Assessment of students is done by observation, individual conferencing between teacher and student and ongoing portfolio development. Progress is reported through conferences and written reports, the format of which varies from level to level. Parent/teacher or portfolio conferences are scheduled four times per year and are also available upon request on an informal basis throughout the school year. 

Each conference serves a different function.  During conferences, teachers and parents review each student’s progress and set goals for future learning.  As children move into the older classes, they begin to attend conferences with parents so that they become directly included in the assessment process. Written progress reports are sent at the end of the school year. Touchstone has no testing or evaluation services. Should additional information about a child be required, we must ask parents to provide this at their own expense.

As an integrated component of our middle school program, we teach our students how to be strong and successful test-taker.  Through the use of practice exams and instruction on test-taking strategies, we prepare students for the full variety of tests they will encounter in high school and in college.  We give specific instruction on taking the SSAT (a standard exam required by many private high schools for admission).  Our students who take the SSAT consistently perform in the top percentiles.