Media Release
The California Department of Education released the 2025-2026 California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP) results for students in grades three through eight and grade 11. Since the year the state began CAASPP testing in 2014-2015, South Pasadena Unified School District (SPUSD) has seen a six percent gain in the number of student scores qualifying as advanced and proficient in English Language Arts (ELA) standards (83 percent total) and a five percent gain in the number of student scores qualifying as advanced and proficient in Math standards (80 percent total).
The College Board also released Advanced Placement (AP) test passage rates. In 2026, 96 percent of South Pasadena High School’s (SPHS) AP students earned a passing score of 3+. This high percentage rate positively impacts high school ratings. Notably, 100 percent of students passed the Calculus B/C, Chemistry, and French Language exams.
AP test participation and passage rates for high school students have increased during the past six years. Passage rates have trended upward from 88 percent of students scoring 3+ in 2020-2021 to 96 percent of students scoring 3+ in 2025-2026. During the 2025-2026 school year, seven additional students took 28 more exams compared to the previous year.
“These outstanding CAASPP and AP results showcase the dedication and drive of our students, who continue to excel at the highest levels,” said Christiane Gervais, Associate Superintendent of Instructional Services. “This achievement is a direct reflection of the incredible partnership between our talented educators, supportive families, and hard-working students. We are honored to see SPUSD consistently recognized as one of California’s top unified school districts.”
Because CAASPP tests are given statewide, they provide an opportunity to measure the skills of all students against the same academic standards in the same way, and the results provide information schools can use to improve teaching and learning. Administered online, the tests are computer-adaptive, allowing more precise measurement of individual skills. Student results in CAST (science) testing, given as part of the CAASPP, show growth for all students, with some fluctuations at individual grade levels.
“Seeing our students succeed is incredibly rewarding,” said Superintendent Angela Elizondo Baxter. “While performance metrics help guide our objectives, they are only a fraction of the student experience. SPUSD remains dedicated to fostering an environment where every student is supported, inspired, and equipped to reach their full potential.”
This summer, parents and guardians received individual student score reports through the Aeries Parent Portal. The reports detail an overall score for each subject and information on how each child performed in different skill areas associated with English language arts/literacy and mathematics. The score report presents two years of data when it is available, which allows parents and guardians to view a child’s progress over time.
More information about CAASPP testing, including videos and guides to understanding the score reports and assessments, may be found at www.spusd.net under Instructional Services, then CAASPP. Additional information about AP scores may be found here: apstudents.collegeboard.org/about-ap-scores.
