Best Public Schools in Aurora, CO

The city of Aurora, Colorado is home to a diverse landscape of 93 schools, spanning elementary, middle, high, and alternative education options across two school districts - Cherry Creek School District No. 5 and Aurora Joint District No. 28. The data reveals stark performance gaps between the highest and lowest-performing schools, with standout institutions like Cherokee Trail High School and Grandview High School ranking among the top in the state, while others like Aurora Central Campus and Hinkley High School struggle with low proficiency rates.

The data suggests a strong correlation between student socioeconomic status and academic achievement, with schools serving higher percentages of low-income students generally underperforming their more affluent counterparts. This equity gap is exemplified by the exceptional performance of Aurora Quest K-8, which ranks 2nd out of 943 Colorado elementary schools, in contrast with the challenges faced by high-needs schools like Gateway High School. Additionally, the data suggests that schools in the Cherry Creek School District tend to outperform those in the Aurora Joint District, hinting at potential differences in resources, curriculum, or other factors between the two districts.

The diverse school landscape in Aurora also includes alternative and charter school options, such as AXL Academy and Montessori del Mundo Charter School, which offer unique educational approaches and performance profiles. Overall, the data paints a complex picture of the Aurora school system, highlighting the need to address equity and opportunity gaps to ensure all students have access to a high-quality education.