Evaluating student achievement in Denver Public Schools (DPS) starts with taking a hard look at where performance stands. In this report, the researchers examine key transition points across the education pipeline, from preschool through college. They gauge student progress--or lack of progress. And they identify challenges. That way, they can direct attention toward promising strategies that will allow all DPS students the opportunity to reach their full academic potential. Measuring academic success as students progress from preschool through high school and into college provides important information about the quality of the DPS education system. This report uses the latest data available to look at key transition points for DPS students from 2005 to 2011 to identify: (1) Outcomes and trends in academic achievement and growth as students move from preschool through K-12 and into college; and (2) Potential barriers to success. DPS has much to be proud of. Across all grades and subjects, the district is making significant gains in improving academic achievement, especially among lower-income students, who are the primary focus of this report. Indeed, very few, if any, Colorado school districts have consistently made this level of progress. (Contains 18 endnotes.) [This report was co-produced with A+ Denver and Metro Organizations for People (MOP).]