A minimum score requirement is the lowest acceptable performance threshold on a standardized test that homeschooled students must achieve to demonstrate adequate academic progress according to state law.
What is a Minimum Score Requirement?
A minimum score requirement sets the floor for acceptable standardized test performance in states that mandate testing for homeschoolers. These thresholds exist to ensure homeschooled students demonstrate adequate academic progress, though the specific percentile or score varies significantly by state. Most states set relatively low bars—New York and Arkansas require the 33rd percentile, Virginia requires the 4th stanine (approximately 23rd percentile), and Oregon sets the threshold at just the 15th percentile. It's worth noting that many testing states don't actually mandate any minimum score—Pennsylvania, for example, requires testing but doesn't specify an acceptable score level.
Key Takeaways
- Only about 9 states require standardized testing with minimum scores for homeschoolers
- Thresholds typically range from the 13th to 33rd percentile—relatively low bars
- Many states require testing but set no minimum acceptable score
- Consequences for not meeting minimums vary from remediation plans to increased oversight
- Nearly half of states offer bypass options like portfolios or professional evaluations
States with Score Requirements
Nine states require standardized testing for homeschoolers: Hawaii, Oregon, Maine, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Vermont, and West Virginia. However, the actual score requirements and enforcement vary dramatically. New York sets a 33rd percentile minimum, while Oregon accepts scores as low as the 15th percentile. Pennsylvania requires annual testing but specifies no minimum score, making it a reporting requirement rather than a proficiency measure. North Carolina similarly mandates testing without establishing score thresholds. Understanding your specific state's requirements—not just whether testing is required—matters significantly for compliance planning.
Common Tests Used
Several standardized tests are commonly accepted for homeschool compliance. The Iowa Assessments offer both online and paper formats with recently updated 2024 norms. The Stanford Achievement Test is considered rigorous and untimed, making it suitable for thorough assessment. The CAT6 (California Achievement Test) is popular with Christian schools and can be parent-administered. TerraNova 2 and the Classic Learning Test (CLT) round out the options. Testing typically costs $25-60 per test. BJU Press implemented updated 2024 norms as of October 2025, which means scores reflect current national comparisons rather than outdated benchmarks.
What Happens If Scores Fall Short
Consequences for not meeting minimum requirements depend entirely on your state. Some states have no intervention threshold whatsoever—the test is essentially a formality. Others may require probationary periods where families submit additional documentation, mandatory remediation plans showing how gaps will be addressed, or retesting requirements within a specified timeframe. Even in stricter states, enforcement tends to be minimal in practice. Many families in testing-required states choose umbrella schools or professional evaluations as alternative compliance pathways, completely bypassing standardized testing requirements.
The Bottom Line
Most states don't require minimum scores, and those that do typically set very low thresholds—well below what families might expect. Before stressing about test performance, verify your specific state's actual requirements. Many states offer workarounds like portfolio assessments, professional evaluations, or umbrella school enrollment that eliminate testing entirely. The HSLDA state law guide provides current requirements, though consulting your state's Department of Education directly ensures you have the most accurate information for compliance planning.
