Colorado education storylines to watch in 2026
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Illustration: Brendan Lynch/Axios
What's old is new again in 2026 for education.
Why it matters: 2025 left many unresolved questions about everything from spending to religious freedom — and the answers are expected to come this year, our education reporting partners at Chalkbeat write.
State of play: Education will factor into conversations about Colorado's woeful budget picture as lawmakers look to preserve the state's universal preschool program and avoid imposing large tuition increases at colleges and universities.
- Right now, policymakers are vowing to keep K-12 public schools fully funded, but that could mean fewer state dollars for other programs, such as those to boost testing scores and graduation rates.
The intrigue: By the time the 2026-27 school year starts, each district will need to develop a policy to limit the use of cellphones and other smart devices in the classroom.
- The proponents of the new policy argue it will improve learning outcomes and address a mental health crisis fueled by social media.
Friction point: Much of the attention this year will focus on social issues at the classroom level.
- Colorado officials will investigate whether the state's first "public Christian school" is allowed to stay open.
- The U.S. Supreme Court is considering whether to take a Colorado case that asks whether Catholic preschools can receive state money but ban LGBTQ people.
- A 2024 lawsuit challenging the Elizabeth School District's ban of 19 library books remains unresolved.
The big picture: Higher education is poised for the most significant changes after Gov. Jared Polis announced plans in December to refocus the agency's work to include workforce development.
- The shift needs legislative approval to include adult education, apprenticeships and other workforce initiatives.