A practical guide to homeschool assessments, standardized tests, and portfolio evaluations - what's required, how to prepare, and why it's less stressful than you think.
If you are new to homeschooling, the idea of evaluations and testing can feel intimidating. Many parents worry that an evaluator is going to judge their teaching, question their choices, or tell them they are doing it wrong. That is not what evaluations are for.
Homeschool evaluations exist for one simple reason: to confirm that children are receiving an education and making progress. That is it. They are not a test of your parenting. They are not a comparison to public school benchmarks. They are a straightforward check that learning is happening.
Evaluations serve a few practical purposes:
Think of your evaluation as a yearly check-up, not a final exam. A doctor's visit does not mean something is wrong - it means you are being responsible. Homeschool evaluations work the same way. They are a routine part of a well-managed homeschool.
Not all evaluations look the same. Depending on your state and personal preference, you may encounter one or more of these assessment types.
A formal, timed test that measures your child's knowledge in core subjects like reading, math, language arts, science, and social studies. Results are scored against national norms, giving you a percentile ranking. Standardized tests are the most commonly required form of assessment in states that mandate evaluations.
A qualified evaluator reviews a collection of your child's work from the school year. This includes work samples, attendance logs, curriculum lists, and any other documentation of educational activity. The evaluator writes a narrative assessment confirming that progress was made. Portfolio reviews are popular in states like New York and Pennsylvania.
A certified teacher, licensed psychologist, or other qualified professional meets with your child (and sometimes reviews their work) and writes a professional assessment of their educational progress. Some states accept this as an alternative to standardized testing.
Some states allow parents to demonstrate progress through less formal means: report cards you create, progress reports from online programs, or a written narrative of what your child accomplished during the year. This is the least formal option and is available only in certain states.
If your state gives you a choice, consider your child's personality. Kids who test well and do not get anxious may be fine with standardized testing. Children who freeze up on timed tests often do better with portfolio reviews, where their year-long body of work speaks for itself.
Our Compliance Checker tells you exactly what evaluations and paperwork your state mandates.
Check Your StateAssessment requirements vary dramatically across the United States. Some states require annual standardized testing. Others accept portfolio reviews. Many have no evaluation requirement at all. Here is an overview of the key states to know about.
Many states, including Texas, Alaska, Idaho, Missouri, and Oklahoma, have no standardized testing or evaluation requirement for homeschoolers. However, even in these states, keeping records and occasionally assessing your child's progress is a good practice.
State laws change. The requirements listed above are current as of early 2026, but your state may update its homeschool regulations at any time. Always verify your specific requirements through your state's Department of Education or a trusted homeschool legal organization like HSLDA. Use our Compliance Checker for the latest information.
If your state requires standardized testing (or if you want to test voluntarily), you have several well-established options. Each test has its own format, scoring method, and availability.
One of the most popular choices for homeschoolers. The CAT is relatively short (about 2-3 hours depending on grade level), can be administered at home by a parent in many states, and covers reading, language, and math. Results are reported as percentile rankings against national norms.
A comprehensive test covering reading, language arts, math, science, and social studies. Takes about 3-5 hours spread across multiple sessions. Must be administered by a qualified proctor. Widely accepted across all states that require testing.
Another widely accepted option that covers reading, math, language, science, and social studies. Available for grades K-12. Can be administered by a parent in some states, or through a testing service. Takes approximately 3-5 hours.
An individually administered test (one-on-one with a qualified examiner). Covers reading, math, and writing. Because it is individually administered, it can be a good option for children who struggle with group testing formats. Must be given by a trained professional.
Another individually administered assessment that covers math, reading, spelling, and general knowledge. It is untimed, which can reduce anxiety. Must be administered by a qualified professional.
For high schoolers, the PSAT (taken in 10th or 11th grade) and SAT are important for college admissions and scholarship eligibility. These are administered at local testing centers and public schools. Homeschooled students register the same way as any other student through the College Board website.
Order your test materials early. Testing services often have a backlog in spring when most families are completing their annual requirements. If you plan to test in April or May, order by February to ensure materials arrive in time.
Blue Folder stores test scores, evaluator reports, and work samples - and exports a polished compliance binder when you need it.
Get Started FreeA portfolio evaluation is a review of your child's collected work for the year. For many homeschool families, this is the preferred form of assessment because it reflects the full scope of a child's learning rather than a single test score on a single day.
A good evaluator is not looking for perfection. They are looking for evidence of educational progress. Specifically, they want to see:
A well-organized portfolio makes your evaluation go smoothly and gives the evaluator confidence in your program. Here is what to include:
Organize your portfolio with labeled tabs or dividers for each subject. Put your attendance log and curriculum list at the front. Our Binder Checklist Generator creates a state-specific list of exactly what to include. Many evaluators appreciate a table of contents page at the front of the binder.
Depending on your state, evaluators may need specific qualifications (certified teacher, licensed psychologist, etc.). Here are the best ways to find one:
Most portfolio evaluations take 30-60 minutes and cost between $50-$150. Book early, especially if you need a spring appointment, as evaluators fill up quickly toward the end of the school year.
Whether your child is facing a standardized test or a portfolio review, some preparation can reduce anxiety and lead to a better experience. The goal is not to cram - it is to make sure your child feels comfortable and confident.
Here is something important that experienced homeschool families know: evaluations are almost always less stressful than parents expect. Evaluators who work with homeschoolers understand that home education looks different from classroom education. They are not expecting your child to perform like a public school student on every metric.
If your child has been learning throughout the year - even if some days were better than others, even if you switched curriculum mid-year, even if you took a month off for a family event - they have almost certainly made progress. And that is what the evaluation is looking for.
Homeschool families consistently outperform national averages on standardized tests, scoring 15-25 percentile points higher than the public school average. You are almost certainly doing better than you think. The evaluation is going to confirm that.
You have completed the evaluation. Now what? How you use the results depends on what type of assessment you did and what your state requires.
Most standardized tests report results as percentile rankings. A score in the 65th percentile means your child scored as well as or better than 65% of students who took the same test nationally. Here is a general guide:
Remember: a single test score is a snapshot, not a verdict. Children have off days. Some kids are poor test-takers but brilliant learners. Use scores as one data point among many.
If your state requires you to submit evaluation results, do so by the deadline specified in your state's homeschool laws. Keep copies of everything you submit.
Low scores in a specific subject do not mean you are failing. They mean you have information you can act on. Consider these responses:
Store all test scores and evaluation reports in your compliance binder. Over multiple years, they create a powerful record of your child's educational journey and growth. Our record-keeping guide covers how to organize these documents.
Blue Folder generates a state-specific checklist and helps you organize every document you need for evaluation day.
Build Your ChecklistPlanning ahead takes the stress out of evaluation season. Here is a month-by-month guide to staying prepared throughout the school year.
The number one evaluation mistake is waiting until the last minute. If you need a portfolio evaluation in May, most evaluators are fully booked by March. If you need testing materials shipped to you, spring orders can take 4-6 weeks. Plan early, and the entire process becomes routine.
No. Requirements vary widely by state. Some states like New York, Pennsylvania, and Virginia require annual assessments or standardized testing. Others like Texas, Alaska, and Idaho have no evaluation or testing requirements at all. Check your specific state's laws to know exactly what is required, or use our Compliance Checker for a quick answer.
Common options include the CAT (California Achievement Test), Iowa Assessments, Stanford Achievement Test (SAT-10), Woodcock-Johnson, and the Peabody Individual Achievement Test (PIAT). For high schoolers, the PSAT and SAT are widely available. Many of these can be administered at home by a qualified proctor or through homeschool co-ops and testing centers.
A portfolio evaluation is a review of your child's work conducted by a qualified evaluator. The evaluator reviews work samples, attendance records, curriculum used, and other documentation to confirm that educational progress has been made during the school year. It is an alternative to standardized testing in many states.
Start with your local or state homeschool association, which often maintains lists of approved evaluators. Many evaluators advertise through homeschool co-ops, Facebook groups, and online directories. Ask other homeschool families in your area for personal recommendations.
In most states, there is no passing or failing score for homeschool assessments. The test is meant to show progress, not perfection. If scores are lower than expected, use them as a diagnostic tool to identify areas where your child might benefit from extra support. Some states do have minimum score thresholds (like Virginia's 4th stanine requirement), so check your state's specific rules. Read more about avoiding common pitfalls in our first-year mistakes guide.