Micro School Testing: A State-by-State Guide for 2026¶
It's February 2026, and if you're running a micro school or homeschool co-op, you've probably got standardized testing on your mind. The SAT spring testing window opens March 2, and you're wondering: Do I actually need to do this?
The answer depends entirely on where you live and how your school is classified. A micro school in Texas operates under completely different rules than one in Pennsylvania. A homeschool co-op in Florida has different obligations than a registered private school in Oregon.
This guide cuts through the confusion. In the next 10 minutes, you'll know exactly what your state requires, which tests you can use, and how to execute spring testing season without losing your mind.
Legal note: This guide provides educational information based on 2026 state requirements, not legal advice. Homeschool laws change frequently. For legal guidance specific to your situation, verify with your state's Department of Education or consult HSLDA.
Who should read this:
- Micro school founders wondering if your state requires testing
- Homeschool co-op administrators coordinating group testing
- Individual homeschool families figuring out spring compliance
- Parents in any of the above who want to understand their obligations
First: How Is Your School Classified?¶
Before anything else, you need to know this: classification matters more than what you call yourself.
Your state doesn't care that you call your learning community a "micro school." It classifies you as one of these:
- Registered private school -- Subject to private school regulations (often minimal or zero testing requirements)
- Homeschool umbrella -- Parents enroll under your program; each family remains responsible for their own compliance
- Individual homeschools -- Each family homeschools independently; no shared administrative entity
- Hybrid program/co-op -- Part-time enrichment classes; families retain primary educational responsibility
Not sure which you are? Ask yourself these three questions:
- Did you file paperwork with your state calling yourself a private school? If yes, you follow private school rules (often fewer testing requirements).
- Does each family file their own homeschool notification with the state? If yes, each family follows homeschool rules individually.
- Are you just meeting for enrichment classes while families homeschool independently? If yes, you're a hybrid/co-op -- families handle their own compliance.
If you're still unsure, check your state's Department of Education registration documents or consult our compliance guide for micro schools.
Why this matters: A registered private micro school in Texas has zero state testing requirements. A homeschool co-op in North Carolina requires every student to take annual standardized tests starting in grade 3. Same educational model, completely different compliance obligations.
Understanding the 3 Levels of State Testing Regulation¶
Not all states treat homeschool and micro school testing equally. Understanding where your state falls on the regulation spectrum helps you plan ahead.
High Regulation States (9 states)¶
These states require annual standardized testing for homeschooled students, typically starting in grades 3-4:
- New York -- Annual assessment grades 4-8; grades 1-3 quarterly reports
- Pennsylvania -- Annual testing grades 3, 5, 8; portfolio review for other grades
- Massachusetts -- Annual assessment or other evaluation method
- Vermont -- Annual assessment starting grade 5
- Rhode Island -- Annual portfolio review or testing
- Maine -- Annual assessment or equivalent evaluation
- Hawaii -- Annual assessment or professional evaluation
- Oregon -- Annual testing grades 3, 5, 8, 10
- West Virginia -- Annual assessment starting grade 3
Moderate Regulation States (14+ states)¶
These states require periodic testing or offer testing as one compliance option:
- Colorado -- Every other year, grades 3-11
- Georgia -- Every 3 years, grades 3-12
- Tennessee -- Grades 5, 7, 9
- North Carolina -- Annual testing grades 3-12
- Florida -- Annual evaluation (testing is one option)
- South Carolina -- Annual testing or portfolio review
- Virginia -- Annual assessment required
- Minnesota -- Annual assessment starting grade 7 (or quarterly reports)
- North Dakota -- Annual testing or certified teacher review
- Ohio -- Annual notification; testing one compliance option
- Iowa -- Annual assessment or portfolio
- South Dakota -- Annual testing grades 2, 4, 8, 11
- Arkansas -- Annual testing for homeschools
- Louisiana -- Annual testing or portfolio
Low/No Regulation States (27+ states)¶
These states have no mandated testing requirements for homeschoolers or private schools:
Texas, Alaska, Idaho, Connecticut, New Jersey, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Missouri, Oklahoma, California, Nevada, Wyoming, Montana, New Hampshire, and others.
Important note: Even in no-regulation states, you may choose to test for other reasons (college admissions, curriculum evaluation, parental peace of mind).
State-by-State Testing Quick Reference (2026)¶
Here's your scannable reference organized by regulation level. For detailed legal requirements, consult HSLDA's state-by-state laws.
High Regulation States¶
| State | Grades Tested | Accepted Tests | Alternatives? |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York | 4-8 (annual) | Any nationally normed test | Professional evaluation (25th percentile minimum) |
| Pennsylvania | 3, 5, 8 | Any nationally normed test | Portfolio review by certified teacher (other grades) |
| Massachusetts | All grades | Standardized test or progress report | Portfolio, narrative report, other |
| Vermont | 5+ (annual) | Standardized test | Professional evaluation, portfolio |
| Rhode Island | All grades | Standardized test | Portfolio review by certified teacher |
| Maine | All grades | Standardized test | Equivalent evaluation method |
| Hawaii | All grades | CAT, Stanford, Iowa | Professional evaluation |
| Oregon | 3, 5, 8, 10 | Test approved by superintendent | Qualified educator evaluation |
| West Virginia | 3+ (annual) | Nationally normed test | N/A |
Moderate Regulation States¶
| State | Grades Tested | Accepted Tests | Alternatives? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Colorado | 3-11 (every other year) | Nationally normed | Professional evaluation |
| Georgia | 3-12 (every 3 years) | Nationally recognized | Portfolio, progress report |
| Tennessee | 5, 7, 9 | CAT, Stanford, Iowa | Professional evaluation |
| North Carolina | 3-12 (annual) | Nationally standardized | None (testing required) |
| Florida | All grades (annual) | Testing is one option | Portfolio, professional evaluation |
| South Carolina | All grades (annual) | Basic skills test | Portfolio with progress |
| Virginia | All grades (annual) | Standardized test | Multiple alternatives |
| Minnesota | 7+ (annual) | Nationally normed | Quarterly reports to superintendent |
| North Dakota | 4, 6, 8, 10 | Standardized test | Certified teacher review |
| Ohio | K-12 | Testing is one option | Portfolio, other assessments |
| Iowa | All grades (annual) | Standardized test | Portfolio review |
| South Dakota | 2, 4, 8, 11 | Standardized test | None specified |
| Arkansas | All grades (annual) | Nationally normed | Certified teacher portfolio review |
| Louisiana | All grades (annual) | Standardized test | Portfolio review |
Low/No Regulation States (Selected Examples)¶
Texas, Alaska, Idaho, Connecticut, New Jersey, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Missouri, Oklahoma, California -- No state-mandated testing for homeschools or private schools.
Why you might still test: College admissions, scholarship applications, identifying learning gaps, curriculum evaluation, or family preference.
When Micro Schools DON'T Need Testing (Legal Alternatives)¶
Even in high-regulation states, standardized testing isn't always mandatory. Here are legal alternatives accepted in various states:
Portfolio Evaluation (8+ states accept)¶
A portfolio typically includes work samples across core subjects, reading lists and book reports, writing samples showing progression, and evidence of educational progress.
States accepting portfolios: Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Iowa, Florida, South Carolina, Virginia, Ohio, Georgia (as one option).
Who reviews it: Certified teacher, professional evaluator, or school administrator (requirements vary by state).
Professional Evaluator Assessment (7+ states)¶
A credentialed educator reviews your student's progress and writes a narrative evaluation.
States accepting professional evaluation: Vermont, Massachusetts, Hawaii, Oregon, Colorado, Tennessee, Florida.
Cost: Typically $50-150 per student.
Umbrella School Enrollment¶
Some families enroll in an established umbrella school or private school satellite program that handles compliance. The umbrella school maintains records, issues transcripts, and ensures state compliance. Families teach at home but are classified as enrolled in a private school.
Private School Classification: The Biggest Loophole Most Founders Miss¶
If your micro school is registered as a private school (not operating as individual homeschools), your testing obligations depend on your state's private school regulations, not homeschool laws. In many states, private school testing requirements are significantly lighter -- or nonexistent.
Side-by-side comparison:
| Registered Private School | Homeschool Co-op | |
|---|---|---|
| Texas | Zero testing requirements | Zero testing requirements |
| Pennsylvania | No state-mandated testing | Annual testing grades 3, 5, 8 + portfolio review |
| North Carolina | Annual testing (same as public schools) | Annual testing grades 3-12 |
| Florida | No state-mandated testing | Annual evaluation (testing is one option) |
The tradeoff: Private school registration may require other compliance (teacher credentials, facility inspections, or curriculum standards) that homeschools avoid. Weigh the testing savings against those additional obligations before changing your classification.
How to check yours: Look at the paperwork you filed with your state. If it says "private school" or "nonpublic school," you follow private school rules. If each family filed an individual homeschool notification, you follow homeschool rules.
Choosing the Right Standardized Test¶
If you've determined testing is required (or you want to test anyway), here's your comparison of the most popular options.
CAT (California Achievement Test) / TerraNova¶
- Cost: $20-38 per student
- Administration: Parents can administer (no degree required)
- Format: Online or paper
- Grades: K-12
- Turnaround: 2-4 weeks
- Best for: Budget-conscious families, states that don't specify testing credentials, group testing at co-ops
Iowa Assessments (formerly Iowa Tests of Basic Skills)¶
- Cost: $35-45 per student
- Administration: Requires a bachelor's degree
- Format: Online or paper
- Grades: K-12
- Turnaround: 2-4 weeks
- Best for: States requiring credentialed test administrators, families wanting detailed diagnostic feedback
Stanford Achievement Test (Stanford 10)¶
- Cost: $30-55 per student
- Administration: Varies by provider
- Format: Online or paper
- Grades: K-12
- Turnaround: 3-4 weeks
- Best for: States specifically requiring Stanford, families wanting college-prep alignment
Quick Comparison¶
| Test | Cost | Parent Admin? | Best Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| CAT/TerraNova | $20-38 | Yes | Affordable, no degree needed |
| Iowa | $35-45 | No (degree required) | Detailed diagnostics |
| Stanford 10 | $30-55 | Varies | College prep alignment |
State acceptance varies: North Carolina, for example, accepts "any nationally standardized test" (NC DOA). Check your state's approved test list before ordering.
Group testing tip: If you're testing 10+ students, consider group pricing through testing services that specialize in homeschool co-ops. Sources like Seton Testing Services and BJU Press offer volume options.
Tracking test scores for multiple students? Upload scores once and NavEd updates student records and transcripts automatically -- no re-entering data across spreadsheets. Free for up to 5 students, then $2.50/student/month. See how it works.
Your Spring 2026 Testing Timeline¶
Spring testing season is here. Here's your action plan.
February (Now): Research and Choose¶
- Confirm your state's requirements using HSLDA's state-by-state guide or your state's Department of Education website
- Select your test (CAT for budget/flexibility, Iowa for diagnostics, Stanford for college prep)
- Check if local co-ops or homeschool groups are offering group testing
- Decide on format: online (faster results) vs. paper (less screen fatigue)
March: Order Materials and Register¶
- Order tests by March 15 to ensure materials arrive in time
- SAT spring testing window opens March 2 for high schoolers
- Schedule testing dates and block out 2-4 hours per subject area
- Gather required materials (pencils, scratch paper, calculator if permitted)
April-May: Optimal Testing Window¶
- Students have covered most of the school year's curriculum
- Energy levels are higher than end-of-year
- Results arrive in time for summer curriculum planning
- Test in the morning when students are fresh; break testing into multiple sessions
June: Score Results and Submit¶
- Scores typically arrive 2-4 weeks after testing
- Review results for strengths and areas needing support
- Submit to state if required (about 14 states need actual score submission)
- File records with your student's permanent file for transcript purposes
Reading This in March or Later? Don't Panic.¶
Online tests (CAT, Iowa) ship within 5-7 business days after ordering. Most states accept testing through May or June -- there's no magic cutoff in February. If you've already passed your state's preferred window, check whether portfolio evaluation is an accepted alternative (it typically has later deadlines). The action plan above still works; just compress the timeline.
Keeping Compliant Records (Without the Paperwork Nightmare)¶
Testing is only half the compliance equation. The other half is documentation.
What Documentation to Keep¶
For standardized testing:
- Test score reports (keep original copies)
- Proof of test administration (date, location, administrator name if required)
- Any correspondence with state authorities
For general compliance:
- Attendance records (if required by your state)
- Samples of student work (especially if using portfolio evaluation)
- Course descriptions and curriculum records
- High school transcripts with test scores included
Digital vs. Paper Record-Keeping¶
Best practice: A hybrid approach. Keep original test score reports in a fireproof safe; scan and store digital copies in cloud storage. Digital records are easier to search, duplicate, and share for college applications.
If you're looking for a simple way to go digital, our free homeschool record-keeping software guide covers several options.
How Transcripts Connect to Testing¶
For high school students, standardized test scores often appear on transcripts. Colleges may expect to see SAT/ACT scores, AP exam results, or even Iowa/Stanford percentiles to validate homeschool grades.
If you're building compliant transcripts for your micro school, NavEd's free transcript generator lets you create professional transcripts -- no account needed. For a complete guide on what to include, check out our high school transcript checklist.
Frequently Asked Questions¶
How much does homeschool standardized testing cost?¶
Most families spend $25-70 per student depending on the test and format. CAT/TerraNova runs $20-38, Iowa Assessments $35-45, and Stanford 10 $30-55. Professional evaluator alternatives cost $50-150. Group testing at co-ops may include a small administrative fee ($5-15).
Can I administer the test myself?¶
It depends on the test. CAT/TerraNova allows parent administration with no degree required. Iowa Assessments requires a bachelor's degree in any field. Stanford 10 varies by testing service provider. Some states also specify administrator credentials independently, so check your state's rules.
What happens if my child fails?¶
Here's the reassuring truth: most states have no minimum score requirement for homeschool standardized tests. Testing is typically a compliance checkbox, not a pass/fail gate. Exceptions include New York (33rd percentile minimum) and Pennsylvania (13th percentile minimum). If scores are low, use them diagnostically to adjust curriculum and identify gaps.
Do I have to report test scores to the state?¶
Only about 14 states require actual score submission. Many states require proof of testing (that you took the test) but don't require submitting the scores themselves. States requiring submission include North Carolina, West Virginia, South Dakota, and Arkansas.
Can micro schools use the same tests as homeschools?¶
Yes, if your micro school is classified as individual homeschools or a homeschool co-op. If you're a registered private school, your requirements depend on your state's private school regulations, which are often less strict.
Where can I get my child tested?¶
Four main options: (1) At home -- order tests online and administer yourself (CAT). (2) Homeschool co-ops -- many offer group testing days in April/May. (3) Testing services -- Seton Testing, Alpha Omega, and others offer remote proctoring. (4) Local public schools -- some districts offer free testing for homeschoolers during their spring window.
Are there free testing options?¶
Some public school districts offer free standardized testing to homeschoolers during their spring testing window (call your district to ask). A few states provide free assessments to homeschool families. Free diagnostic tools like Khan Academy aren't legally equivalent but can guide curriculum decisions. Group testing at co-ops often gets volume discounts.
Can I use SAT/ACT scores for state testing requirements?¶
Only in a few states, and usually only for high school students. Most states require K-12 nationally normed tests like CAT, Iowa, or Stanford because they measure progress across all grade levels, while SAT/ACT tests college readiness for grades 11-12.
Your Testing Season Action Plan¶
You now know whether your state requires testing, which tests to use, and how to plan for spring. Here's your immediate checklist:
This week:
1. Confirm your state's exact requirements (classification matters)
2. Choose your test (CAT for budget, Iowa for diagnostics, Stanford for rigor)
3. Check if local co-ops are offering group testing
By March 15:
4. Order test materials or register for online testing
5. Schedule testing dates for April-May
6. Set up a record-keeping system for test scores
Need a simple way to organize test scores, transcripts, and student records? NavEd keeps everything in one place for micro schools and homeschool co-ops. The free transcript generator requires no account -- just add your student data and download. Full student management is free for up to 5 students (always, no credit card). After that, $2.50/student/month.
For more guidance, check out our 5-minute compliance guide or our guide on starting a micro school in 2026.
Now go ace testing season.