Prepare for Your Evaluation

Everything you need to feel confident and compliant — portfolio samples, required subjects, reading logs, and what to bring.

Book Your Evaluation
View / Print Quick Checklist

Child must be present for a brief interview; they may relax or play while we finish talking.

What to Expect

A relaxed conversation covering highlights of your year: projects, field-trips, favorite books & activities. Afterwards, I e-mail your signed evaluation form and payment link ($40 first child / $25 sibling).

Sample video coming soon. Since evaluations are never recorded, I'm using the space below to give families a written picture of what the conversation feels like: calm, encouraging, and low pressure.
Portfolio samples spread on a table

Portfolio Samples

Bring 2–3 examples per subject (beginning · middle · end). Workbooks, photos, digital slides — whatever best displays growth.

Digital portfolios are welcome — simply share your screen.

Partial Year Samples

Switched mid-year? Include work from the earlier school to establish a starting point and showcase progress.

Student writing at desk

Required Subjects

Subjects often overlap — history projects may cover civics & geography; spelling, reading and writing combine in Language Arts. Show evidence each area was addressed in some way during the year.

Elementary (1–6)

  • English — spelling, reading, writing
  • Arithmetic
  • Science
  • Social Studies — Geography, U.S. & PA History, Civics
  • PE · Health · Music · Art
  • Continuous instruction in the dangers and prevention of fires

Secondary (7–12)

  • English — Language, Literature, Speech & Composition
  • Science — Biology and Chemistry recommended
  • Math — General Mathematics, Algebra, & Geometry
  • Social Studies — U.S. History, PA History, World History, Civics, & Geography
  • PE · Music · Art
  • Continuous instruction in the dangers and prevention of fires
  • Foreign Language (recommended)
Reading log example

Reading Log

List titles read (or listened to). Younger students often log 30+ picture books; older students list chapter books or series.

Reading Log Template

Standardized Assessments

Grades 3, 5 & 8 include nationally-normed scores. Level may be adjusted to the student's current ability.

California Achievement Test
Student taking a standardized test
Planning calendar

Hours & Days

900 hrs / 180 days (Elementary) · 990 hrs / 180 days (Secondary). Courts have ruled that learning happens daily — your signed statement is sufficient.

Key Details

  • Deadline · June 30 — districts will request it if late
  • Student attends a short, low-stress chat
  • Fee $40 first child · $25 each sibling (PayPal · Zelle · Venmo)
  • Scheduling opens each mid-April
Learning Life Homeschool Evaluation seal
Schedule Your Evaluation

Information about Students with IEPs and Start-of-Year Forms can be found on the Start Homeschooling page.