APS Magnet Schools

Magnet Schools for Grades K-8

An Entrepreneurship & Invention Magnet School for Grades K-8

The Clara Brown Entrepreneurial Academy was launched in 2022 as a K-8 magnet school serving students throughout Aurora Public Schools and the metropolitan area. While the school uses the same literacy and math curriculum as every other school in the district, the academy also focuses on promoting an entrepreneurial mindset and providing opportunities to engage with local and national entrepreneurs and community partners. 

A Visual & Performing Arts Magnet Campus

The Charles Burrell Visual & Performing Arts Campus was launched in 2022 and is a K-12 magnet school pathway serving students in grades K-12 throughout Aurora Public Schools and the metropolitan area. The campus focuses on arts-related disciplines including dance, music, theater, digital and visual arts. The campus consists of two locations. 

Burrell Arts K-8

Located at 875 Peoria St. in Northwest Aurora, Burrell Arts K-8 is strategically located near the Colfax Arts District. Burrell Arts students receive 90 minutes of dedicated daily art instruction. Starting in 5th grade, students will choose an Art focus to deepen their understanding and talent. The Arts are integrated into all subject areas.

Aurora Quest K-8 logo

A Gifted & Talented Magnet School
for Grades K-8

Magnet Schools for Grades 9-12

A Visual & Performing Arts Magnet Campus

The Charles Burrell Visual & Performing Arts Campus was launched in 2022 and is a K-12 magnet school pathway serving students in grades K-12 throughout Aurora Public Schools and the metropolitan area. The campus focuses on arts-related disciplines including dance, music, theater, digital and visual arts. The campus consists of two locations. 

Burrell Arts High School

The Burrell Arts high school pathway is housed in Aurora Central High School. The school, which was built in 1931, has been completely renovated into a state-of-the-art multimedia arts and performing arts school. The Burrell Arts pathway has the Arts integrated into all subject areas. The school also has dedicated spaces for creativity.

An College Preparatory School for Grades 9-12

AWCPA is an open-enrollment school of choice in northwest Aurora.  Our mission and vision is centered around the idea that all students will be college and career ready when they graduate from AWCPA.  

Our emphasis is to use the small school model to support students who may be first generation college students.  We offer intentional paths to graduation that focus on preparing our students for college or a career.  Partnering with the Community College of Aurora and Pickens Technical College allows for students to earn college credit or receive important career skills before graduation.  Students at AWCPA have the ability to earn an Associate's Degree when they graduate High School or enroll in the ASCENT program to receive free college classes post graduation. 

AWCPA's high school is intentionally small, with about 400 students in the High School.  This allows staff to build intentional relationships with students to support them throughout their high school career to be college and career ready.  AWCPA is a 6-12 model school which allows our High School students to be leaders across our school and represent the values of our Spartan PRIDE.  

William Smith High School logo

An Expeditionary Learning Education Magnet School for Grades 9-12

Applications Now Open Nov. 1 for the 2025-26 School Year!