Students in Lewis-Palmer School District 38 turned in some of the strongest academic performances in Colorado this spring, according to new state data released by the Colorado Department of Education.

While the district fell just short of the state’s highest recognition, “accredited with distinction,” D-38 leaders said they are celebrating strong growth, top-tier achievement scores and a continued reputation as one of the state’s highest performing districts.

“Students across D38 demonstrated above-average growth in many areas, which shows our students are learning,” Superintendent Amber Whestine said in a statement. “Many achievement scores, which compare students to grade-level expectations, surpassed our districtwide goal of being in the 85th percentile.”

The district reported it had missed the benchmark for “accredited with distinction” by 1.3 points. Whestine noted the narrow miss doesn’t diminish that Lewis-Palmer continues to rank among the best in the state.

Colorado’s Measures of Academic Success (CMAS) assessments are scored using two key indicators, achievement and growth. Achievement measures how students perform compared to grade-level expectations, while growth tracks student progress compared to their peers across the state. A median growth score of 50 represents typical growth.

District 38 students posted standout scores in several areas. Elementary math achievement reached the 85th percentile, while middle school English language arts reached the 87th percentile and middle school math climbed to the same mark. As a whole, the district finished at the 82nd percentile, narrowly missing its 85th percentile districtwide goal.

On the growth side, the district also exceeded expectations. Elementary math posted a median growth score of 55, while high school PSAT and SAT reading and writing came in at 54. High school PSAT and SAT math also met the standard with a score of 51.

Dr. Michael Brom, D-38’s director of curriculum, instruction and assessment, said one of the most encouraging results was the district’s highest-ever participation rate on state assessments.

“Participation in CMAS English language arts and math reached 84.2 percent, the highest we’ve seen,” Brom said. “This strengthens the validity of our data, gives us greater confidence in curriculum and instruction decisions, and reflects a strong partnership between schools and families.”

Brom added elementary math growth reached the “exceeds expectations” level, while CMAS science was rated at “meets expectations.” At the middle school level, both English language arts and math were rated “exceeds,” with science at “meets.”

High school PSAT growth in reading, writing, and math were rated “meets,” while science achievement was also at “meets.” He said those results confirm the commitment of both students and staff across the district.

Despite the strong results, district leaders acknowledged areas where they will focus efforts for improvement. At the elementary level, math outpaced English language arts this year, signaling a need to lift growth in reading and writing while sustaining momentum in math.

At the middle school level, English and math growth remain a focus, along with raising participation rates. At the high school level, PSAT math growth is a particular area of attention.

“We are intentionally focusing on classroom instruction, ensuring alignment across schools, and creating more opportunities for collaboration around data and instructional practices,” Brom said. “This intentional collaboration will support improved growth, which in turn will raise overall achievement.”

The district’s strategic plan calls for setting high standards, targeting the 85th percentile in achievement and at least the 50th percentile in growth.

“Our strategic priority of academic excellence will remain at the forefront as we diligently focus on ensuring every student has access to high-quality instruction in every classroom, every day,” D-38 director of communications Amy Matisek said in a statement. “We are staying true to our mission of preparing students to be successful learners, productive citizens, and caring contributors to society.”

D-38 leadership also emphasized the role families play in the district’s success. Matisek said assessments are a valuable tool that provide teachers with insight into what students have mastered and where they can improve. When parents encourage their children to participate in assessments, it helps staff gain the most accurate picture of academic performance across the district, she said.

Students responded positively to instructional support and rose to the expectations set for them, while families showed trust in the process by ensuring high participation, Brom said. Even as the district celebrates its strong showing, administrators are looking to build on the momentum.

“Looking ahead, our biggest opportunity lies in strengthening coherence across curriculum, instruction and assessment,” Brom said. “Staff are committed to high-quality, intentional instruction, and teams are working together within and across schools to share strategies and strengthen consistency.”