Gateway High School

Important State Testing Information for Gateway Families

Dear Gateway High School Families,

We are officially in the "home stretch" for our spring state assessments. We want to ensure our students feel prepared, confident, and ready to show the world what Gateway is made of!

Please review the following schedule and important details carefully, as these dates are now just a few weeks away.

Spring 2026 Testing Calendar

To ensure a smooth testing environment, all students must be at school by 8:00 AM on testing days. Breakfast will be provided . Please ensure your student brings their fully charged school-issued Chromebook. 

11th grade students will take Science CMAS on April 7th. Testing will happen during the morning and students will have a regular schedule after the test. 

Students will be dismissed for the day after testing and buses will depart at 12:30pm. 

Students in 9th and 10th grades will not come to school on Wednesday, April 15th.

Students in 11th grade will not come to school on Tuesday, April 14th. 

Why These Tests Matter

Whether your student is planning on a four-year university, a trade school, or heading straight into the workforce, these assessments provide a massive advantage:

• College and Career Readiness: These exams are a key indicator of readiness for the next chapter. For college-bound students, SAT scores are vital for admissions and meeting Colorado’s graduation guidelines. For students entering the workforce or trades, these tests provide essential practice for the licensing exams found in many professions—such as HVAC, plumbing, real estate, or EMT certifications. Mastering these testing skills now builds the "testing stamina" and confidence needed for any professional career path.
• Scholarship Access: College Board partners use PSAT and SAT scores to identify students for various scholarship opportunities that can help fund future training or degrees.
• Instructional Insight: These results help Gateway High School identify areas where we can better support our students and ensure our curriculum is hitting the mark.

Final Preparation: Now is the perfect time to visit khanacademy.org. Students can access free, personalized practice plans and full-length practice tests to build their confidence.

Participation & Opt-Out Guidelines

While we strongly encourage every Olympian to participate, Colorado state law allows parents/guardians to excuse their students from state assessments (except WIDA ACCESS).

If you wish to excuse your student, please immediately contact Kaaryn Mcleod- Testing Coordinator ([email protected]) or Denice Alvarez- Case Manager ([email protected]) to request a District Opt-Out form. You may also call the main office at 303-755-7160. The form may also be completed online in the Infinite Campus Parent Portal. 

• Infinite Campus Parent Portal Opt Out Directions
• 2026 State Testing FAQs

We are incredibly proud of the hard work our students and staff have put in this year. We look forward to seeing our Olympians demonstrate their growth!