At Statheros Academy, a private umbrella school in Colorado, we prioritize flexibility and autonomy for homeschool families. Our Statheros Academy assessment requirements reflects these values, offering multiple options and a schedule that suits your family’s needs. This post outlines everything you need to know about our assessment policies, the shift from homeschool law to private school law, and how to meet the legal requirements while enjoying the freedom that comes with Statheros enrollment.
Key Themes
1. Flexibility and Choice
At Statheros, no two families are alike, and we strive to give each family the freedom to tailor assessments to their needs. You can choose from a variety of evaluation methods and select an odd or even school-year schedule, ensuring consistency without disrupting your homeschool rhythm.
2. Private School Law vs. Homeschool Law
When you enroll with Statheros Academy, your family operates under Colorado’s private school law instead of the homeschool Notice of Intent law. This grants us the autonomy to set our own policies, including assessment requirements, without following state-mandated homeschool schedules.
3. Meeting Legal Requirements
While we offer significant flexibility, assessments are required every other year for students in grades 3 and above. These assessments ensure we meet legal standards while allowing parents to choose the best method of evaluation for their child.
Assessment Options
Families enrolled at Statheros Academy can choose from the following options:
Standardized Tests: Information about approved tests and how to administer them is available through the Statheros Academy website.
Parent Evaluation: This free option provides a downloadable fillable PDF and an online form.
Professional Evaluation: Parents can access information and resources about professional assessments, including a helpful podcast interview with the Statheros Academy evaluator.
Assessment Schedule
Biennial Assessments: Students in grades 3 and above must complete an assessment every other year.
Odd or Even Year Choice: Families select whether to conduct assessments during school years ending in odd or even numbers, ensuring a consistent schedule.
Example: A family selecting the "odd" year schedule would complete assessments at the end of the 2024-2025, 2026-2027, and 2028-2029 school years. While selecting the "even" year schedule requires assessments at the end of the 2025-2026, 2027-2028, 2029-2030 etc. school years.
Assessment Deadline: All assessments must be submitted by June 30 of the applicable school year, according to the chosen schedule.
Submission Policies
No Grade or Work Summary Submissions: Statheros Academy does not require families to submit grades or detailed work summaries.
Optional Parent Evaluation Review: For families who want additional feedback, a review of your parent evaluation is available for a $50 fee. This includes an official progress statement and suggestions for improvement from the Statheros evaluator.