Recommended Ohio Homeschool Assessors

NO ASSESMENT IS REQUIRED BY OHIO LAW, as of October 3, 2023. However, some homeschoolers will still want a periodic review to be done for their own records or piece of mind. This is a list of vetted homeschooling advocate certified teachers who know Ohio homeschooling laws and will be an excellent resource for you. For more information assessments , see the OHP Frequently Asked Questions page, question #8.

All assessors listed below have answered a query and have been vetted by the admin team as assessors who are homeschool advocates and have been homeschooling with notification themselves (at least 3 years). OHP does not necessarily endorse any assessor on this list, but they have shown they are homeschooling advocates of all homeschooling styles, including unschooling. It is the parent's responsibility to interview and hire any assessor. The parent is the client, and the assessor works for you. Be sure to find one that fits YOUR homeschooling style.

Contacts are listed alphabetically by last name. If the assessor has chosen to be specific to a particular area of the state as opposed to statewide, this has been noted in the listing.

If you are an Ohio teacher with an unexpired, valid certificate or license, who does assessments, have personally homeschooled (as defined by Ohio regulation) for at least 3 years, and would like to be added to this list, please Contact Us.

Dorian Barnovsky:

Hello. I’m your no hassle homeschool assessor. I have 15+ years high school and college teaching experience and 15+ years homeschool experience, homeschooling 4 kids. I charge $40 for the first student, $20 each additional with a $100 family maximum. Payment via PayPal. Photos of a few work samples for each child is all I require. Correspondence via email at DorianHomeschool@gmail.com. Signed forms are typically emailed to you within 2-3 business days of my receipt of your payment and samples. Thanks!

Becky Boerner:

I complete portfolio reviews for families across the state of Ohio. I love what I do! I am a homeschool mom of seven and I have a current Ohio teaching license. Five of my children are currently being home schooled and two are graduates. I work with families who follow more of a traditional path, unschoolers, and everyone in between. There is more information posted on my blog: http://ohiohomeschool.blogspot.com/

I have documents on my web site to help guide you through the process, but I am willing to work with families that have situations that do not fit into the categories or questions listed. Please email me with any questions at ohiohomeschool@gmail.com

Gina Kilchenman:

I am an Ohio certified teacher with 25 years of combined experience as a homeschool mom/educator, public school teacher, substitute, tutor and children's ministry leader. I assess all types of homeschoolers including unschoolers. I keep the process simple and the cost reasonable. For more information and to get started, call or text me at

(937)618-1525 or send a message to kilchenmangina@gmail.com

Rachel Cain:

I am a homeschooling mama to four Blessings. I have a Bachelors in Elementary Education and a Masters in Special Education, and I worked for 3 years as a public school teacher covering grades PreK through 9. Now as a mom, I have been tutoring students part-time for 8 years. Since I am a certified Ohio teacher, I can provide portfolio assessment services for any homeschoolers in the state - this can be done in person near Troy, via webcam, or contact-free through online photo albums! Any and all styles of homeschoolers are welcome, as I understand that each child and family has different learning styles and needs. I strive to keep portfolio assessments low-stress and very affordable. I know that YOU are the boss of your homeschool and the best teacher for your kiddos, and what you show me in your assessment is your choice; I am not your judge, but rather your cheerleader! I truly love meeting with other homeschoolers and getting a peek into your school year. You can call or text me at 937-206-3698, email me at rachel1213@gmail.com, or visit my page at FB.com/HomeschoolAssessmentsbyRachel

Lisa Cox:

Homeschooling since 2002, with 2 graduates! Homeschool assessor with over 2000 assessments signed in 2019. Also, HSLDA Special Ed. Consultant, Owner/Operator of School Solutions, Creative Writing Teacher, School Solutions Youth Co-op Coordinator, OG Reading Tutor, Jon Peterson Provider, Homeschool Consultant, and year-round volunteer in our community. Co-admin for Ohio Homeschooling Parents. Permanent teaching certificate.

In-person appointments in Dayton, with select in-person dates for Columbus, Cincinnati, and Akron/Canton, and statewide no contact through phone appointments, email, and Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/groups/schoolsolutions/

You can also find out more on my website: http://lisacoxschoolsolutions.com/

Dana Gingrich:

(Columbus area) I am certified in Ohio to teach 7-12 mathematics. I have three kids and have been homeschooling for over a decade. While I do ask to see a portfolio of some sort to fulfill the letter of the law, I also know the law is vague on what exactly that portfolio should look like. Different parents have different styles – I assess them all. I also test using the Woodcock-Johnson IV Tests of Achievement, which is low-key, not timed, not tied to Common Core, and takes about an hour. I do not report scores to anyone but you, and you receive the scores the same day you test. Contact me at dnrrbcr@yahoo.com or 614-408-3856 for more info.

Debbie Heck:

I am a former elementary school teacher, with a Master's Degree in Early Childhood, and hold a current Ohio teacher's license. My two children have been homeschooled all along. The oldest is 12. I love making the assessment portion of law compliance easy with the portfolio option. I provide all types of homeschooling families and their learners, even those whose children have special needs.

I'm available to do east Cincinnati area group assessments and assessments by mail. Two student samples (worksheets, photos...anything will do) is all I need to comfortably fulfill the law. $30 per family and a self addressed stamped envelope.

Email: debjoecarrie@hotmail.com Call/Text: 513-293-0227

Kathy Hoeweler:

Assessments can be an opportunity to reflect on the past year, rejoice in your family’s current journey, and look forward to what lies ahead. Since leaving full-time teaching when my oldest was born, I’ve been providing portfolio reviews…and tremendously enjoy the opportunity to come alongside families. I have a long-time passion for education and have lived it as a classroom teacher, a home instruction tutor, a Chapter I reading tutor (trained in Orton-Gillingham), and as the assistant teacher in McGuffey Lab School’s kindergarten class while earning my Master’s in Education (permanent teaching certificate). (As a side note, I did not realize who McGuffey was until I began homeschooling and purchased his McGuffey Readers!) However, I think my most important qualifications are loving kids, believing in homeschooling, and being a life-long learner. I understand all approaches to education (traditional, unschooling/relaxed, classical, Charlotte Mason) because I’ve tried them all. After reading volumes on educational philosophies and trying the various approaches, both personally with my children, and others, I found/find myself continually drawn to Charlotte Mason (a 19th century British educator) because her principles can be embraced by any approach. My oldest 2 children are homeschool (and college/post college) graduates. My younger two were homeschooled, public schooled and attended boarding schools. One has her GED and the other graduated from the Warren County Career Center. Due to adoption/learning issues with our younger two, I had to become adept at navigating IEPs (individual education plan), attending, what seemed like, never ending medical/psychological evaluations, and pursuing our county’s MR/DD services (mentally retarded/developmentally disabled) in order to discover and utilize available resources to best support each individual child. Over the years I’ve led a Charlotte Mason group, been involved with Classical Conversations, and been a part of various other homeschool organizations and co-ops. I’ve also had the opportunity to travel nationally, as well as internationally, to speak on homeschooling. Currently, I consistently check in with numerous folks serving overseas as well as lead a book club for homeschooling moms in my home. (Let me know if you would like to join us for our current read.) Personal relationships are important to me so I value in-person assessment times. Not only will I complete the necessary paperwork but I delight in the opportunity to continue this lifelong journey of education with you. I live in South Dayton, but travel to various locations north, south, east, and west of town within an hour’s drive. I offer tiered pricing. If you would like more information, or to schedule a time to meet, you can contact me at khoeweler@woh.rr.com or homeschoolassist@gmail.com or 513-465-4622. I would welcome the opportunity to chat further, share my experience, and answer any questions you may have. Thanks for your consideration. (Due to COVID restrictions I will also consider Zoom/WebEx/Skype assessments on an individual basis.)

Julie Holdridge:

I am a former public school teacher with 16 years experience, and now home school. I have a Master's Degreee in Elementary Education. I love to do portfolio assessments for all types of home schooling families. I am located in the Grove City area. I meet at a public location on Stringtown Road. It is $25 per child with a max of $75 for the whole family. I can be contacted on facebook!

Julie Kraus:

Certified Teacher in both special education and elementary education and homeschooling mama of two boys, one gifted and one learning at a slower pace than his peers. I also have a child in public school, because I recognize that homeschooling is not for everyone. I am a former teacher of children with Autism and enjoy troubleshooting the learning process and helping families figure out what works for them. I live in farm country near Toledo, OH and often travel to Cleveland, where I was born. I do end of the year assessments for

homeschoolers and unschoolers alike, as I believe that teaching methods should be as individual as the child.

We can meet in person, by video or by still photo & conversation.

Fees are negotiable, and all monies earned go towards the creation of my farm dream....which is to create a sanctuary where animals come to heal, and folks with special needs are given the individual supports to thrive.

Contact information: jar7832@hotmail.com

Julie Seevers Kurfis:

(NW Ohio/Toledo & surrounding area) I am a former classroom teacher who began homeschooling in 2010 after watching my oldest daughter struggle with a learning disability in a traditional school classroom during her earliest years. I have found that my philosophy of education has changed greatly over the years, as I recognize that teaching/learning can look as diverse as the children we educate. What a joy it is that we as homeschoolers can meet the very individual needs of the kids in our care! I don't view our time together as an "assessment", but as a celebration of your child's accomplishments for the year! I meet with families in person at the Way Public Library in Perrysburg and really enjoy the relationships that have grown over the years with the families I serve! Please feel free to contact me via email at ejkurfis@gmail.com. My fees are: $35 for one child, $55 for two children, $15 for each additional child with a $100 family maximum.

Colleen Q. Malloy:

I am a homeschooling mom of two daughters who have never been to school. I hold an Ohio Teaching License and Reading Endorsement. In my life before kids, I taught at the elementary level as a classroom teacher and reading specialist. I am available to do portfolio reviews both online and in person. For in-person reviews, I typically meet families at libraries, coffee shops, parks, or private homes throughout Northeast Ohio. I am available to do online/Skype/e-mail/phone reviews for families across the state.

It's my goal to make the portfolio review process a celebration of your child's progress and accomplishments. The beautiful thing about homeschooling is the freedom we all have do what works best for our families. For this reason, I am comfortable working with all homeschooling styles.

Fees: In person - $40 for first review and $25 for additional. $100 family max. Online - $30 each with $100 family max. Need-based discounts available. Contact Information: colleenQmalloy@gmail.com

Sarah Martise:

Portfolio reviews in Gahanna home or Columbus Area, or online via Facebook, Google Hangouts, email, or Skype. Current homeschool mom and teaches art classes for homeschool students online and in person. I also have a background in Special Ed. I am here as a support for you, to help you be successful in your homeschooling/unschooling adventure!

Contact: sarah.martise@gmail.com or 614-832-3741. For more information please visit www.blossomingartists.com.

Lisa McAffe:

Portfolio reviews in my Fairfield home or Cincinnati/ Dayton area, online or via phone for those who cannot meet me in person. A homeschool veteran of 16 years and an assessor since 1999, I love encouraging and supporting both traditional and nontraditional homeschooling families in their choice of educating their children. I am an Ohio certified teacher and have teaching experience in private and public school and homeschool co-ops. Additionally, I tutored for a number of years students on the autism spectrum and students needing additional help in academic areas. If interested in having an assessor who will meet with you and send personal notes afterward, please contact me at: schoolmarmohio@me.com. I have a homeschool blog that has a testimonial page if you are interested: http://www.schoolmarmohio.com I look forward to the opportunity to serve you and your family.

Beth Miller:

Hello! I am a certified K-8 teacher with 11 years of experience in both elementary and middle school grades. In 2015, I began homeschooling my two children, and each year we develop a deeper appreciation for the flexibility and the freedoms we enjoy through learning at home. I am passionate about homeschooling, and I would love to be a part of your family’s journey. I work with families throughout the state of Ohio, and I am comfortable with all styles of homeschooling. I conduct portfolio reviews online.

Fees are $30 for the first child and $25 for each additional child. ($100 maximum per family). You can reach me at: miller.beth730@gmail.com , 614-560-4868

Beth Morrison:

I am a licensed teacher of Ohio and I have homeschooled my children from the beginning. I can help answer homeschooling questions, narrow down curriculum choices, and I offer end of the year portfolio assessments. I am passionate about homeschooling and I would love to help you make your homeschooling journey work for you. Each child is wonderfully unique and I love seeing all the amazing ways you are educating your children. If you live in the Columbus area, we can meet up at a local library or coffee shop or we can complete your assessments via email, facebook messenger, or skype.

You can find me at https://www.facebook.com/HomeschoolWorks/ or email me at your.homeschool.works@gmail.com

Lisa Puterbaugh

Hello Fellow Homeschooler: Let’s do this together! I have been homeschooling my two children for five years and assessing as well. I have a Masters of Education in Integrated Language Arts and more than ten years of teaching experience. My Ohio license is current, and I also tutor part time for elementary through high school. I am local to Lake County, Ohio and assess in person (locally) or Zoom for any part of the state. My goal is to provide a reasonably priced, encouraging assessment. Bring samples and stories. I welcome all types of homeschoolers and look forward to getting to know you!
Lisa Puterbaugh
My rates:
One child $25
Two children. $45
Three children $60
Four children/up$70
lsputerbaugh@gmail.com

Danielle Serna:

I am a certified teacher in Ohio for grades K-3 and previously taught kindergarten and first grade in Nevada and Ohio. I have been homeschooling my own 3 children all along and they are now 17, 14 and 7. I really enjoy meeting with families to do portfolio reviews and I am comfortable with all styles, from traditional to unschooling, understanding that each family’s style is unique. I usually meet with families in Cleveland Heights at the local library but I can also do online/skype/email/phone reviews. My fee is $35 for the first child, then $25 for siblings, with a family max of $100. I look forward to the opportunity to help you along in your homeschool journey. My contact info is: danielle.serna@gmail.com

Sara Stevenson-Thiegs:

I am a homeschooling mom of three with 17 years of classroom teaching experience in the state of Ohio. I love to assess home educated student as I'm consistently amazed and impressed by the quality and quantity of material that home school families cover in a year. I am inspired and encouraged every time.

I charge $30/student (max $100/family) for this service. If this is more than you are comfortable paying, please let me know and we'll work something out. Thank you. -Sara Stevenson-Thiegs Sara.Thiegs@gmail.com

(614)296-8018

Laura Swain:

I believe your kids are born learners...and that living out this conviction will change everything about the way you homeschool. I'm a public school teacher turned unschooling mom of four. The deschooling I've done has shown me firsthand how much our kiddos can teach us about how learning really happens.
I serve homeschool families who want to do less (most of them happen to be unschoolers or relaxed homeschoolers).
My favorite Bible verse is Joel 2:14 because I'm always awed by God's provision. When I'm not encouraging homeschool moms or snuggling with my kiddos, you'll find me outside in my garden coaxing sprouts to pop through our rocky soil.
For current information about my portfolio review process and pricing, head to https://learnwithlauraswain.com/services.
Any questions? DM me on Facebook or Instagram @Learnwithlauraswain or email me laura@learnwithlauraswain.com.

Molly Taylor:

Homeschooling mom certified as an Intervention Specialist and in Reading; open to all homeschooling methods. $35 for the first student and $25 each additional student, face to face (Union and Delaware counties) or via email, mollyjtaylor@yahoo.com 419-779-2819

Patty Whetsel:

Summit Co. and surrounding areas. I am open to all styles of homeschooling. What I am looking for is evidence of forward progress in learning, which can include workbooks, projects, photos, list of activities, books read, family activity calendar, and information on subjects or topics studied. Please don’t bring all perfect papers, I want to see how the student has made mistakes and learned from them. Parents should feel free to bring any questions or struggles that they would like input on. It has been my practice to meet the family in a public place, usually the a local public library, park or even McDonalds. I want families to feel comfortable, because assessments should not be a scary thing but something to assist the parents in evaluating their child’s progress so they can plan the next steps.

Ohio licenses: Teaching K-8 & Admin Specialist Degrees: BS Elem Ed, MEd Curriculum, MEd Supervision Experience: homeschooled my 4 children from 1994 – 2007, operated ‘08 school for 6 yrs; providing assessments since 1994. References available upon request.

Heather Zell:

Former elementary classroom teacher who had a heart change and decided to homeschool her own children many years ago and has never looked back. She enjoys researching all things related to homeschooling and has a passion for encouraging families that they are their child’s best teacher. She is involved is several homeschooling groups and loves the opportunity to meet and network with parents on this journey.

Contact info: hzell127@gmail.com Phone number: 614-440-7140