Minimum Score Requirements are the lowest scores that homeschooled students need to achieve on standardized tests. These requirements differ by state and help ensure students are making academic progress.
Research from the National Home Education Research Institute (NHERI) shows that homeschooled students typically score 15 to 25 percentile points higher than public school students on standardized academic achievement tests. According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), approximately 3.3 million students were homeschooled in the United States as of 2023, representing roughly 6% of the school-age population.
What’s a minimum score requirement?
A Minimum Score Requirement is the lowest score homeschooled students must reach on standardized tests in certain states. These scores ensure students show they’re learning well. The specific score varies widely. For example, New York and Arkansas need a score at the 33rd percentile, Virginia looks for the 4th stanine (around the 23rd percentile), and Oregon only requires the 15th percentile. Some states, like Pennsylvania, require testing but don’t set a minimum score.
Which states have score requirements?
Nine states require standardized testing for homeschoolers: Hawaii, Oregon, Maine, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Vermont, and West Virginia. Score requirements differ a lot. New York has a 33rd percentile minimum, while Oregon allows scores as low as the 15th percentile. Pennsylvania mandates testing but doesn’t set a minimum score, so it’s mainly a reporting requirement. North Carolina also requires testing without score levels. Knowing your state’s rules is key for compliance.
Common tests used
There are several standardized tests you can use for homeschool compliance. The Iowa Assessments offer online and paper options with updated 2024 norms. The Stanford Achievement Test is thorough and untimed, making it a great choice. The California Achievement Test (CAT6) is popular in Christian schools and can be given by parents. You can also consider TerraNova 2 and the Classic Learning Test (CLT). Testing costs range from $25 to $60. BJU Press updated their norms in October 2025, ensuring scores reflect current national comparisons.
What if scores don’t meet requirements?
What happens if your scores fall short depends on your state. Some states don’t take any action—the test is just a formality. Others may put you on probation, ask for extra documents, or require a plan to fix the gaps in learning. Even in stricter states, enforcement is usually light. Many families choose umbrella schools or professional evaluations to meet compliance without standardized testing.
The bottom line
Most states don’t require minimum scores, and those that do often set very low ones—much lower than you might think. Before worrying about test scores, check what your state really requires. Many states allow alternatives like portfolio assessments, professional evaluations, or enrolling in umbrella schools that skip testing. For the latest details, check the HSLDA state law guide or your state’s Department of Education.
