FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 9, 2025
CONTACT:
LOS ANGELES (Oct. 9, 2025) – Los Angeles Unified students achieved record-high performance on the 2025 California Assessments of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP), released today by the California Department of Education.
Results show that all Los Angeles Unified student groups outpaced their peers statewide in terms of their rate of improvement from the prior school year. Latino, Black, White, and Asian students are all performing better than their peers statewide with a higher rate of year-over-year improvement for two years in a row.
“These results are a testament to the resilience of our students, the dedication of our educators, and the deep commitment of our families,” Superintendent Alberto M. Carvalho said. “We are seeing historic progress in reading, math, and science—and the numbers confirm that our students are exceeding expectations and closing gaps. But we will not stop here—we will continue to raise the bar for every child and will prove what is possible with focus, investment, and continued community support.”
“LA Unified is the reason the State can lay claim to this larger narrative [of significant gains in statewide K-12 student test scores],” Governor Gavin Newsom said in a press conference today. “It is absolutely true that LA Unified has outperformed the State. And as LA Unified goes, the State of California goes.”
Los Angeles Unified improved performance in all subjects and across all grade levels, with the highest-ever percentages of students meeting or exceeding standards in English Language Arts (ELA) (46.46%, up by 3.40 percentage points over last year, and 2.35 percentage points above pre-pandemic rates), mathematics (36.76%, up by 3.93 percentage points since last year and 3.29 percentage points above pre-pandemic rates), and science (27.28%, up by 3.32 percentage points over last year). Students saw double-digit improvement in Distance from Standard (DFS) in ELA and Math. Importantly, LAUSD students not only surpassed 2024 results but also outperformed pre-pandemic levels from 2018–19.
These gains in student performance reflect the clear goals and focused strategies outlined in the District’s 2022-2026 Strategic Plan: Ready for the World. These results demonstrate that when resources are aligned with evidence-based practices and we invest deeply in our educators and students, achievement follows.
Through the Strategic Plan, Los Angeles Unified has strengthened instruction by providing tailored, high-quality instructional materials and ensuring a fully credentialed teacher is in every classroom. The District has also expanded data-informed professional development that empowers educators to personalize learning and meet the diverse needs of all students.
By leveraging holistic data to guide decision-making, the District is better able to target supports and measure progress across academic and social-emotional outcomes. Additionally, robust before-, during-, and after-school enrichment opportunities continue to inspire curiosity and joy in learning while reinforcing academic growth.
“Our students’ success is no accident—it’s the direct result of intentional, strategic action,” Superintendent Carvalho said. “Los Angeles Unified’s commitment to high-quality instruction, data-driven support, and equitable opportunity is transforming learning across every classroom and every community.”
Key Districtwide Highlights
- Record-High Performance: Highest-ever scores in English Language Arts, Math, and Science.
- Above Pre-Pandemic Levels: All tested grades in all subjects scored higher than 2018–19 benchmarks.
- Outpacing the State: Year-over-year growth exceeded statewide improvement in both ELA and math.
- Urban District Comparison: Los Angeles Unified recorded the largest improvement rate among California’s largest school districts.
Key Highlights by Subject
- English Language Arts
- More than 53% of 11th graders are now meeting or exceeding standards—the highest since the exam began.
- Compared to last year, scores improved across all grades with the biggest jumps in grades 6 (4.19 percentage points%), 8 (3.71 percentage points), and 11 (3.96 percentage points).
- The rate of improvement in the percentage of LAUSD students meeting or exceeding standard since last year (3.40 percentage points%) is almost double the rate for students statewide (1.77 percentage points).
- All student groups improved, with students with disabilities and English learners (current and reclassified) now on par with their peers statewide, and foster students performing above their peers statewide.
- Mathematics
- More than 36% of students overall met or exceeded standards, the highest since math testing began.
- Compared to last year, scores improved across all grades with the largest gains in grades 6 (5.25 percentage points%), 8 (4.62 percentage points), and 11 (4.93 percentage points%).
- The rate of improvement since last year for LAUSD students (3.93%) is more than double the rate for students statewide (1.76%).
- Every grade now exceeds 2019 pre-pandemic levels, with the largest long-term gains in grades 4 (5.29 percentage points), 5 (5.23 percentage points), and 7 (3.45 percentage points).
- All student groups have surpassed pre-pandemic levels–except for Students Experiencing Homelessness whose scores remain slightly below pre-pandemic levels.
- Science
- Scores rose in grades 5, 8, and high school, with more than 27% of students meeting or exceeding standards.
- This is the strongest performance for LAUSD since science testing began in 2018.
- The rate of improvement since last year for LAUSD students (3.32 percentage points) is higher than the improvement rate statewide (1.95 percentage points).
Quotes
“Los Angeles Unified continues to be committed to academic excellence, and our students' results in this year's Smarter Balanced Assessment reflect where our priorities are. These scores would not be possible without our resilient students, dedicated staff, and supportive parents and caregivers, who all play vital roles in education. To all, I say thank you, and we will build on this progress so that Los Angeles Unified continues to offer a top-quality education for all.”—Board President Scott M. Schmerelson
“Our growth, especially among multilingual learners, shows what’s possible when we focus on equity and invest in early literacy, biliteracy, and culturally responsive teaching. Every student brings rich knowledge and potential to the classroom, and these results affirm that when we meet them where they are, they rise.”—Board Vice President Dr. Rocío Rivas
“I’m incredibly proud of our students, families, and teachers—especially in our highest-need communities—who continue to make gains despite the challenges. This is what happens when we believe in our kids, build strong relationships, and make sure they have the resources to thrive. Our students are proving that they can achieve at the highest levels when we give them the right support.”—Board Member Sherlett Hendy Newbill
“I’m gratified that this year’s SBA results show LA Unified heading in the right direction. While student performance is nowhere near where it needs to be, I’m particularly heartened to see improvement in middle grades, where the District has focused instructional strategies and resources aligned with its strategic plan. If we can continue to provide research and data-driven supports for educators and students in classrooms, and to address the gaps we see for struggling subgroups like students experiencing homelessness, I look forward to this trend continuing into the future.”—Board Member Nick Melvoin
“These results reflect the power of community, collaboration, and culturally responsive teaching. I’m especially proud of the progress among our multilingual learners and students in our highest-need schools. When we center equity and provide our educators with the tools and trust to meet students where they are, we see growth that is both meaningful and sustainable. This is how we build a stronger, more just public education system for every child in Los Angeles.”—Board Member Karla Griego
“Our continued improvement across all subjects and grade levels is a testament to the ongoing work of our entire system to meet students where they are and provide high-quality instruction. I want to thank our students, families, educators and school staff for their dedication that made these gains possible, and I look forward to continued progress this coming year.”—Board Member Kelly Gonez
“With nearly 37% of students meeting or exceeding grade-level standards in mathematics and just over 46% in English Language Arts, we still have a long way to go to ensure all LA Unified students are ready for the college, career, and life of their dreams. However, the one-year, across-the-board, double-digit reduction in distance from standard on the 2024-25 Smarter Balanced Assessment results prove that what we are doing in LAUSD is working, and it is working for the students who most need their public schools to work for them. I’m incredibly grateful for our students’ effort, our staffs’ commitment, and our families’ trust. Together, we’re changing the future of Los Angeles and the world.”—Board Member Tanya Ortiz Franklin
About the Assessments
The CAASPP assessments measure student progress in ELA, mathematics, and science. ELA and math are administered in grades 3–8 and 11; science is administered in grades 5, 8, and once in high school (grades 11–12). Results are publicly available at the CAASPP and ELPAC Test Results for California’s Assessments website: https://caaspp-elpac.ets.org