SOUTH PASADENA, CA — South Pasadena Unified School District reported that 83% of student scores met English language arts proficiency standards and 80% met math proficiency standards on the 2025-26 California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress.
The results represent increases of 6% in English language arts and 5% in math since California began administering CAASPP tests in 2014-2015, officials reported. The assessments cover students in grades three through eight and Grade 11.
South Pasadena High School also reported strong results in advanced placement, with 96% of AP students earning a passing score of 3 or higher in 2026. All students who took the Calculus BC, Chemistry and French Language exams passed.
The AP passage rate rose from 88% in 2020-21 to 96% in 2025-26. Compared with the previous school year, seven additional students participated and students took 28 more exams.
Associate Superintendent of Instructional Services Christiane Gervais credited the results to students' efforts and support from educators and families.
"These outstanding CAASPP and AP results showcase the dedication and drive of our students, who continue to excel at the highest levels," Gervais said in a statement.
CAASPP assessments measure student skills against statewide academic standards and help schools identify ways to improve instruction, officials said.
The district also reported overall growth on the California Science Test, with some variation among grade levels.
Superintendent Angela Elizondo Baxter said assessment results help guide district goals but reflect only part of students' school experience.
"Seeing our students succeed is incredibly rewarding," Elizondo Baxter said in a statement. "While performance metrics help guide our objectives, they are only a fraction of the student experience."
Parents and guardians received individual student score reports through the Aeries Parent Portal this summer. The reports include overall subject scores, performance in specific skill areas and, when available, two years of results to help families track progress.
Guides to the assessments and score reports are available at spusd.net under the homepage's "Departments" tab. Choose Instructional Services, then CAASPP.
Information about AP scores is on the College Board website.
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