Ep. 109 - Homeschool Testing: When to Test, When to Skip, and Which Tests Are Worth It

Every spring, testing season arrives — and homeschool families face a question that's equal parts legal, philosophical, and personal. When should homeschoolers use standardized testing — and when should they skip it entirely?🟢 Free Resource: My Curriculum RecommendationsI spill the tea! No paid sponsorship placements! Grab the list, by subject, of the most reputable homeschool programs on the market (in my opinion).In this episode, you'll learn:Why standardized tests were never designed with homeschoolers in mindWhen homeschool testing actually serves your family — and when to skip itWhich standardized test is best for homeschoolers (Iowa, Stanford 10, CAT, MAP Growth, CLT compared)What states require standardized testing for homeschoolers — and alternatives most families don't know existWhether homeschool kids do better on standardized testsFree standardized testing for homeschool prep resourcesHow to use testing strategically — not reflexivelySponsors:BJU Press Homeschool✔ Flexible curriculum to fit your family's needs✔ Biblical worldview and critical thinking built in✔ Hands-on learning for every grade level👉 Browse BJU Press Homeschool CurriculumCTC Math✔ Get 50% off my favorite online math program✔ Adaptive lessons so kids build confidence at their own pace✔ Teaching, grading, and testing — all done for you!👉 Visit CTCMath CurriculumSummit Healthshare✔ Save 40–60% vs. traditional health insurance✔ See any doctor — no networks, no permission slips✔ Free labs, office visits, prescriptions on select plans👉 View Health Plans & SavingsResources Mentioned:Homeschool Laws By State — View state requirements BJU Press Online Testing — Iowa Assessments + Stanford 10 onlineFree Quote Notecard — "Fish and tree" quote printableThe Christy-Faith List — Find homeschool-friendly providersThrive Homeschool Community — Build a homeschool with excellenceOther episodes for you:Why Homeschooling High School Isn't As Scary As It SeemsThe 5 Myths of Homeschooling for High SchoolUnderemployment, Student Debt, and the Homeschool AdvantageConnect with Christy-Faith:Instagram — @christy_faith_homeschoolTikTok — @christy_faithWebsiteHomeschool Rising — my book🎧 Love the show? Follow, subscribe, and leave a review wherever you listen — it helps more homeschool families find us! (00:00) - Introduction (04:58) - The Wrong Ruler (07:32) - When Testing Actually Serves You (11:29) - When to Skip Testing (13:46) - Which Test Is Right for Your Family (20:01) - What Your State Actually Requires (21:54) - Wrap-Up + Key Takeaways