The Colorado Department of Education has released the 2025 School Performance Frameworks and District Performance Frameworks, which evaluate academic achievement, growth, and readiness for schools and districts across the state. These frameworks are used by Mesa County Valley School District 51 (D51) as one measure to track progress and guide improvement efforts.
According to D51 officials, the district has met its Year 3 Strategic Plan goal by ensuring that all its schools earned either a “Performance School” or an “Improvement School” rating—the two highest possible school ratings in the state system. This is described as a significant accomplishment within D51’s three-year strategic plan. However, Central High School and Grand River Academy, despite academically qualifying for the “Improvement” rating, will have their overall ratings adjusted down due to participation percentages.
This year marks the first time since the introduction of School Performance Frameworks in 2010 that no D51 schools scored at the bottom two state levels. All D51 schools academically scored at either “Performance” or “Improvement.” Results for R-5 High School are expected later in September.
The district also received an “Accredited” rating from the state for a second consecutive year and achieved its highest overall points as a district since 2014. Eighteen schools improved their scores on the frameworks this year, with five—Dos Rios Elementary, Grand Mesa Middle School, Lincoln Orchard Mesa Elementary, Monument Ridge Elementary, and Thunder Mountain Elementary—showing double-digit gains.
Seven schools advanced by at least one performance level: Dos Rios Elementary, Fruita Middle School, Grand Junction High School, Lincoln Orchard Mesa Elementary, and Thunder Mountain Elementary moved up to “Performance School,” while Rocky Mountain Elementary rose to “Improvement.” Grand Mesa Middle School made notable progress by moving from “Turnaround” to “Improvement” in a single year.
Looking forward, D51 is launching a new five-year strategic plan aiming for 90% of its schools to be rated in the top category of “Performance.” The district states this goal reflects ongoing commitment to high-quality education through focus on student learning and support for every school.
“Strong schools build strong communities, and together with our community, we will continue to push forward to ensure every student in District 51 has the opportunity to thrive,” said district officials.
For further information about these results or future plans, contact District 51 Public Information Officer Callie Berkson at callie.berkson@d51schools.org or 505.217.6435.
