A new bill is aiming to reshape admissions standards at U.S. service academies and federally operated schools. Representative Mary Miller has proposed legislation that would introduce a standardized test steeped in classical learning principles, offering an alternative to the long-held dominance of the SAT and ACT.
The “Promoting Classical Learning Act of 2025” directly targets West Point, the Naval Academy, the Air Force Academy, and other service academies. It mandates they accept scores from the Classic Learning Test (CLT) alongside the traditional college entrance exams, potentially altering the profile of future military leaders.
Beyond the academies, the bill extends its reach to students in federally-run schools. Eleventh-grade students within the Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) and the Bureau of Indian Education (BIE) would be required to take the CLT, providing a standardized measure of classical knowledge across these systems.
The impetus behind the legislation, according to its proponents, is a desire to cultivate leaders grounded in foundational American principles. The CLT, they argue, assesses not just aptitude, but a deep understanding of the Western intellectual tradition – courage, integrity, and intellect.
The bill’s introduction follows a directive from Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, which called for service academies to begin accepting the CLT for the 2027 admissions cycle. This legislation would solidify that policy into law, ensuring its continuation regardless of future administrative changes.
Created in 2015, the CLT distinguishes itself by utilizing classical texts in its assessment of reading, writing, and math skills. It’s presented as a counterpoint to the Common Core-aligned SAT and ACT, appealing to families who prioritize a classical education.
Currently, over 320 colleges and universities accept CLT scores, and states like Florida and Arkansas have already integrated the exam into their public school systems. Over 120,000 Florida students have already taken the test since September 2023, demonstrating growing adoption.
The legislation also addresses concerns about the College Board’s influence over curriculum. Proponents argue the CLT offers a much-needed alternative, breaking what they describe as a “taxpayer-funded monopoly” and validating the educational choices of families embracing classical learning models.
Senator Jim Banks is partnering with Representative Miller on this initiative, signaling bipartisan interest in re-evaluating standardized testing within federal education systems. The bill aims to provide a rigorous, standards-based assessment rooted in logic and enduring literature.
The potential impact of this legislation remains to be seen, but it represents a significant challenge to the established norms of college admissions and a renewed emphasis on classical education within the nation’s institutions.
