Thank you for your interest in end-of-year homeschool evaluations.

I have been homeschooling and unschooling my own children since 2008 and have worked as an advisor, mentor, and evaluator at Embark Center for Self-Directed Education since 2018. Before that, I worked in public education as a band clinician from 1998 to 2018. Read more about me here.

Over the years, I have had the privilege of working with students from a wide variety of educational backgrounds. My particular areas of experience include self-directed education, unschooling, and supporting neurodivergent learners. I also present workshops and lectures on these topics for parents and educators.

Although I am not currently accepting new evaluation clients, this page describes my evaluation philosophy and process for those interested in my work.

My Philosophy

One of my favorite parts of each year was meeting with homeschooling families and hearing about everything their children had explored, discovered, created, and experienced.

Learning doesn't only happen just through textbooks. It happens while watching documentaries, building elaborate Minecraft worlds, caring for animals, hiking in nature, creating art, reading comics, conducting science experiments, playing music, and so much more.

Every child learns differently, and one of the greatest strengths of homeschooling is that it allows each student to develop their own path. My role as an evaluator has always been to recognize each child's learning and celebrate their growth.

I often joke that Virginia's "end-of-year evaluation" would be more accurately described as an end-of-year show-and-tell.

It's an opportunity for children to share what they've been curious about, what they've accomplished, and who they've become over the course of the year. Every homeschool journey looks different, and that's exactly what makes homeschooling such a wonderful educational experience.

How It Works

Evaluations are available virtually or in person in Leesburg, Virginia, and are 30 minutes per child. Students and their parents complete an Evaluation Questionnaire before we meet that curates their learning experiences from the past year.

Most of the meeting is spent talking directly with your child. Students choose what they would like to share, often favorite books, artwork, Minecraft builds, writing, hobbies, collections, pets they've cared for, or projects they've completed. The remainder of the appointment is spent talking with parents, answering questions, and discussing the year's progress.

My goal is to create a relaxed conversation where children feel comfortable sharing what genuinely matters to them.

What's Included

Each evaluation includes more than an evidence of progress letter. My goal is to help families feel informed, confident, and supported throughout the homeschooling process.

 You will receive:

• A professional Evidence of Progress letter suitable for submission to your Virginia school division.

• Individual guidance for your family. During our meeting, I'm happy to answer questions about homeschooling, discuss your child's learning, suggest resources when appropriate, and share ideas that may be helpful for the coming year.

• Virginia homeschooling guidance. Parents frequently have questions about high school, graduation requirements, transcripts, and preparing for college or other post-graduation paths. I am happy to explain how these work within Virginia's homeschooling laws and point families toward additional resources.

• Advocacy, if needed. While questions from school divisions are rare, I am available to speak directly with your school division if clarification about my evaluation or Virginia's proof-of-progress requirements is ever requested.

Evaluation Fees

• First child: $90

• Each additional child: $75

Consultations

I am also available to help families create transcripts and diplomas, navigate unschooling and high school, and put together college application plans.

• Rates are $100 an hour