Pros and Cons of Private vs. Public School Testing

Parents are often the first to pick up on possible problems that may affect their child’s performance in school, but are not always sure how to go about getting the best help for their child.

Different testing instruments can help to pinpoint specific problems and the information from these assessments can lead to helpful interventions. A good pediatrician can help parents to pinpoint issues and concerns, and to discover resources and options available in the local community.

If it is determined that pre-screening and psychological testing is a next step, the question of where to go follows. Families vary in the reasons they choose one method over another. Finding answers to the questions such as the ones below, as parents explore the pros and cons to testing options, can help parents to make the best decision for their family.

Who pays for the evaluation?

What if we are not satisfied with the results?

Who conducts the evaluation?

How long does the process take?

Who has access to the report and personal/private information?

Will the school use the information from a private evaluation?

What are the pros and cons of going through the school district compared to private testing?

Public School Testing

Pros:

Testing is available to families at no charge.

Services are provided at no charge.

Parents may make requests for specific tests and/or pursue additional testing through the school or through an outside evaluator.

Cons:
Parents are not able to choose the evaluator.

The school/evaluator is limited in what evaluations are used/available.

The evaluation process can take months.

The results are kept in your child’s permanent file.

Private Testing

Pros:
All or part of the cost for testing may be covered by insurance.

Through your private clinician, you have access to all testing results.

Parents may request that personal information be removed from the report.

Parents have more control of who has access to the report.

Parents can choose the evaluator.

Private evaluations can be more thorough.

Cons:
The school may not accept the outside evaluation.

Depending on the tester, wait time for an evaluation can be 3 months or more.

The evaluation may or may not be covered by insurance.

Parenting children can be a continuous learning experience. Interpreting test results and making decisions about interventions is the next important step of this process – and another area to explore after going through with the evaluation.

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