The Colorado Department of Education has released preliminary performance frameworks for schools and districts for the 2025-26 academic year, based on data from 2024-25. The frameworks are a key component of the state’s accountability system and inform accreditation ratings by evaluating graduation rates, academic achievement, student growth, and postsecondary readiness.
Colorado Education Commissioner Susana Córdova said, “The steady progress in the school and district frameworks is a testament to the dedication and hard work of our students, staff, and communities over the past few years. These frameworks provide valuable insight into how our schools are performing, while also highlighting the areas where we need to continue strengthening support for schools and districts still navigating significant challenges.”
According to the department, 55% of districts earned an Accredited or higher rating compared to 52% last year. Similarly, 66% of schools received a Performance plan type or higher versus 64% in the previous cycle. The number of districts on the Accountability Clock—those receiving one of the two lowest performance ratings—increased to 14 from 11 last year. Meanwhile, schools on the Accountability Clock decreased from 190 last year to 176 this year.
Districts have until September 26 to submit additional information through a request-to-reconsider process that could alter their initial ratings before they are finalized by the State Board of Education later this fall.
Finalized results will be published by the end of calendar year 2025. The department noted that full details can be accessed via its Performance Frameworks Results webpage or through its dashboard.
Under state policy, if a school or district remains on the Accountability Clock for five consecutive years with low performance ratings (Priority Improvement/Turnaround), it becomes subject to intervention measures directed by the Colorado State Board of Education.
The release highlights incremental improvement in overall accreditation ratings but also indicates persistent challenges for certain schools and districts as reflected in accountability designations.
