State assessment results released by the Colorado Department of Education show continued improvement in student achievement across multiple grades and subjects, according to data from the spring 2025 administration of the Colorado Measures of Academic Success (CMAS), PSAT, and SAT. The results reflect steady gains for many student groups but also highlight persistent achievement gaps.
Student growth data indicate overall progress nearing pre-pandemic levels. However, analysis shows that longstanding gaps between student groups may persist without targeted efforts to accelerate learning to meet grade-level expectations.
“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.”
Colorado Governor Jared Polis noted improvements in math scores following state investments in educational supports, including a free online math platform for K-8 students funded with federal COVID relief money in 2023 and 2024. “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.”
Highlights from this year’s assessment include stable or slightly increased performance on CMAS English Language Arts (ELA) tests in grades five, six, eight, and a more significant gain in grade seven. Math scores showed notable year-over-year gains from grades four through eight since 2021. Most CMAS scores have returned to or surpassed pre-pandemic levels except for fourth-grade ELA and eighth-grade ELA and math.
SAT results improved for eleventh graders in both reading/writing and math compared with last year. PSAT 9 reading/writing scores remained steady while declining slightly in math; PSAT 10 saw increases in math but decreases in reading/writing.
Disaggregated data reveal differences among student groups:
– Most racial/ethnic groups saw increases on CMAS assessments—particularly seventh-grade ELA; fourth-, sixth-, eighth-grade math; and eighth-grade science—compared with 2024.
– Black and Hispanic students showed improvement across multiple grades on CMAS and PSAT/SAT assessments. Black students were the only group with an increase on PSAT 10 Reading/Writing.
– Minority students at all school levels have returned close to pre-pandemic growth rates just below the median percentile.
– For those eligible for free/reduced-price lunch (FRL), eighth-grade science performance improved while other CMAS results remained consistent with last year. More FRL-eligible students met or exceeded SAT Reading/Writing expectations than last year.
– Multilingual learners continue to perform at lower levels overall but showed stability compared with last year’s CMAS data. In some cases—such as sixth through eighth-grade math—their performance matched pre-pandemic benchmarks.
– Students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) recorded steady or improving outcomes across several subjects compared with previous years.
Achievement gaps remain between groups such as multilingual learners or those with IEPs when compared against statewide averages. The department notes that these populations would benefit from continued support aimed at accelerating growth toward grade-level standards.
Detailed state-, district-, and school-level results can be found on the Colorado Department of Education website.
The department states its vision is “to create equitable educational environments where all students and staff in Colorado thrive,” aiming “to improve student outcomes and ensure students and families across Colorado have access to high-quality schools by serving, guiding, and elevating our state’s 178 school districts and BOCES.”
