Your purchase is a subscription to use the Accelerated Reader (AR) Program at home. It is highly recommended that your child take the Star Reading test prior to using AR.
While Accelerated Reader can be used on its own, it works best when paired with the STAR Reading test because STAR automatically creates the most accurate reading level and personalized goals for your child.
STAR Reading Assessment (separate purchase):
Pinpoints your child’s true reading ability in minutes
Sets the ideal reading range for AR (ZPD/ATOS) automatically
Prevents choosing books that are too easy or too difficult
Helps track real reading growth over time
FAQ: I already use i-Ready or Exact Path. Can my child use Accelerated Reader without the STAR Reading assessment?
Yes, your child can use Accelerated Reader (AR) without STAR — however, STAR Reading is the most accurate and effective way to set your child’s reading level for AR.
Without STAR, reading levels must be estimated and set manually, which can be less precise and may impact how well books and goals are matched to your child’s true ability.
If you prefer to use results from i-Ready or Exact Path, that is completely fine and we are happy to accommodate this. Since these programs are not directly linked to AR, you will need to provide the reading range you would like us to assign.
You may give us either:
✅ ATOS reading range (example: 3.0 – 4.5)
✅ Lexile range (example: 600L – 750L)
Please include both a lowest level and highest level, and we will configure your child’s AR settings accordingly to support a positive and confidence-building reading experience.
For the most accurate and personalized results, we highly recommend pairing Accelerated Reader with the STAR Reading assessment.
Recommended to purchase: Star Math & Reading Test for $75, the Star 2-Test Bundle for $130, or the Star 3-Test Bundle for $150, but you can choose to have AR reading levels set manually if you already use iReady or Exact Path with us.
Why Use Accelerated Reader (AR)?
AR motivates children by enabling them to take short comprehension quizzes on books they’ve read, earn points toward personalized goals, and build strong lifelong reading habits. Parents and homeschoolers benefit from seeing clear progress, comprehension tracking, and goal-setting in action.
Watch this intro video about Renaissance Accelerated Reader to learn more!
✅ Getting Started: The Star Reading Test (Optional)
Before your child begins with AR, a STAR Reading assessment is required. This brief, adaptive test determines their reading level and ZPD (Zone of Proximal Development) so AR can work properly and give your child the most beneficial and personalized experience.
What the test does:
Assigns a reading level so AR knows what “just-right” books your child should read.
Enables AR to track growth automatically and generate reading reports
Ensures meaningful and measurable reading progress.
Important: AR cannot set personalized goals or track progress without a current STAR Reading score. (Star Math test is included with your purchase of the Star Reading test.)
📚 How AR Works
Your child reads books (print or digital) at their own pace and level.
After finishing each book, they take a short quiz that checks their comprehension.
Quizzes are available for thousands of titles.
Successful quiz completion earns points; the system tracks accuracy, quantity, and growth over time. (Points reflect book length + complexity.)
Parents receive reports that make it easy to monitor reading habits, comprehension, and goal-achievement.
Note: AR does not include a digital book library. Students must obtain books separately—via your home library, public library, or digital reading platforms.
Benefits of using AR while Homeschooling:
Use the STAR Reading result to establish your child’s reading level and ZPD before selecting books.
Let children choose books they enjoy, while staying within level-appropriateness. This keeps reading driven by interest and comprehension.
Schedule consistent daily reading time—encouraging a habit builds stamina and fluency.
After quizzes, review results with your child: talk about what they learned, what was challenging, and what they might like to read next.
Use AR reports in your homeschool portfolio to show measurable reading growth.
Terms & Conditions
Non-Refundable Purchase
Expires: October 31, 2026
By completing your purchase, you agree to the following:
Student reports must be downloaded before the account expires. After that date, access will no longer be available, unless you pay to renew for the next school year.
For all support needs, please contact us directly at info@peptesting.com or 850-400-6087. Do not contact Renaissance, as doing so may result in your student license being revoked.