School Accreditation and Request to Reconsider

Overview

Each year, the Colorado Department of Education (CDE) calculates and publishes District Performance Framework reports (DPFs), which determine district accreditation ratings. The department also produces School Performance Framework reports (SPFs) for schools, which determine school plan types. In Colorado, the State Board of Education is responsible for accrediting districts and districts are responsible for accrediting their schools. Districts have the opportunity to review the state identified district or school rating from the DPF or SPF. If the district disagrees with the initial rating, then additional performance data may be submitted to CDE through the request to reconsider process.

Request to Reconsider in 2024.

On December 11, 2024, the state board finalized the performance frameworks for all schools and districts that participated in request to reconsider. The board approved improved district accreditation ratings for 10 districts and improved plan types for 74 schools. View the 2024 Request to Reconsider Decisions Summary.

Request to Reconsider in 2025.

The 2025 request to reconsider process begins with the release of 2025 performance frameworks. Districts have until September 26, 2025 to submit their accreditation form to indicate participation in the request process. After submitting their intent to participate, districts have until October 15, 2025 to submit final request materials. To access the Accreditation form and Request portal, log into the ACI/UIP online system. 2025 Accreditation and Request to Reconsider Guidance (DOC) or (PDF) is available now.

2025 Accreditation and Request to Reconsider Process

Timeline

Accreditation Forms must be submitted in the Accreditation Portal by September 26, 2025.
Request to reconsider materials must be submitted in the Accreditation Changes tab in the Accreditation Portal by October 15, 2025.
Ratings will be finalized by the State Board of Education in November for all schools and districts not participating in request to reconsider and December for request to reconsider sites.
District accreditation contracts are due December 31, 2025. For districts that are Accredited or Accredited with Distinction, contracts must be signed at least every five years, for all other districts, contracts are signed annually. To access additional information about district accreditation, including current accreditation contracts, go to: https://www.cde.state.co.us/accountability/districtaccreditation.

Accreditation Portal and Submitting the Accreditation Form

All districts/Local Education Agencies (LEAs) must submit the Accreditation Form in the Accreditation Portal by September 26, 2025. The form’s purpose is to:

Begin the process of finalizing school plan types and district accreditation ratings;
Provide district updates for unique circumstances (e.g., new schools); &
Indicate intent to pursue a request to reconsider.

Access the Accreditation Portal by logging in to the ACI/UIP online system. The form is available to district accountability contacts (access and permissions are described in this guide).

Resources and Support

Guidance Document

Guidance for Finalizing Accreditation Categories and Submitting Requests to Reconsider for District Accreditation Ratings and School Plan Types (DOC) or (PDF) - June 2025

Body of Evidence Tools -