AURORA, Colo. — Aurora Public Schools has officially broken ground on a new $85 million preK-8 campus designed to serve 1,000 students in the rapidly growing northeast part of the district. The three-story school is scheduled to open in summer 2026, providing a modern learning environment for children from prekindergarten through eighth grade.

The new campus is being built in the Horizon Uptown community, near the intersection of Interstate 70 and E-470, an area that has seen a wave of new housing developments and population growth. District leaders say the facility is critical to meeting the needs of families moving into this expanding neighborhood.

A Modern Design for Next-Generation Learning

According to the district, the school will feature an innovative floor plan focused on natural light, collaboration, and hands-on learning opportunities.

“The new P-8 will feature a unique floor plan with three floors and an abundance of windows to allow for natural light throughout the structure,” a statement from the Aurora district said.

Students will benefit from exploratory labs on each floor, supporting science, technology, and project-based learning. The campus will also include two art rooms and two dedicated music spaces — one for vocal programs and one for instrumental instruction.

“The school will also feature a full-size gym and a robust athletics program for middle school students,” the district said.

Transition from Clyde Miller P-8

When the new school opens, the Clyde Miller P-8 School will close, and its students will transition into the Horizon Uptown campus. Officials say the move is intended to consolidate resources, expand opportunities, and provide students with access to facilities that the older Clyde Miller building could not support.

Community Impact

District leaders emphasized that the new school represents more than just additional classroom space — it’s part of a broader strategy to strengthen education access in northeast Aurora. The area has long needed updated infrastructure to keep pace with enrollment growth.

The investment also signals Aurora Public Schools’ commitment to holistic student development, with facilities designed to support academics, arts, and athletics equally. Parents and educators believe the larger campus will also provide new opportunities for extracurricular programs and community engagement.

Looking Ahead

Construction is expected to continue through 2025, with crews working to complete the state-of-the-art facility in time for the 2026-27 academic year. Once open, the Horizon Uptown campus will stand as one of the district’s most ambitious capital projects, blending modern architecture with a curriculum tailored to prepare students for high school and beyond.

Originally reported by Mike Kennedy in American School & University.