In a significant step for multilingual education in Colorado, the Aurora Public Schools (APS) district is launching its first dual‑language magnet school, set to open in August 2026. The school will provide a Spanish‑English Two‑Way immersion model, drawing students from across the district and aligning with growing research on the academic and cognitive benefits of bilingual education.
What the Plan Involves
- The school will be located at the former Sixth Avenue Elementary site.
- It will open in August 2026, initially serving preschool through 1st grade, with plans to expand by one grade level each year until it serves up to 5th grade.
- Instruction will follow a 90/10 immersion model in the early years — roughly 90% Spanish and 10% English in preschool — gradually shifting to a 50/50 bilingual model in the upper grades.
- Students from all language backgrounds are encouraged to apply — no Spanish experience is required.
- The application window opens November 3, 2025, for the 2026–27 school year. Enrollment will be determined by lottery.
- District-provided transportation will be available to students attending from across the city.
Why the District is Doing This
- APS serves a highly diverse and multilingual student population, with more than 20,000 students who speak Spanish as a first language.
- Dual-language immersion programs are backed by research showing benefits such as higher academic performance, enhanced cognitive development, improved cultural awareness, and long-term bilingualism.
- The district frames bilingualism as a lifelong advantage — a “superpower” that builds confidence, global perspective, and career readiness.
- As a magnet program, the school also supports the district’s efforts to diversify learning opportunities and give families more specialized public education choices.
What the School Will Look Like and How It Will Grow
- In its first year, the school expects to enroll approximately 48 preschoolers, 66 kindergartners, and 66 first graders.
- Classes will aim for a 50/50 balance between native Spanish speakers and native English (or other language) speakers.
- Students will remain in the same cohort through elementary school to support continuity and community within the immersion environment.
- Teachers will deliver most academic content in Spanish during the early years — including literacy, math, science, and social studies — with increasing English integration as students progress.
- The school’s name, mascot, and mission are currently in development, and the community will be invited to participate in shaping its identity.
What’s Missing or Less Covered in Initial Reports
- Specifics about the lottery application process, such as how waitlists will be managed, whether there’s sibling or neighborhood priority, and whether out-of-district students are eligible.
- Details on how transportation logistics will be handled, including pickup zones and service for families living farther from the school site.
- Information about teacher recruitment and qualifications — such as licensure requirements for bilingual educators and whether native Spanish-speaking teachers will be prioritized.
- Clear long-term academic goals for the program, including how student performance and language proficiency will be measured.
- Plans for family and community engagement, especially for parents who don’t speak Spanish and may need support to stay involved.
- Budget considerations: the additional cost of bilingual instructional materials, professional development, and staffing needs for a new magnet program.
- Challenges that might arise: for instance, concerns some parents have about slower English literacy development early on, or maintaining consistent language equity between student groups.
Why It Matters
- For families in Aurora, this school expands free public education options that focus on bilingualism and multiculturalism.
- For APS, it represents a shift toward elevating multilingual learning as a district-wide strength — not just a support service for English learners.
- For students, dual-language education can improve academic outcomes, cognitive flexibility, and communication skills — all while fostering respect for diverse cultures.
- For the broader community, the initiative contributes to building a future workforce that is more globally fluent, culturally competent, and linguistically skilled.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Who is eligible to apply to the dual-language magnet school?
Any child in the APS district entering preschool, kindergarten, or first grade for the 2026–27 school year may apply. Spanish experience is not required.
Q2: How are students selected?
A lottery system will be used to fill available seats. The application window opens on November 3, 2025. Space is limited and waitlists may apply.
Q3: What does the “90/10” model mean?
In the early years, 90% of instruction is delivered in Spanish and 10% in English. This gradually balances out to 50/50 by the upper grades, promoting strong bilingual and biliterate development.
Q4: What is a “Two-Way Dual Language” model?
It combines native Spanish speakers and native English speakers in the same classroom, with both groups learning together through instruction in both languages.
Q5: Is transportation provided?
Yes. APS will offer transportation to eligible students living within the district who are enrolled in the program.
Q6: Will the school eventually serve older grades?
The school will grow one grade each year, eventually serving through 5th grade. Expansion to middle school is not confirmed but may be considered in the future.
Q7: Is this the first dual-language program in Aurora?
This is the district’s first full magnet school dedicated specifically to a Two-Way dual-language immersion model, though APS already serves many multilingual learners in other settings.
Q8: What benefits do students gain from dual-language immersion?
Students gain academic strength in both languages, improved cognitive abilities, better long-term educational outcomes, and increased cultural awareness.
Q9: How can parents who don’t speak Spanish stay involved?
The school will offer translated communications, multilingual parent engagement opportunities, and support systems to help all families stay informed and included.
Q10: What should families do now if they’re interested?
Families should mark November 3, 2025, on their calendars, visit the district’s magnet schools website for application details, attend open house events, and apply early to maximize their chances of selection.
Aurora’s first dual-language magnet school represents more than a new academic offering — it reflects a broader commitment to educational equity, bilingualism, and cultural celebration. By opening this program, APS is helping shape a generation of students who can read, write, think, and speak across languages and cultures — a vital skillset in today’s interconnected world.
Sources CBS News
