The New College Entrance Exam for Classical Students

This is very exciting, finally a test that is designed to test the knowledge that we have been teaching our classical homeschool students. While you don’t have to be a classical student to take this test, students of all backgrounds will vastly prefer this test as it is not boring and tedious. “The classic in Classic Learning Test refers to its use of the greatest and most enduring texts that have informed and shaped society. Although these texts are featured prominently in a classical education, the CLT instead emphasizes intellectual aptitude and Read More …

The Gift We Have Been Given

Today at the American Heritage Festival we witnessed a re-enactment of a Revolutionary War skirmish. 90% of the battles that took place in that war were small-scale skirmishes much like we witnessed. As a mother, my perspective observing is much different than what I would have felt when I was younger. Seeing these young men fall on the battlefield brought tears to my eyes. I felt silly knowing that it was all pretend. Why do I get so emotional! I tried to subtlety wipe my eyes lest anyone see me Read More …

Behind WHO?

Homeschooling is individualized

The Fear of Failing Them I think we all worry about failing our children. That they will be “behind”. But in the homeschooling community there is a great question that we like to ask each other as a way of reminding each other and encouraging one another, “behind WHO?” You worry your child will be behind? Who are they behind? Behind who? Who sets the standards? The state? The teachers union? Your in-laws? The nosy neighbor who has an opinion? Your best friend whose kid aced the SAT? Who sets Read More …

Classical Homeschoolers and Standardized Tests

Should classical educators take standardized tests

Here in Arizona I feel extremely blessed NOT to have to take standardized tests. And by standardized tests I am not talking about the PSAT, SAT or ACT that get you accepted to college, but rather the ones we all had to take during our school years that teachers would prep us for and then it took over a day to administer. And every year it seemed like they added more and more tests. Those ones. However, even though we are exempt in AZ, I still know many homeschoolers here Read More …