School vs. Private Psychological Testing
When a child struggles in school — maybe they’re falling behind in reading, feeling anxious about assignments, or having trouble focusing — parents often hear, “You might want to get your child assessed.” But what kind of assessment or testing? Many families don’t realize there are two main paths: school-based evaluations (done through your child’s public school) and private psychological assessments (conducted outside the school). Both options can be incredibly valuable, but they differ significantly in purpose, scope, and approach. Understanding the difference helps families choose the path that best meets their child’s needs — and sometimes, combining both gives the clearest picture.
Why Testing Matters
How does my child learn?
What’s behind the struggles we’re seeing?
What supports will help them succeed?
For a 9-year-old who’s bright but avoids reading, testing might reveal dyslexia. For a 13-year-old who rushes through assignments and forgets instructions, it may uncover ADHD or executive functioning challenges. For a 15-year-old who feels overwhelmed and unmotivated, it might highlight anxiety or depression affecting performance.
Testing brings clarity — and clarity brings direction.
What School-Based Testing Offers
Public schools are legally required to evaluate students who may need special education services. The goal is to determine if a student qualifies for an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or a 504 Plan, two different ways of getting more help.
School evaluations are free and focus on educational impact — how a student’s learning, mental health, or behavior affects school performance. They often include academic testing (reading, math, writing), cognitive testing (to measure learning potential and thinking skills), and questionnaires from teachers and parents. If a student qualifies, the school team develops a plan that might include accommodations, interventions, or specialized instruction.
For example, an elementary student struggling with reading fluency might receive a school evaluation that identifies a specific learning disability. The school can then provide small-group reading support and extra time on assignments. Or a high schooler with ADHD might qualify for a 504 plan that allows movement breaks and a reduced homework load.
These evaluations are practical, team-based with input and participation by various members of the educational team, and focused on what helps a student function and learn within the school environment.
To learn more about how school-based testing works — including your rights, timelines, and steps to request an evaluation — visit the Center for Parent Information and Resources (CPIR), a trusted resource from the U.S. Department of Education that helps families navigate the special education process.
What Private Psychological Testing Offers
Private assessments, typically completed by a psychologist in a clinic setting, take a broader and more individualized view. The goal isn’t just to determine eligibility for services, but to understand the whole child — their cognitive profile, emotional functioning, executive skills, attention, memory, and mental health.
Private testing explores questions like:
Why is my child melting down before homework?
Is my teen’s low motivation a sign of depression or learning struggles?
Does anxiety make focusing harder?
For example, a private assessment might find that a middle schooler’s reading difficulties are linked not only to decoding challenges (using phonics to sound out words), but also to anxiety about performance. Or it may show that a teen’s “procrastination” is really a sign of ADHD-related executive functioning challenges, not a lack of motivation or “laziness”.
Private evaluations are also likely to be more comprehensive and are more diagnostic. They can formally identify conditions like ADHD, autism, anxiety, depression, or learning disorders, using standardized tools that schools may not administer. This can be essential for accessing therapy, accommodations on standardized tests (like the SAT/ACT), or medication support.
A School Evaluation Can Be a Great First Step
For many families, starting with the school makes sense. If a teacher notices ongoing struggles or a child isn’t meeting grade-level expectations, parents can submit a written request for an evaluation. The school has a timeline to respond and complete testing, and if your child qualifies, they can access interventions during the school day.
Take 10-year-old Sofia, who’s falling behind in math. Her parents request a school evaluation. The results show a math learning disability, and she begins receiving small-group instruction three times a week. Her confidence grows, and her progress is monitored over time.
In this case, the school’s focus on academic support is exactly what’s needed — no cost, and immediate help in the classroom.
When a Private Evaluation Adds Value
Private testing can be especially helpful when families want a deeper understanding of emotional or mental health factors (like anxiety or depression), suspect multiple and overlapping concerns, or need documentation for standardized test accommodations or college support.
Consider Alex, a 15-year-old who’s had an IEP since middle school for reading. Despite support, he’s still anxious, unmotivated, and frustrated. A private assessment reveals ADHD and significant anxiety contributing to avoidance. With that insight, his parents add therapy, medication consultation, and new strategies for managing stress — changes that finally help him move forward more substantially. In other words, the school evaluation and help was not sufficiently in-depth to understand his difficulties more fully and respond more helpfully. .
Here, the private evaluation builds on what the school provided, giving a more complete picture.
How They Can Work Together
The best outcomes often come when school and private assessments complement each other. A private evaluation might clarify diagnoses, while the school uses that information to design targeted classroom supports. Collaboration ensures consistency — everyone is working from the same understanding.
Families sometimes share private reports with schools to guide IEP or 504 planning. Others start with school testing, then pursue private assessment later if challenges persist.
There’s no one “right” path — the choice depends on your child’s needs, timeline, and the questions you want answered.
Moving Forward
Both school and private psychological testing aim for the same goal: helping children and teens learn, grow, and thrive. School evaluations ensure access to classroom supports. Private assessments dig deeper into the “why,” helping families and providers build a fuller plan for emotional, social, and academic success.
At The Child Psychology Center, we partner with families to make sense of their child’s story. Whether you’re seeking a comprehensive private assessment or guidance after school testing, we help you turn data into understanding — and understanding into action.
If you’re wondering which path is right for your child, reach out for a free consultation. Together, we can decide the best next step toward more clarity and support, and more success for your child.
Our Services
Child Psychology Center offers neuro-affirming, culturally competent, evidence-based therapy for children (ages 0+), teens and caregivers. We offer virtual therapy for people throughout all of California, and we offer in-person therapy near San Diego (in Carlsbad, CA) and Sacramento. Our services are available in both English and Mandarin. Our licensed psychologists offer psychological assessments. While our therapists specialize in treating children, we also treat adults. We specialize in treating anxiety, child behavioral problems, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), ADHD, Autism, and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). We offer parent coaching and consultation. We would love to support you along your journey. Reach out for a free 15-minute consultation today!
