Program evaluation is the systematic process of assessing whether a program is working and how well. Using social science research methods, evaluators collect and analyze data to determine a program's merit, track its implementation, and measure outcomes. For organizations running funded programs, evaluation provides the evidence base needed to improve services, satisfy funder requirements, and make the case for continuation or expansion.

Cobblestone is a boutique firm that has focused exclusively on education evaluation and applied research for nearly two decades. That means every project is led by senior evaluators with deep subject matter knowledge. We work primarily with education-focused organizations, including K-12 schools and districts, community colleges, universities, and federally funded programs, which means we understand the specific accountability requirements, stakeholder dynamics, and reporting expectations you are navigating. We bring the rigor of larger firms with the responsiveness of a close, dedicated partner.

Yes. We regularly work with organizations, schools or districts that are implementing their first externally evaluated program. Part of our role is helping clients understand what evaluation involves, what data they will need to collect, and how to build internal capacity for ongoing data use. We also work with experienced evaluation consumers who want a sophisticated partner to push the rigor of their work. In either case, we begin with a thorough planning process to ensure the evaluation design matches your goals and resources.