Assessment Requirements in Colorado

What’s required

Varies by pathway. Home-Based Education: ["Evaluation by a qualified person selected by the parent (a licensed teacher, a teacher employed by an independent or parochial school, a licensed psychologist, or a person with a graduate degree in education)"]; Enrollment in an Umbrella/Private School: undefined; Licensed-Teacher Home Instruction: undefined

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: At or below the 13th percentile: the child may first be retested (alternate version of the same test or another test from the state board's approved list); if the result stands, placement lasts until the next testing period
• If scores still don’t improve: School district shall require placement in a public, independent, or parochial school until the next testing period

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:

• Nationally standardized achievement test

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 selected by the parent (a licensed teacher, a teacher employed by an independent or parochial school, a licensed psychologist, or a person with a graduate degree in education)

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 3 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
• Licensed-Teacher Home Instruction: 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.