Assessment Requirements in Colorado

What’s required

Colorado requires homeschooled students to complete a standardized test or teacher evaluation. Testing applies at grades 3, 5, 7, 9, and 11.

Minimum score

Your child’s test results need to meet a specific threshold. Here’s what the state requires:

Don’t panic if this sounds intimidating. Most homeschooled students meet or exceed these benchmarks, and if your child falls short, there are clear next steps (see below).

What happens if your child doesn’t meet the minimum

First things first: this is not a crisis. States build in a structured process to help your family get back on track. Here’s how it works in Colorado:

• Process: Retest opportunity with alternate version or different approved test
• Timeline: If retest fails, placement in school until next testing period
• If scores still don’t improve: District may require placement in public, independent, or parochial school

The important thing to remember is that you have time and options. Many families use a low score as a chance to adjust their approach, try new curricula, or get targeted help in specific subjects.

Approved tests

The following tests are accepted in your state:

• State board-approved nationally standardized achievement tests

Many of these can be administered at home or through a local testing service. Your homeschool co-op or state organization may also coordinate group testing dates.

Alternatives to standardized testing

If standardized tests aren’t a good fit for your child, your state offers these alternatives:

• evaluation by a qualified person chosen by the parent

These options can be especially helpful for students who experience test anxiety or whose learning style doesn’t translate well to multiple-choice exams.

Multiple pathways, different requirements

Colorado offers 2 pathways to homeschool, and they don’t all have the same assessment requirements. Here’s a quick comparison:

• Home-Based Education: assessment required (standardized test or teacher evaluation, at specific grade levels)
• Enrollment in an Umbrella/Private School: no assessment required

Our wizard will help you pick the pathway that’s the best fit for your family’s situation.

Get your personalized plan

Every family’s situation is a little different. Our free wizard builds a step-by-step compliance plan tailored to your family, including exactly which assessments you need and when they’re due.