Best Public Schools in Aurora, CO

The city of Aurora, Colorado is home to a diverse array of 105 schools, including 72 elementary schools, 16 middle schools, 13 high schools, and 4 alternative schools. The data reveals a stark divide in academic performance, with some schools like Cherokee Trail High School, Grandview High School, and Aurora Quest K-8 standing out as high-performing, while others like Overland High School, Hinkley High School, and several elementary schools struggle with low test scores and rankings.

The disparities in academic performance closely align with the socioeconomic and racial demographics of the student populations. The high-performing schools tend to have more affluent and white student bodies, while the struggling schools serve predominantly minority and low-income students. For example, Cherokee Trail High School has a student body that is 55.75% white, while Overland High School is only 17.83% white. This divide is further reflected in the stark differences in test scores, with Cherokee Trail High School having 76% of students scoring proficient or better on the SAT/Reading and Writing assessment, compared to just 41% at Overland High School.

The data suggests that the schools with the highest percentages of low-income and minority students, such as Overland High School (63.82% free and reduced lunch) and Aurora Central Campus (82.53% free and reduced lunch), are in the greatest need of additional resources and support to address these persistent educational inequities. Targeted interventions and community engagement programs could help to bridge the divide and ensure that all students in the Aurora Joint District No. 28 and Cherry Creek School District No. 5 have access to high-quality educational opportunities.