What if I told you that Aurora Central High School holds stories of resilience and transformation? It stands as a cornerstone of the Aurora community. Originally named Aurora High School, it proudly became the city’s first high school in 1931.
Before Aurora Central High School existed, local students traveled to East High School in Denver. They rode the trolley on Colfax Avenue. The trolley had turn-arounds at Dallas and Geneva streets. In 1933, the trolley service was cut back. This was likely because Aurora students no longer needed to travel to Denver for school.
The first Aurora Public Schools high school was built in 1931 at 13th and Florence. Today, that building is part of the West Middle School campus. In 1950, a new building on the same site opened as Aurora High School. The first class graduated from the new high school at 11th and Newark in 1956.
In 1963, Aurora High School received its current name, Aurora Central High School. This change occurred when Hinkley High School was built. Aurora Central has been a place of learning and growth for generations.
Aurora Central High School faced a challenging moment on November 15, 2021. A shooting occurred near the school. Six students sustained non-life-threatening injuries. Despite this event, the school community showed resilience and support.
Aurora Central High School is known for its diverse student body. For the 2014–2015 school year, the demographics were 5% White, 67% Latino, 16% African American, 8% Asian, 1.4% Native American and 2% Two or More Races. The school embraces its diversity.
Strong relationships between students and teachers are a priority at Aurora Central. All 9th and 10th-grade students belong to a “House”. Each House groups 125-150 students with the same four core content teachers. This model fosters a strong sense of community. It ensures that students’ needs are met. Core content teachers meet weekly to review student data. Counselors, social workers, and administrators provide support.
Aurora Central High School boasts several notable alumni. Danny Jackson played in the MLB for several teams. Robert Michael Pyle is a respected author and lepidopterist. Naquetta Ricks serves as a member of the Colorado House of Representatives. Michelle Waterson competes as a professional mixed martial artist in the UFC. Don Young also played in the MLB for the Chicago Cubs.
Aurora Central High School stands as more than just a school. It represents community, resilience, and opportunity. Its history reflects the growth and changes in Aurora itself. The Trojans continue to uphold a tradition of excellence.