Stories

When people hear “standardized testing,” a certain image may come to mind. A large, vacuous gym with dozens of long tables set up. Pencils tapping on tables, TI-83 calculators in hand, and a couple hundred students sweating over a test that feels incredibly high stakes.

But testing at Charlotte Prep looks very different... 

In our classrooms, we do not “teach to the test” or hang the threat of end-of-grade exams over students’ heads as motivation to participate in learning. Engagement and participation are driven by relationships, meaningful learning experiences, and students’ interests, strengths, and curiosity.

Understanding is assessed continuously through informal checks and a variety of measures. Our small classes allow teachers to truly know their students and understand where they are academically.

Standardized testing has its place, however. As part of our strategic plan, we’ve been evaluating how we use testing and gather data to better measure student progress and assess our curriculum.

Below, we hope to clarify what standardized testing is, what it is not, and how we use it to support both students and families.

Testing at Prep

What Standardized Testing Is at Charlotte Prep

A snapshot – not the full picture

We see these metrics as one snapshot of student learning—not the full picture. We believe in teaching the whole child, so classroom performance, projects, discussions, and teacher observations all remain essential parts of understanding a child’s learning and serve as the foundation of our academic program.

A tool for reflection and growth

For schools, these assessments offer valuable data. Because we use outside testing organizations, they provide an external perspective on how our students perform collectively and how our curriculum is serving them. Over time, this helps us refine our program, celebrate strengths, and identify areas for growth.

Preparation for future test-taking

Like it or not, standardized testing is a part of our education system, and our students will continue to encounter these tests throughout their academic careers. Exposure to this style of online, multiple-choice test format in a low-stakes environment will better prepare them for taking them in high school and beyond, when they might carry more weight.

What Standardized Testing Is Not at Charlotte Prep

Not the sole indicator of learning

Standardized tests are just one of many tools we use. Teachers rely far more on daily assessments, classwork, and interactions to understand how students are learning and where they need support.

Not a driver of our teaching

Instead of teaching to the test, we focus on building deep understanding, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. When those are in place, students can transfer their learning to a variety of contexts, including standardized testing. 

Not a perfect system

It’s important to acknowledge that standardized tests have limitations. Factors like test anxiety, differences in formats (even with preparation), or even a bad day can affect performance. That’s why we interpret results carefully and always in context.

How to Prepare

We use standardized testing primarily as an internal tool to support our students. It provides one data point to help inform families, guide instruction, and evaluate our curriculum. Over time, we look for trends that help us refine our academic program. At Charlotte Prep, testing is not high stakes – nothing like that sterile gym you might remember. There’s no cause for sweat!

• Look out for reminders from teachers and through school communications. For 3rd-6th-grade CTP ERB testing, students need to bring a charged computer and a book each day. 
• Take care of basic needs! Students will benefit from a good night’s sleep, a hearty breakfast, and a healthy snack on test days.
• Keep the experience in perspective. Remind your child this is just one snapshot of their skills—not a measure of their overall progress or understanding. Encourage them to see it as a challenge rather than something to fear, and help them understand that the experience itself can be a valuable opportunity to learn.