Seton Testing Services has been supporting homeschool families since 1982. They offer standardized tests and diagnostic assessments that you can administer at home. You don’t need to be enrolled in Seton Home Study School to use their services.
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 is Seton Testing services?
Seton Testing Services has been around since 1982, based in Front Royal, Virginia. They focus on helping homeschool families with testing. They provide standardized tests, cognitive assessments, and diagnostic tools that you can use at home. You don’t need to enroll in Seton Home Study School to access their testing services.
Types of tests offered
Seton offers two main types of assessments. Standardized achievement tests like IOWA, Stanford 10, and TerraNova compare your child to others nationwide at their grade level. These tests meet state requirements and give you percentile rankings.
Diagnostic tests like DORA for reading and ADAM for math help pinpoint specific skill gaps. These are useful if you're unsure about where to start or suspect learning gaps. Use diagnostic tests for placement and standardized tests for annual assessments.
State compliance with Seton Testing services
Seton's standardized tests are accepted in many states that require annual testing for homeschoolers. States such as Virginia, Colorado, New Hampshire, New York, and North Carolina often accept them. However, rules can vary, so check with your state's homeschool organization or education department before ordering. These tests are the same as those used in public schools.
Why choose Seton Testing services?
Seton Testing Services meets a real need for homeschool families. They provide testing for state compliance or curriculum placement. Plus, you can give most tests at home without needing special credentials. This makes it easier and less stressful than going to a testing center. With the IOWA Form E tests re-normed in 2024, Seton offers some of the latest assessments for homeschoolers.
