The costs of homeschool evaluation services can vary greatly and you should do your research before retaining one. Homeschool evaluators can be expensive, and their fees may range from just a few hundred to several thousand dollars. Depending on who you hire and the services required, the price of hiring an evaluator can be quite substantial.
Knowing how much homeschool evaluators charge can help you decide if the services are worth the cost or if you are better off trying to pursue an alternative. Understanding how homeschool evaluators charge and what services they offer can make it easier to decide which one is the best fit for you and your family.
This article answers some of the most commonly asked questions about how much homeschool evaluators charge so you can make an informed decision.
What Are Homeschool Evaluations?
Homeschool evaluations are assessments completed by a professional evaluator who ascertain that a homeschool student is making academic progress and are succeeding in their education. The assessments used by homeschool evaluators vary and may include standardized tests, portfolios, and conferences with the student and parent(s).
All of these methods help the evaluator make a determination on the student’s progress. Evaluation periods may vary from state to state, and the authority of the evaluator may be limited. Depending on the state, the evaluator may be required to meet with the student and/or parents before, during, and/or after the assessment.
In some states, like Hawaii and Massachusetts, homeschool evaluations are only required upon request from the parents.
How Much Do Homeschool Evaluators Charge?
The cost of homeschool evaluations can vary depending on the evaluator, the services needed, and the region where the evaluation is being done. National services like Homeschool Evaluations may cost anywhere from $200 to $2500, while regional services like Home School Evaluations in California may range anywhere from $500 to $3200. These fees may seem high, but they include a more comprehensive assessment than just one or two tests.
In addition to the cost of the evaluation itself, there may also be additional costs associated with the assessment. This includes the costs of providing materials to the evaluator, such as assessments, textbooks, and curriculum, as well as the costs of printing and shipping materials to the evaluator.
It is important to get a quote up front that includes all potential costs so there are no surprises.
How Does the Fees Structure for Homeschool Evaluators Work?
Most homeschool evaluators will charge a flat fee for their services, which is usually based on the level of assessment being done. Some evaluators may offer a discounted rate for multiple assessments, while others may charge a flat fee for each assessment.
The amount charged may also depend on the amount of hours needed to complete the assessment and the turnaround time requested by the parents. Additional charges may also be incurred if the evaluator needs to travel to the student’s home or the student needs to meet with the evaluator for an extended period of time. Some evaluators may also offer payment plans or accept credit cards.
If you are considering using a payment plan, make sure you understand exactly how much you will owe each month and if interest will be charged.
What Other Services Does a Homeschool Evaluator Offer Besides Evaluations?
Homeschool evaluators may offer other services in addition to evaluations. These services may include helping the student prepare portfolios for college applications or helping the student create a personalized academic plan to meet their goals.
Some evaluators may also provide educational consultation services, such as helping the student choose a appropriate coursework or curriculum. The fees for these services may be different than the fees charged for evaluations. Some evaluators may offer discounted rates for these services if they are bundled with the evaluation.
It is important to inquire about these services and the fees associated with them up front.
Are There Any Alternatives to Homeschool Evaluations?
Parents who do not want to pay a homeschool evaluator may be able to pursue an alternative assessment. Options may include having a teacher or other knowledgeable professional review students’ portfolios, using an online evaluation service, or having the student take a standardized test.
In some states, there may also be the option to get an exemption from the state’s evaluation or assessment requirements. In some cases, the student may be able to submit a portfolio for review or take an alternative assessment. However, it is important to research the requirements for an exemption in your state before attempting to pursue one.
Are Homeschool Evaluations Worth the Cost?
Whether or not homeschool evaluations are worth the cost depends entirely on the family’s needs. If the family is in need of a comprehensive assessment, then hiring a professional evaluator may be worth the cost. If the family is looking for a more basic assessment, then pursuing an exemption or an alternative assessment may be more cost effective.
It is also important to note that evaluations are only required in some states and may not be necessary in all cases. If the family is OK with an alternative assessment or exemption, then they may be able to get by without paying for a homeschool evaluator.
Conclusion
Hiring a professional homeschool evaluator can be costly, but it is important to do your research before deciding if it is worth the cost. Understanding what services evaluators offer and how much they charge can help you determine if you need to hire one and if it is worth the expense. Knowing your state’s requirements for evaluations, as well as exploring alternatives to formal assessments, can also help you determine if a homeschool evaluator is necessary and if it is worth the cost.