Colorado test results for 2025 show comparative CMAS scores across schools in the Montezuma-Cortez Re-1 School District, with Lewis-Arriola Elementary School scoring above the state average, while other schools in the district received scores below the benchmark.
The Colorado Measures of Academic Success tests are administered to students in grades three through eight in spring. Results are published by the Colorado Department of Education in the fall.
According to the CDE, Colorado elementary and middle school students “are now performing at or above prepandemic levels in most grades and subjects – with math gains a particularly bright spot.”
Some groups, specifically those learning English as a second language, are achieving “far below” grade level, the CDE said.
CMAS scores play a significant role in how schools are evaluated under Colorado’s accountability system. CDE uses a combination of academic achievement, academic growth, and postsecondary readiness to determine accreditation ratings for districts and performance ratings for schools. CMAS results are a key component of the academic achievement and growth indicators, which together account for the majority of a school’s overall rating.
While CMAS scores alone do not determine accreditation status, they heavily influence how schools are categorized – from Performance to Priority Improvement or Turnaround. Schools with consistently low scores may be flagged for additional support or intervention, while those showing strong growth or achievement can earn higher ratings. A Journal report on the preliminary performance frameworks, based on 2024-25 data is pending.
The state average for students meeting or exceeding expectations was 44.8% for English language arts and 35.9% in math, an increase over the averages for 2024.
In a comparison of scores within the Montezuma-Cortez School District, Lewis-Arriola Elementary School students scored 72.9% for ELA and 51.7% for math. Cortez Middle School scored 30.2% for ELA and 16.7% for math.
Kemper Elementary’s scores were 26.2% for ELA and 22.2% for math, while Mesa Elementary’s were 20.9% for ELA and 13.1% for math.
The district’s charter schools received incomplete results. The CDE said incomplete results indicate either too few students were tested or the data was suppressed. Battle Rock Charter School didn’t receive a score for ELA but received a score of 21.4% for math.
Children’s Kiva Montessori didn’t receive a score for math but scored 36.4% for ELA. Pleasant View Charter School didn’t receive scores for either subject.
The total for Montezuma-Cortez district schools, including charters, was 30.8% for ELA and 19% for math.
Dolores Elementary School scored 35.8% for ELA and 28.4% for math, and Dolores Middle School scored 35.8% for ELA and 24.5% for math.
While individual results were not provided for Mancos Elementary School and Mancos Middle School, the combined results for both schools showed 26.3% for ELA and 21.1% for math.
This article was updated Sept. 5 to clarify that it reported test results, not overall school performance. The Journal’s report on overall performance is pending.
