CLT in Florida

CLT in Florida

Governor Ron DeSantis signed HB 1537 into law on May 9, 2023, making Florida the first state in the nation to fund all school districts to utilize the Classic Learning Test (CLT) for 11th graders. The bill also makes all Florida students eligible to earn Bright Futures Scholarships with CLT scores. In tandem with the legislation, New College of Florida announced that it will be the first public university in Florida to accept the CLT for admissions.

View the official press release.

We are continuing to update this page as we gather more information on the implementation of HB 1537. Please check back for updates.

News Coverage

DeSantis’ Revolutionary Defense of the Classics
Wall Street Journal, Cornel West and Jeremy Tate (May 12, 2023)

New test replacing SAT/ACT in Florida
Fox Friends First (May 10, 2023)

New College of Florida to Accept SAT/ACT Alternative
Inside Higher Ed, Scott Jaschik (May 10, 2023)

Florida College Overhauled by DeSantis Will Accept Standardized Exam Based on Classical Education
The Daily Wire, Ben Zeisloft (May 10, 2023)

New College of Florida

New College of Florida is the first public university in Florida to accept CLT scores for college admissions, beginning with its fall 2024 term.

New College Interim President Richard Corcoran shared, “As New College strives to become a world-class liberal arts educational institution, adding the CLT as an accepted testing option for admissions will ensure we are reaching and welcoming students from all walks of life.”

Frequently Asked Questions

How soon can students use CLT scores to qualify for Bright Futures Scholarships?
How will scores be reported to qualify for Bright Futures Scholarships?
Does this mean I can use my CLT score to apply to any Florida college?
What if the college I want to attend does not accept the CLT?
Are CLT exams only for students who have received a classical education?
How do CLT scores equate to SAT or ACT scores?
I have already taken the SAT/ACT. Can I take the CLT as well?