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Homeschool Testing in VA

Testing and the Law—Frequently Asked Questions about Testing in Virginia

What does the law say about testing? Who must be tested? What methods of assessment may be used? Do kindergartners have to be tested? Where can I get tests? Find the answers to these and many other questions in this informative FAQ. See our Law section for more information about the other education laws in Virginia.

Testing in VA - An Overview

Assessments can be a challenge for both students and parents. This overview offers answers to some common questions and links to further resources.

Testing Options for Homeschoolers in Virginia

The Virginia homeschool law allows several alternatives in the area of testing. the state law uses the word "assessment," which permits a choice of the following options: privately-administered standardized achievement tests, independent evaluation, or portfolio.* Please see the links below for some more information on each of these options.

What Is a Portfolio—and Is It Right for You?
Choosing and Ordering Standardized Achievement Tests
Testing Resources for Virginia Homeschoolers/Where to Order Tests

*Summary extracted from The Virginia Homeschool Manual. 

Testing Resources: Companies and Testers/Tutors Who Work with Virginia Homeschoolers

Unsure how to purchase a test? We've put together a page listing companies offering tests for homeschoolers. We've also compiled a page of  counselors, testers, and tutors who work with homeschoolers or have expressed an interest in working with them.

Benefits of Testing

Learn about the benefits of testing in this informative article by Trudy Abel, then draw your own conclusions about whether testing is right for your child.

Preparing to Assess Your Child and Interpreting the Results 

Sharpen Your Child's Testing Skills
Learn some simple tips to help your child do his best when testing.

Gearing Up for Assessments
Is there a parent anywhere that approaches assessment time without the slightest trepidation? This article by Janice Campbell will help homeschool parents put testing in a proper perspective and understand how to both prepare and interpret the results.

Test Preparation & Review
A website offering free online practice tests.

Interpretation of Results
Don't let the testing lingo fool you! This article explains testing terms, and offers suggestions for if your child performs poorly.

High School Testing Resources

The links below are designed to help you Navigating the maze of high school tests available doesn't have to be overwhelming.

• START HERE! Testing Options - Confused about the difference between the different testing options? Start with this article by Mary Shofield explaining (in plain English!) the SAT Reasoning Test, SAT Subject Tests, PSAT/NMSQT, ACT, GED, AP, and CLEP. 
• Registering for Tests - Find out when, where, and how to register for SAT/PSAT/ACT tests.
• Free ACT/SAT Practice Tests
• Free SAT Practice Questions and Study Tips
  
• College Board Resources - College Board is  "a not-for-profit membership association whose mission is to connect students to college success and opportunity." They have a variety of homeschool-specific information on their site.

• Homeschooled Students and the PSAT/NMSQT
• Homeschooled Students and the SAT
• Homeschooled Students and [College] Admissions

New Homeschool Webinar

Know the Law: Notifying and Testing Demystified
This webinar is designed specifically to answer your questions about the law and testing requirements.

Assessment Tests

Essential Learning Objectives Quick Assessment
Are you considering home education, but you're not sure where to begin with curriculum? Or are you taking your child out of school because he's struggling academically, and you don't know what level curriculum to purchase? Perhaps your child is advanced in one subject, but you think he may be behind in another subject--how can you find out?

If you want to know where to start with the basic-skill subjects, Essential Learning Objectives Quick Assessment can give you the information you need to start homeschooling at your child's level of success.

The Virginia Homeschool Manual - A Comprehensive Guide to Home Education in Virginia

Have you ever wished you could easily find answers to your homeschooling questions in just ONE book?

Well, now you can! The Virginia Homeschool Manual: A Comprehensive Guide to Home Education in Virginia—-the most complete, single reference on home education in Virginia—-will help you homeschool from pre-school through high school, college, and beyond. 

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