Dyslexia testing in California

If your child is guessing at words, avoiding reading aloud, or the campus keeps saying “let’s wait until next year,” a Licensed Educational Psychologist can run a full dyslexia evaluation on a private timeline.

See independent California evaluators who list dyslexia testing — LEPs across the state.

Browse California dyslexia evaluators

School screening is not a diagnosis

California public schools screen and assess, but a short look or a “we’re monitoring” note is not a finding you can take to a 504 or IEP meeting.

A private evaluation is a full battery: cognition, academic achievement, phonological processing, and a written identification (or a clear statement that it is not dyslexia). That document is what opens 504 accommodations, IEP discussions, and, later, SAT/ACT extra-time requests.

Who you hire in California

The usual independent evaluator is a Licensed Educational Psychologist (LEP). You want the person who will test and write the report, not only the person who will do the reading intervention afterward — those can be the same human, but they are different jobs.

Ask whether they evaluate dysgraphia and dyscalculia in the same sitting. One report is easier to hand the school than three.

What you should walk out with

A parent-readable report, not just standard scores.
A direct statement on dyslexia (and related SLDs if they tested them).
Classroom and testing accommodations written so a 504 or IEP coordinator can copy them.
If you need it: language that College Board / ACT reviewers recognize for extra time.

Ask before you book whether they will join a school meeting. Some will call in. Some will not. That should not be a surprise on IEP day.

Fees and timing

Private comprehensive testing in California is typically $2,000–$4,500. Confirm what the number includes: testing hours, scoring, the written report, and a parent conference.

From first appointment to a finished report, plan on a few weeks if they have an opening — not a school year. That is what you are paying for.

After the report

Email it to the campus and ask for a 504 or IEP to consider the findings. You do not need the school’s permission to get the testing. You do need them to convene if you want the plan changed.

If the school already evaluated and you disagree, that is an IEE question — same kind of evaluator, different funding conversation.

IEE in California if you disagree with the school’s testing, or all guides.