Aurora Quest K-8

472 South Wheeling Street

School District

Adams-Arapahoe 28j
Grade

K-8
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:22
Type

public

School Map for Adams-Arapahoe 28j School District

GreatSchools Rating

The school rating calculation is based on four ratings: the Student Progress Rating or Academic Progress Rating, College Readiness Rating, Equity Rating, and Test Score Rating each designed to show different facets of school success. Learn more about GreatSchools Ratings

Reviews

Submitted by parent on December 02, 2023

My son is finishing up 8th grade now after having gone for the past 2 years (3 years once he finishes 8th). This school has been excellent for him. He has been able to really achieve advanced learning and make some great friends. In my experience all of the teachers are great. He is really into math and he got the opportunity to learn up to 10th grade math for this final year, which will allow him to excel in high school and he should slide right into AP. The rotating sports options were great for him, since he didn't really have a sports focus before, but if your child is really serious about sports I could see that being a downside. In any case, this was a night and day improvement for him compared to public school in Cherry Creek because the G&T focus and smaller class sizes, along with other kids who are into high achievement really helped my son a lot. I would highly recommend this school.
Submitted by parent on June 03, 2022

This is supposed to be a gifted and talented school. I have yet to see anyadvanced teaching going on.
Submitted by parent on July 21, 2019

Does not meet claims of gifted education. Nothing about the K-5 education is tailored to gifted learning models (can't speak to middle school).For twice-exceptional kids the school continually performs at a spirit-breaking level, the opposite of what we expected.The initial Kindergarten parent meeting began with the teacher sighing as she sat. That year our child said, "The teacher makes me feel like dirt."The principal doesn’t work well with gifted children, whose behavior is best addressed by positive reinforcement, and continually encouraged negative reinforcement.This school taught our child teachers can't be trusted, which has carried over to adults, and, to a certain degree, everyone.This principal is trying to get rid of any students who pose a challenge, i.e., gifted students, twice exceptional, etc. As evidence, we had multiple conversations throughout the school year about learning, medical issues, 504, etc. When our child spent the end of one semester and the beginning of the next with an undiagnosed illness that prevented focus and caused many early departures. Once diagnosed we explained treatment was ongoing, had certain requirements, and they wouldn't see immediate results. There was also a three-week absence due to pneumonia that included hospitalization for nine days and 4 days in intensive care. The principal "chose" to give our child an Unsatisfactory report card when having the option to use Medical Excuse. There was no prior communication about this and no academic history justified this. A teacher's notes even said that "there wasn't enough evidence to provide a grade," which was of course due to medical issues.With five years and many friends, we withdrew our child after a challenging multi-year decision to homeschool.When sending an e-mail to the principal, on a Sunday evening, that we have chosen to withdrawal our child from the school we immediately received a response from her saying, "Thank you. Have a great rest of your weekend."If you simply feel your child is smart and are proud of their behavior, then give Quest a shot. You won't gain much by doing so, but it should be fine.If you know that your child is brilliant but are at your wit's end regarding how to cope with your child's unrelenting energy and curiosity, then Quest will only complicate your life and stunt your gifted child's self-esteem.
Submitted by parent on February 17, 2019

Sending my son to Aurora Quest was by far the best decision I could have made. He loves school and is constantly challenged to do his best.
Submitted by parent on November 27, 2018

Big mistake! I wish I could pull my child out now.
Submitted by other on August 28, 2018

Beware of the new principal 2018! Yikes! watch the school go downhill... Will not attend this school now with her on board! Zero skills in leadership and terrible discipline. Prediction for Quest future: Bullies will be rampant and behavior will decrease. academics...LOL! What is Quest thinking? Bad Move! Although... she is all about the test and lacks innovation so this school could be a perfect fit for a robotic leader gifted in test scores and deceit. Her last school lost their accreditation. Concerned!
Submitted by parent on May 27, 2018

I just love this school. I wish it has expanded to high school.
Submitted by parent on October 25, 2017

I love this school. It is the best decision I have ever made. I wish all kids in the school district could have access to high quality education like this, whether or not they bear the gifted label.
Submitted by parent on December 17, 2016

Overall Quest is a fantastic school. There are certainly many advantages of going to a place where they know the kids will all pass standardized tests. They get to spend time on things like music, art, recess, etc and the kids also don't have much homework. Students are challenged and held to a high level, and the staff works hard and is flexible. It's an elite school, but it doesn't FEEL elitist. It feels very warm, friendly, and down to earth. They also have many afterschool progrmas, like CyberPatriots (hacking club), Taekwondo, Breakdancing, Chess, Art, Minecraft, etc.
Submitted by parent on September 12, 2014

The school is absolutely fantastic. My daughter loves it. It is challenging but so is the life!
Submitted by other on September 02, 2014

The overall school is good but it is too challenging the first time. We don't even start basic most times. It's always you are gifted you should know this now do it!
Submitted by other on August 01, 2014

An absolutely fantastic school! I've been going here since the building opened, and am heading into my first year of high school. It makes me sad to know I am leaving behind such wonderful and caring staff, students, and teachers. Middle School will probably be overwhelming at first, but the class grows so close together and no one is left behind. If you're thinking of enrolling your student here, please do. You won't regret it. -A student
Submitted by other on January 26, 2014

Middle school is supposed to be a time to grow and learn, to make friends and develop values. I cannot think of a better place to teach every single student that. I remember being so terrified that I wouldn't make friends in MS, that I would be bombarded with work. But Quest made me feel like I could trust everyone there. And I do. All of 8th grade is super close, and I can speak for other grades when I say that I trust most of the students and staff. I learn so much, it actually makes me feel like I have a chance. I have a lot of friends, and that's not because I'm "special" or extra smart. It's cause students here value personality over popularity, or excellency. I have an immense respect for my teachers, yet feel like I can joke around with them. Bullying is rare, and when it happens, it's taken care of. This school is anything but a white, smart, rich kid school. This school is diverse, and has rich and poor kids. Black and white kids. Book smart kids and street smart kids. If you are debating whether to apply to Quest, go for it. This is a place where it is amazing to learn, and just have fun.
Submitted by parent on October 08, 2013

Aurora Quest is a great school, my son was admited here into 2nd grade this school year and, wow! What a difference. We love the way his teacher works with him anytime he Is he didn't understand a given class work. We have seen A big growth in his reading and math level Quest is like one big family, the stuff are are always ready To listen and help the students. Parent are not left out We all get involve in almost every area of the school We just love Quest .
Submitted by parent on October 03, 2013

I like that the staff is aware of my child needs. They are willing to help in any way they can.
Submitted by parent on October 02, 2013

We have been very pleased with Aurora Quest so far. The school has very transparent screening process. They hosted a meeting with the parents explaining how the test scores were given and what they mean. Not like other magnet schools who don't explain the test score well and leave the parents wonder ( not very happy about the Challenge School screening process). I am happy that the teachers at Aurora Quest are very motivated and dedicated. My kid loves going to school. The school also has many fun activities !
Submitted by parent on September 28, 2013

Quest is an awesome school. I normally wouldn't have considered a public school for our son, but we have been nothing but impressed with Quest since day one. Quest staff and parents really are helping to build a community of responsible, respectful young citizens. I'm proud to say our son is a Quest Phoenix!
Submitted by parent on September 23, 2013

We are a military family who fortunately found out in November 2012 that we would be moving to Aurora in summer 2013. We were able to make the application deadline and were fortunately accepted. We have twin first graders who attend Quest. I am so impressed with this school! One of the driving forces aside from great teachers, programs, facilities, administration is the 20 hour volunteer requirement. Involved parents lead to a successful atmosphere of the school. We feel very fortunate to be here.
Submitted by parent on September 19, 2013

It's the #1 school in the state for a reason. The principal is hands-on. You'll see his involvement in every aspect of the school. The students adore the teachers and staff. Teachers are encouraged to continue their learning as well. This is a school focused on gifted learners, but they are also expected to know how to respectful to others, which is so many children are lacking these days. Both my kids ask if they can stay longer at the end of the day, and tease each other that they are the lucky one when they get homework! My kids love school, and get to learn at their own pace and are challenged on a regular basis. We couldn't ask for more.
Submitted by parent on September 17, 2013

Aurora Quest is an outstanding school. This is my daughter's 2nd year with Quest and they are wonderful. The teachers work with each child's individual learning strengths and weaknesses and their communication with the parents is fantastic. The parent involvement at Quest is shocking. The Quest parents are always helping out with fundraisers, school events and PTA meetings.