Rep. Mary Miller of Illinois has put forth a significant piece of legislation, the Promoting Classical Learning Act of 2025. This act aims to bring classical education principles into the admissions processes of U.S. service academies and federally operated secondary schools. Introduced on November 3, Miller’s proposal targets prominent institutions like West Point, the Naval Academy, and the Air Force Academy.
At the heart of this legislation is the Classic Learning Test (CLT), which Miller seeks to have accepted alongside the traditional SAT and ACT. This shift could reshape how candidates are assessed for military academies and federally funded schools. “America’s service academies should represent the highest ideals of our nation — courage, integrity, and intellect. The Classic Learning Test upholds those same ideals,” Miller stated. Her assertion underscores a commitment to nurturing leaders who embody the foundational principles of American strength.
Miller’s determination to introduce the CLT stems from concerns about the educational landscape. Citing issues with the College Board, she asserts that it pressures educational institutions into adopting curricula that lean left while censoring materials that represent conservative perspectives. “The CLT validates the educational choices of millions of families nationwide who choose private, religious, classical, and homeschool models,” her office emphasized. This speaks to the wider sentiment of parents voicing dissatisfaction with current educational frameworks.
Miller is not alone in this endeavor. She has partnered with Sen. Jim Banks from Indiana to further this initiative. The bill mandates that both the Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) and the Bureau of Indian Education (BIE) administer the CLT to all 11th-grade students within their jurisdictions. This expansive reach indicates the legislation’s goal of fostering a standardized approach towards education, specifically through classic curricula.
In a backdrop where traditional education methods are being challenged, the CLT presents itself as a rigorous alternative to the Common Core-aligned SAT and ACT. Created by Jeremy Tate in 2015, the CLT assesses critical skills using classical texts from the Western canon. Already, over 320 colleges and universities have begun to accept CLT scores, with states like Florida and Arkansas officially approving the exam for public school use.
Miller’s initiative stems from a broader critique of the current education system, which many believe has become unaccountable and monopolized by entities like the College Board. By advocating for the inclusion of the CLT, the legislation aims to break this perceived monopoly and provide a more diverse educational framework. Her office claims that offering classical, standards-based testing would not only enrich students’ experiences but also ensure that a wider array of educational philosophies is represented in schools across the nation.
The Pentagon has yet to respond regarding this proposed legislation. However, Miller’s office conveys optimism about the impact this change could bring, particularly in shaping a new generation of leaders grounded in the traditions that have historically made America strong.
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