Mesa County Valley School District 51 reported gains in literacy, math, and graduation rates based on recently released data from the Colorado Department of Education for the 2024–25 school year. The district attributes this progress to student and educator efforts, community support, and investments made possible by the 2017 Mill Levy Override.
District officials highlighted that primary grade students continue to meet all three DIBELS Early Literacy goals set in the previous strategic plan focused on Student Academic Success. This achievement follows last year’s record-setting benchmark results and indicates that early literacy initiatives are producing results.
Elementary students (grades 3–5) now exceed state averages in five out of six literacy and math CMAS categories. Middle school cohorts are also showing growth, though they have not yet reached state levels in these subjects. The district stated it is continuing to invest resources at this level to build further momentum.
At the high school level, District 51 students met or exceeded state averages in all six PSAT/SAT literacy categories and three out of six math categories. Ninth graders surpassed the state average by seven percent in Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (EBRW) and by two percent in math. Tenth graders exceeded the state by four percent in EBRW; their mean scores increased by 20 points from the prior year. In math, tenth graders trailed by one percent but still saw a 20-point increase over last year’s mean score. Eleventh graders were two percent above the state average in EBRW with a mean score increase of 29 points; they trailed by three percent in math but improved their mean score by 26 points compared to last year.
The district reported its highest-ever graduation rate at 83% for the Class of 2024, just below Colorado’s statewide average of 84%.
“These results show that District 51 is on a steady path of growth, with more students reaching higher levels of achievement each year. While there is still work ahead, the momentum we are building is proof that the collective efforts of our students, families, educators, and community partners are making a real difference,” according to a statement from District officials.
They added: “The work outlined in our new five-year, community-driven strategic plan will drive our continued progress towards academic excellence through 2030. We will keep investing in early literacy, enhancing academic supports, and ensuring every student has the tools and opportunities needed to succeed in school and life.”
Individual student and school-level results will be released later this fall.
