California released 2025-2026 school year assessment results showing continued improvement across all major subjects for the third consecutive year. The state's graduation rate reached a 10-year high, and college and career readiness increased, according to education officials.
Statewide, 71% of students achieved proficient or advanced performance in English language arts, 61.8% in mathematics, and 86.5% in science. Science improvements exceeded pre-pandemic levels.
The assessment also showed chronic absenteeism declining across all grade levels and suspension rates reaching their lowest levels since 2019 outside the pandemic period.
Progress was distributed among specific student populations. Black or African American students outpaced the state's average gains in English language arts, mathematics, and science. Hispanic or Latino students exceeded statewide gains in English language arts and mathematics. Socioeconomically disadvantaged students and students who experienced homelessness each made gains across all three subjects, with particularly strong improvements in mathematics among homeless students.
The state attributed the improvements to sustained education investments, including literacy and mathematics coaching, tutoring, expanded learning opportunities, community schools, and universal transitional kindergarten programs. California increased K-12 education funding to $151.4 billion through the 2026 Budget Act and increased special education funding by $2.4 billion — a 43% increase from the prior year.
Results were measured through the California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress, the English Language Proficiency Assessments for California, and the 2026 California School Dashboard.