An End-of-Year Evaluation checks how much a homeschooled student has learned over the year. It focuses on individual growth, showing how your child has progressed since the start.
Research from the National Home Education Research Institute (NHERI) shows that homeschooled students typically score 15 to 25 percentile points higher than public school students on standardized academic achievement tests. According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), approximately 3.3 million students were homeschooled in the United States as of 2023, representing roughly 6% of the school-age population.
What’s an end-of-year evaluation?
An End-of-Year Evaluation looks at your child's academic progress throughout the school year. Unlike traditional report cards that compare students to grade-level standards, this evaluation focuses on how your child has grown. It serves two main purposes: it helps you find areas that need improvement and meets legal requirements in some states. This evaluation shows that your child is getting a good education and making progress.
State requirements overview
States have different rules for homeschooling evaluations. High-regulation states like New York, Pennsylvania, and Massachusetts require detailed assessments each year. Moderate-regulation states such as Virginia, Florida, and North Carolina ask for some form of progress documentation. Low-regulation states might only need you to file a notice of intent without any testing. Around eleven states, including Texas, Idaho, and Alaska, have little to no oversight. Be sure to check your state's current requirements, as they can change.
Preparing a portfolio
If your state allows portfolio evaluations, start gathering work samples right away—not just in May. Aim for at least five samples per subject showing growth from the start to the end of the year. Include photos of projects, materials from field trips, and creative works. Organize them by subject and add brief notes for context. Digital portfolios can be easier to share. Remember, evaluators want to see growth over time, so include work that shows improvement, not just the final polished pieces.
For young children
Experts suggest that standardized tests aren't the best choice for kids aged 5-8. Young kids might not have the stamina for tests, struggle with formats, or just not perform well in test situations—no matter how much they know. Portfolios, anecdotal records, and observation-based checklists work better for this age. If testing is required, find assessments designed for younger children with simpler formats.
The bottom line
End-of-Year Evaluations are important because they provide proof that your homeschool is effective. Even if your state doesn’t require them, regular assessments help you spot gaps before they become big issues and create a record of progress. The key is to choose an evaluation method that suits your child's learning style and your family's homeschooling approach—there's no one right way.
