Assessments That Bless: How We Use Testing to Form Culture Makers
At Innovate Academy, education is about more than test scores. We aim to form scholars who read deeply, think clearly, communicate well, and love what is true, good, and beautiful.
Rather than teaching to a test, we view assessment as a collaborative blessing—a tool that helps mentors, scholars, and parents see where learning is thriving and where it can grow. Because no single test captures our mission, we use two complementary assessments: the Iowa Assessments and the Classical Learning Test (CLT).
The Iowa Assessments measure essential academic skills like reading, language, and math. They help us track growth over time, compare against national norms, and ensure strong academic foundations.
The Classical Learning Test reflects the heart of a classical education. It emphasizes logic, careful reading of meaningful texts, and thoughtful analysis. Especially in the upper grades, it captures the kind of deep thinking our curriculum is designed to cultivate.
We administer the Iowa Assessments in lower school (grades three through six) and the CLT in upper school (grades seven through nine). Together, they give us a fuller picture: foundational skills alongside higher-order thinking. This allows us to stay true to our mission while also measuring meaningful benchmarks.
The CLT also offers practical benefits. A growing number of colleges accept it alongside the SAT and ACT—and some prefer it. Even more, students can begin earlier, making testing a familiar rhythm rather than a high-pressure event. By the time it matters most, our scholars are prepared, confident, and at ease.
Ultimately, this is not just about testing—it is about formation. We are forming scholars who can think critically, communicate clearly, and engage the world with wisdom and creativity. These assessments simply help us see—and strengthen—that work.
If you have questions, we welcome the conversation. Thank you for partnering with us as we form the next generation of Culture Makers.
Read more about the Classical Learning Test here:
