Melissa York Commissioner | Colorado Department of Education
Achievement results from Colorado's statewide assessments show steady improvement for many student groups, according to data released by the Colorado Department of Education (CDE). The 2025 results from the Colorado Measures of Academic Success (CMAS), PSAT, and SAT indicate continued gains across multiple grades and subjects. However, longstanding achievement gaps between student groups remain evident.
Student growth metrics are close to pre-pandemic levels overall. Special populations, such as multilingual learners and students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), continue to lag behind grade-level expectations unless targeted interventions are applied.
“We’re encouraged by the progress many student groups are making,” said Colorado Education Commissioner Susana Córdova. “At the same time, we know there is work ahead to ensure more students are meeting Colorado’s academic expectations across every grade and subject. Persistent achievement gaps highlight the importance of continuing our efforts to support every learner. These results reinforce our commitment to equity, strong support systems, and high expectations for all students.”
Governor Jared Polis highlighted investments in education as a factor in recent improvements: “We are proud to see student achievement improve, especially in math,” Polis said. “Colorado has invested in support for students and educators to increase learning in math and other areas, as well as after-school education, and the results are now showing real improvements for Colorado students.. I want to thank all the incredible educators who are helping students fulfill their greatest potential.”
Key findings include slight increases in English Language Arts (ELA) proficiency rates for fifth, sixth, and eighth graders, with a larger gain noted among seventh graders. In mathematics, elementary and middle schoolers showed year-over-year progress from fourth through eighth grades. CMAS scores have reached or surpassed pre-pandemic levels except in fourth-grade ELA and eighth-grade ELA and math.
Science assessment outcomes followed an upward trend with modest gains at fifth grade and more substantial increases at eighth grade. SAT performance among eleventh graders improved in both reading/writing and math compared to last year. PSAT 9 scores were steady in reading/writing but declined slightly in math; PSAT 10 saw gains in math but decreases in reading/writing.
Among racial/ethnic groups, most reported higher percentages of students meeting or exceeding expectations on CMAS tests compared with 2024 figures—especially Black and Hispanic students across several grades and subjects on both CMAS and PSAT/SAT assessments. Black students were unique in posting an increase on the PSAT 10 Reading/Writing measure.
Students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch showed improvement particularly on eighth-grade science assessments while maintaining similar performance levels elsewhere relative to last year. Growth percentiles for these students ranged from 44th to 46th percentile—comparable with pre-pandemic rates.
Multilingual learners’ overall achievement remains low despite some stable or improving trends since 2019 at certain grade levels—particularly sixth through eighth-grade math—though elementary ELA/math performance continues below earlier benchmarks.
For students with IEPs, performance was steady or improving across various content areas including seventh-grade ELA, fifth- and eighth-grade science, PSAT 9 Reading/Writing, and PSAT 10 Math. More of these students now meet or exceed expectations than did before the pandemic.
Despite these positive trends overall—for example: notable advances since 2021 among elementary/middle schoolers in mathematics—achievement gaps persist when comparing special populations against broader averages statewide.
The full breakdown of state-, district-, and school-level assessment results is available on CDE’s website: https://www.cde.state.co.us/assessment/results
The Colorado Department of Education states its vision is "to create equitable educational environments where all students and staff in Colorado thrive." The department aims "to improve student outcomes" by supporting access to high-quality schools throughout all districts.
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