Rep. Miller Introduces Bill Requiring Military Academies to Accept Classical Learning Test

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congresswoman Mary Miller (IL-15) introduced the House companion to Senator Jim Banks' (R-IN) Promoting Classical Learning Act. This legislation would ensure America's service academies recognize the Classic Learning Test (CLT) as a standard for academic excellence. The bill codifies Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth's directive requiring the U.S. Military Academy, Naval Academy, Air Force Academy, Coast Guard Academy, and Merchant Marine Academy to accept the CLT for admissions.

The Promoting Classical Learning Act also mandates that federally operated secondary schools, including Department of Defense and Bureau of Indian Education schools, administer the CLT to all 11th-grade students. Currently, there are 161 Department of Defense schools nationwide.

"America's service academies should represent the highest ideals of our nation-courage, integrity, and intellect. The Classic Learning Test upholds those same ideals," said Congresswoman Miller. "Requiring our military academies to accept the CLT will help cultivate a new generation of leaders who are not only exceptionally capable but deeply grounded in the principles that make America strong."

Founded in 2015 by Jeremy Tate, the CLT was developed as an alternative to the SAT and ACT, providing a standardized assessment rooted in classical education. It evaluates reading, writing, and arithmetic using texts from great thinkers of Western and Christian traditions.

In May 2025, Secretary Hegseth announced his intention to direct the military academies to accept the CLT. In September, the Pentagon confirmed the CLT would be accepted beginning with the 2027 admissions cycle. The Promoting Classical Learning Act codifies this policy to ensure its permanence.

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