Achievement Test Is an online, untimed test that you can take at home. No degree is required as Seton Testing is the proctor. Visit https://www.setontesting.com/product/stanford-10-online/
The Iowa Assessment Test Is another nationally standardized test available to homeschool families. A bachelor’s degree is preferred but not required. For more information visit https://www.setontesting.com/product/iowa-assessments-form-e/
The California Achievement Test (CAT) can be administered by a parent (high school diploma required) and can be done in paper form or online, and can be timed and untimed. For online testing visit https://www.academicexcellence.com/complete-online-california-achievement-test-not-timed/ For the paper format visit https://www.setontesting.com/product/cat-survey/
The PASS Test The PASS Test was developed specifically for homeschoolers, is available only for grades 3–8, is untimed, and can be administered by the parent. For more information visit https://hewittlearning.org/pass-test/ We have suggested the PASS Test in the past and it is a wonderful tool for homeschoolers; however, it does not meet the requirement in the state as a “nationally standardized” test. HCCA accepts the PASS Test but Colorado school districts do not.
The CLT Test The Classic Learning Test (CLT) offers assessments that evaluate English, grammar, and mathematical skills, providing a comprehensive measure of achievement and aptitude. Unlike other tests that change according to educational or cultural trends, CLT exams emphasize foundational critical thinking skills and are accessible to students from a variety of educational backgrounds. This test is for grades 7-12. For more information visit https://www.cltexam.com/ Please note, the CLT test is another testing option that is accepted by HCCA but not by Colorado school districts.