How I Complete Our Homeschool Academic Year

As we wrap up our homeschool year, I still incorporate standardized testing—but thoughtfully. After trying IXL, STAR, and Edmentum, I realized my daughter was more affected by the format than the content. It raised a bigger question: are we really testing knowledge, or just test-taking ability? While we homeschool to move away from rigid systems, I still use testing to help her build confidence and resilience. But the heart of our year-end reflection lies in creating a personalized portfolio—a meaningful keepsake that celebrates her growth through field trips, projects, and books read. Here's how we blend assessment with joy.