School testing vs. private
School evaluations consider eligibility for special education. They are free and do not provide a diagnosis. A private evaluation can diagnose when appropriate and explain why the student is struggling.
Evaluation process
A psychoeducational evaluation explains why a student is struggling and what can actually help.
Testing is only part of the picture. The work also includes developmental history, educational experiences, current concerns, and how the student functions day to day.
Areas may include cognitive abilities, academic achievement (reading, writing, mathematics), attention and executive functioning, learning disabilities, autism and other neurodevelopmental differences, social-emotional functioning, and patterns of strengths and weaknesses.
Clarity on three things:
What we know about the student’s learning and development.
What that means for school and everyday life.
What to do next — practical supports based on this profile, not a generic list.
Testing is generally completed across 2–3 sessions. From intake to final report, the full process typically takes 8–10 weeks, depending on complexity.
School evaluations consider eligibility for special education. They are free and do not provide a diagnosis. A private evaluation can diagnose when appropriate and explain why the student is struggling.
No. A private evaluation is valuable information. Eligibility is still determined by the district through its own process.
Students, families, and adults who want a clear learning profile — including attention, giftedness, and long-standing questions that never quite got answered.
That’s what the 20-minute consultation is for.