Anchored by the Classic Learning Test CLT to Launch AP Alternative | Sarah Novlan
Oct 9, 2025
In this conversation, Sarah Novlan, Chief Academic Officer at Hill Country Christian School, dives into her journey in classical education and her new role at CLT. They announce the upcoming CLT Enduring Courses as a fresh alternative to the AP curriculum, highlighting issues with AP's content and rigor. Sarah discusses the strong demand from schools for this innovative approach, focusing on humanities to restore educational purpose. The discussion emphasizes assessments designed to foster genuine learning and values over mere GPA competition.
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AP's Early Influence On Curriculum Choices
- Jeremy recalls Dominican sisters whose new courses failed because students only chose AP-qualifying classes.
- That memory motivated CLT's founding to counter AP's outsized influence.
Testing Audit Led To CLT Adoption
- Sarah describes auditing Hill Country's academics and finding testing the most misaligned pillar.
- Discovering CLT solved that misalignment and influenced broader curricular changes.
Broad Demand For An AP Alternative
- Sarah found unexpectedly high demand from K-12 schools and colleges for an AP alternative.
- Many institutions feel beholden to AP's brand despite recognizing its problems.
