Denver Parent Options to Opt Out of State Tests

Education Colorado 3 Minutes Read · published February 07, 2026 Flag of Colorado

Introduction

In Denver, Colorado, parents and guardians often ask how to decline participation in statewide assessments such as CMAS, PSAT/SAT, or alternate assessments. Local practice is governed by Denver Public Schools and Colorado Department of Education rules; parents should contact their school early to clarify procedures and timelines [1][2].

Contact your school principal or testing coordinator as soon as possible to discuss options.

What opting out means

Opting out generally means a student will not sit for one or more state-level standardized assessments administered during the school year. The district or state may record nonparticipation for accountability reporting. Specific local procedures and the effect on student records are determined by the district and state guidance cited below [1][2].

Penalties & Enforcement

State and district pages describe responsibilities for administering required assessments, but they do not list monetary fines or criminal penalties for individual students who do not participate. Where exact penalties or administrative sanctions would apply is not specified on the cited pages; consult your district test coordinator or district legal office for local policy interpretation [1][2].

  • Fines or civil penalties: not specified on the cited page.
  • Escalation for repeat nonparticipation: not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary consequences: districts may record nonparticipation, which can affect aggregate school accountability and reporting.
  • Enforcer: school district testing office (Denver Public Schools) with oversight and guidance from the Colorado Department of Education.
  • Inspection/complaint pathway: contact your school testing coordinator or district assessment office as first step.
  • Appeal/review: district-level grievance or appeals processes; time limits are not specified on the cited pages.
District testing coordinators are the primary local contacts for assessment participation questions.

Applications & Forms

There is no single statewide “opt-out” form published by the Colorado Department of Education; Denver Public Schools directs parents to contact the school testing coordinator or school administration for local procedures and any required written notifications [1][2]. If a specific form exists at the school level, the testing coordinator will provide submission instructions.

Steps parents can take

  • Contact your child’s teacher and school testing coordinator early, preferably several weeks before scheduled assessment windows.
  • Request the district’s written guidance or any school-level notification form required to document your request.
  • If you encounter pushback, escalate to the district assessment office or the school principal.
  • For unresolved disputes, request information on the district grievance or appeal process and any statutory citation the district relies upon.
Keep copies of all written communications and dates when you contacted school staff.

FAQ

Can I legally opt my child out of state tests in Denver?
District procedures vary; Denver Public Schools and the Colorado Department of Education provide guidance on test administration and parent requests. See the district testing office for local rules [1][2].
Will my child be suspended or fined for not taking a state test?
Neither Denver Public Schools nor the Colorado Department of Education list fines or suspensions for individual nonparticipation on their guidance pages; specific consequences are not specified on the cited pages [1][2].
How do I submit an opt-out request?
Contact the school testing coordinator or principal and ask for any required written notification or local form; if uncertain, contact the district assessment office [1][2].

How-To

  1. Find your school testing coordinator or principal contact information and the district assessment office phone or email.
  2. Send a clear written request stating which assessment(s) you are declining and the student name, grade, and school; keep a dated copy.
  3. Confirm receipt with the school and ask how nonparticipation will be recorded on attendance or records.
  4. If denied or unclear, request the district grievance or appeals procedure and follow that process.

Key Takeaways

  • Start discussions early with your school testing coordinator.
  • There is no statewide opt-out form published by CDE; check local district procedures.
  • Document all communications and request written confirmation of how nonparticipation is recorded.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] Denver Public Schools - Assessments & Testing
  2. [2] Colorado Department of Education - Assessment

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