What is an Independent School-Based Neuropsychological Evaluation?
An Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE) is a private assessment of your child conducted by a qualified specialist who is not employed by the school district. Parents often seek an IEE when they feel they need a deeper understanding of their child’s learning needs, or when they would like a second opinion about their child’s educational placement, services, or diagnosis.
A neuropsychological evaluation is one type of IEE that takes a closer look at how your child’s brain is working — especially in areas like memory, attention, problem-solving, and emotional regulation — to understand how these factors may be affecting learning and school performance.
While many IEEs focus on learning or behavior, they can also assess other areas such as speech and language, motor skills, sensory processing, assistive technology needs, or adapted physical education. The goal is always to give parents and schools clear, objective information to support the child’s success in school.
Fees for Independent Educational Evaluations
Parents may choose to pay privately for an Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE) at any time. In some cases, however, the school district may cover the cost. Each district has its own policies outlining when an IEE can be funded at public expense. Typically, the school district must first be given the opportunity to evaluate your child before agreeing to pay for an independent assessment.
The fee for a comprehensive psychoeducational or neuropsychological IEE is $4,600. This includes:
Review of relevant records
Parent and teacher questionnaires
In-person testing sessions
A school observation (if requested)
A detailed written report
Participation in your child’s IEP team meeting (by phone, online, or in person) to review the findings
For school sites located more than 25 miles from our San Diego office, a travel fee may apply for on-site school observations.
If the evaluation is being funded by the school district, a written agreement or contract must be signed by the appropriate district representative before the evaluation begins.