Private vs. School-Based Evaluations: What Parent's Need to Know Before Requesting an IEP.

Understanding the Difference

When a child struggles in school, parents often wonder whether a school evaluation is enough—or if they should seek a private evaluation. Both play an important role in understanding your child’s learning profile, but they differ in purpose, depth, and independence.

-School Evaluations-

School-based evaluations are conducted by district staff to determine eligibility for special education services under IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act). These assessments focus on whether a disability is impacting a student’s educational performance and whether a student requires specially designed instruction. A school can deny a request for an evaluation for a number of reasons.

Pros: Free of cost, leads directly to services if the child qualifies.
Cons: May be limited in scope, often tied to school eligibility rather than a full diagnostic picture, can be denied.

-Private Evaluations-

Private evaluations—completed by independent professionals—take a more comprehensive and individualized approach. They assess cognitive, academic, emotional, and behavioral functioning in depth. Private evaluations, shared with school teams, MUST be considered when conducting an evaluation planning meeting for a student after an IEP has been requested.

Pros: Objective, detailed, and includes recommendations beyond school settings.
Cons: Can be expensive, and schools aren’t required to automatically accept results (though they must consider them).

Why Many Families Choose Both

Many parents pursue private evaluations to fill gaps left by school testing or when a school has denied a request for an evaluation. A private report can clarify diagnoses, guide supports at home, and strengthen advocacy for appropriate accommodations or specialized instruction. A private evaluation can also uncover a student’s difficulties or needs that a school evaluation may not, or provide data to challenge a school’s denial to evaluate.

Final Thoughts

Whether school or private, evaluations should help your child thrive—not just meet eligibility criteria. If you’re unsure where to start, an educational consultant or advocate can guide you through the decision-making process and help you communicate effectively with your school team. Much of the information listed here also applies under Section 504, so if you believe your child may need 504 accommodations and not an IEP, we can help!