25 placement tests, one list
Before you order, give the publisher's own placement test. A sale on the wrong level is still the wrong level. This list covers 25 math, reading and language arts programs, from kindergarten math to high school writing, with the test or level guide each publisher offers. Links checked Oct 17, 2026.
How to use a placement test
- Pick a calm day. Not the day the new box arrives, and not after a long morning.
- Don't help. Let your child skip problems they don't recognize. The result should show what they know now.
- Missing problems is the point. A placement test can't be failed. It shows where to start.
- Read the publisher's own advice. Some programs place by skill, some by age, some by grade. Each entry below notes which.
- Then check the sale date. Placement first, then the sale date.
Math
| Program | Publisher's test or guide | Source | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saxon Math | Saxon placement tests (hosted by Sonlight) | sonlight.com | Place by skill, not grade. K to 3 books work differently from 5/4 and up |
| Teaching Textbooks | Teaching Textbooks placement tests | teachingtextbooks.com | The first 15 lessons of any level are a free trial, a second check |
| Math-U-See | Math-U-See online placement tool | placement.mathusee.com | Levels are named, not numbered; it places by mastery |
| Singapore Math (Primary Mathematics) | Singapore Math placement tests | singaporemath.com | A test for each half level (A and B). Starting at an earlier level is common when switching in |
| Beast Academy | Beast Academy placement tests | beastacademy.com | One test per book |
| The Good and the Beautiful Math | The Good and the Beautiful placement test | goodandbeautiful.com | One test covers Math K to Pre-Algebra |
| Math Mammoth | Math Mammoth placement tests | mathmammoth.com | End-of-grade tests, grades 1 to 8; they show which topics are missing |
| Math with Confidence | Author's level guide | kateshomeschoolmath.com | Exception: no formal test. The guide says most children start at their grade level |
| Horizons Math (AOP) | Horizons readiness evaluations | aop.com | Grades 1 to 6, about 30 to 60 minutes each |
| BJU Press Math | BJU Press skill assessments | bjupresshomeschool.com | Meant for families switching in from another program |
| Abeka Arithmetic | Abeka scope and sequence | abeka.com | Exception: Abeka has no placement test. Compare its scope and sequence with what your child has finished |
Reading and language arts
| Program | Publisher's test or guide | Source | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| All About Reading | Placement test (Levels 1 to 4) and Pre-reading checklist | allaboutlearningpress.com | Level numbers do not match grades. Give it with your child |
| All About Spelling | Placement, linked from the publisher's placement page | allaboutlearningpress.com | The publisher says most students start at Level 1; some with a phonics background start at Level 2 |
| The Good and the Beautiful Language Arts | The Good and the Beautiful placement tests | goodandbeautiful.com | Parents report a jump between Levels 3 and 4, so the test matters most there |
| Logic of English | Where to Start page (Foundations B assessment, Essentials placement test) | logicofenglish.com | Places by skill, not grade |
| IEW Structure and Style for Students | IEW guide: where to start in Structure and Style | iew.com | Places by reading level and writing experience |
| Sonlight Language Arts and Readers | Sonlight reading and language arts assessments | sonlight.com | 8 of 10 right means try the next level's test |
| BookShark Reading with History and Language Arts | BookShark reading and language arts placement tests | bookshark.com | Tests cover Levels A to C; from Level D, match the Reading with History level |
| Memoria Press | Readiness assessments (Simply Classical); core placement is by phone | memoriapress.com | Exception: no placement tests for the core curriculum. Choose literature by reading level |
| Explode the Code | Placement test book, sold by the publisher | shop.epslearning.com | Exception: the test is a printed book and is not free |
| Writing With Ease and First Language Lessons | Well-Trained Mind Press level guidance | welltrainedmind.com | Exception: First Language Lessons has no test. WWE Level 1 is meant for first grade |
| Brave Writer | Choose by age | bravewriter.com | Exception: no test. Products are grouped by age, 5 to 18 |
| Moving Beyond the Page | Age-level pages, with language arts and math prerequisites | beyondthepage.com | Overlapping age bands. Each age page lists prerequisites, for example "Usually used by children in third grade" for Age 7 to 9 |
| Notgrass History | Notgrass curriculum page (courses by grade band) | shop.notgrass.com | Exception: history with literature, not a reading program; no test. Elementary courses fit grades one to four, middle school five to eight, high school nine to twelve |
| Master Books Language Lessons for a Living Education | Master Books free language arts placement guide | masterbooks.com | Assesses reading, comprehension and writing for a start in Language Lessons |
Ages covered: the list runs from kindergarten math and pre-reading through high school (Saxon to Calculus, IEW Level C, Brave Writer to age 18, Notgrass grades 9 to 12). There is no preschool test on the list. Some programs, such as The Good and the Beautiful Language Arts, list a Pre-K level, and the pack says so plainly in the tips.
Tips
- Switching programs? Expect to start lower in the new one at first. Singapore Math says starting at an earlier level is common for students switching in.
- Use a second test as a check. Many parents give a free test from another publisher, such as the Math Mammoth end-of-year tests, before deciding to switch.
- Preschool and pre-readers: most programs here start at kindergarten. All About Reading has a Pre-reading checklist, and The Good and the Beautiful lists a Pre-K level.
- Older students: IEW places writing by reading level, and Brave Writer groups by age up to 18.
- Then check the sale window. homeschoolhaul.com/sale-calendar/ shows when each program has gone on sale, with sources.
Test first, then buy the box. The coffee stays warm longer that way.
Not sponsored. No links in this list are affiliate links. Links checked Oct 17, 2026. Recheck the publisher's page before you order.