Schools > Public > Aurora Hills Middle School

Aurora Hills Middle School in Denver, Colorado

Aurora Hills Middle School Detail

(303) 341-7450
1009 South Uvalda St
Aurora, CO 80012
Levels: 6-8
District: Adams-Arapahoe School District


Aurora Hills Middle School Census Data

Census InfoValueYear
Student Teacher Ratio:17.3% (2008)
Percent Free and Reduced Price Lunch:54.37% (2008)
Native American or Native Alaskan:1.22% (2008)
Asian/Pacific Islander:5.36% (2008)
Black, non-Hispanic:22.3% (2008)
Hispanic:44.03% (2008)
White, non-Hispanic:27.09% (2008)

Aurora Hills Middle School Ratings Summary

Average Quality Rating3
Average Principals Rating3
Average Teachers Rating3
Average Activities Rating4
Average Parents Rating3
Average Safety Rating3

Aurora Hills Middle School Reviews

My student was in the Summit program, which has since moved to Aurora Quest K-8. The option for the IB program was not very enticing as it seemed that the teachers' philosophy for 'rigor' simply meant more homework. Aurora Hills offers the IB program to everyone and that is a problem because IB is not an easy program, nor is it a good fit for every student. As a parent, I agree the dresscode was very restrictive. Having a dresscode was supposed to make the students safer and cut down on discipline issue. Imagine our surprise when it didn't. There are major discipline problems and I never felt that my student was sae there. The school is not about choice, it is about conforming. The administration is not very helpful to concerned parents, who are often dismissed without their concerns being addressed. I would consider a different school for my student.
This review was posted by a parent.

I went to this school during 6th and 7th grade (05-07). This school is definetly not a good schoo, even if your child is in an advanced program. I was in Summit here and didn't enjoy the experience due to the drama, bad teaching and unfair rules. The advanced programs weren't challenging and no improvements were attempted to be made with problems that were seen. There is a lot of fighting in addition to the other problems. I ended up leaving for my 8th grade year.
This review was posted by a student.

How times have changed. I was one of the original students when AHMS first opened. We moved into the school and held classes before construction was finished. Parents, teachers, and yes, even the students were excited to be in such a unique building. It's sad to read the comments here considering I thoroughly enjoyed attending there. It is unique being that it doesn't have windows. I do remember holding class and eating bag lunches outside before the cafeteria was finished. I can't recall a lot going on outside that had to do with what we were learning in class so we didn't miss the windows. Learning is a joint venture, if there are bullies and teachers that don't care about students, get them out of the learning environment.
This review was posted by a other.

The only good thing about this school are the special programs like I.B. I dont recoment anyone to put their child in this school unless they are going to be in the advanced placement programs.
This review was posted by a other.

i have two children at A Hills a 7th grader and a 8th grader. They are both involved in the band and love it. they are both in the Middle Years programme and enjoy it. They both agree it is quite challenging, but the teachers and very supportive. This schools dress code is a quite strict, we could live without it. they also need to work on teh bullying
This review was posted by a parent.

I think more needs to be done regarding bullying at this school! I also can't stand the dress code here.
This review was posted by a parent.

I found the teaching staff to be very supportive of my children, but feel the administration could do more to prevent bullying and improve class discipline. The cubicle style classrooms make the learning environment a challenge for those who are easily distracted by constant noise.
This review was posted by a parent.

Overall i give this school a 2.5 because of various reasons. For starters this school is allways filthy looking. The academic programs here are not a great quality because ofsingleing out some types of kids. One good thing about the school is that they have a good selection of extracurriculars that are fun and educating.
This review was posted by a parent.

I have a 7th grader at AHMS. The staff has been fantastic in supporting our family through the loss of my husband. When my child was in emotional trouble they were the first to notice and take action. Cody has never had as good of grades has he has at AHMS. I am so greatful for the entire staff at AHMS.
This review was posted by a parent.

a.h.m.s. I have an 8th and a 6th grader attending.Great music program for both 8th grader plays flute,clarinet,and percussion. Never played before loves this program and teacher(very enthusiastic)6th grader plays viola same thing loves program and enthusiasim of teacher. Both girls are in academically challenged program called Summit it is for gifted and talented,most teachers are great in this program.They also have a middle years program at this school I did not choose that for my kids but its a great option for some. I love the choices.
This review was posted by a parent.

The environment of the school may not be so appealing to the parents that are looking at the school for looks. Aurora Hills has a great educational program as well as extra curricular activities. Although it does not have as much money as the Cherry Creek schools do, the overall quality of the school and its education is very good. Parents that think the look of it is bad could have a point. but not having windows isn't that bad. this school is pretty old and the school may not have as much money as they need to get windows. As an 8th grader, I feel comfortable at this school and have no problems with the environment.
This review was posted by a student.

i think the school s a very bad environment for students.My reasons are tha there is no windows and the dress code is very bad.My kids are smart but not at this school. My kids don't have fun at this school they feel trapped like prisoners. Darcy May
This review was posted by a parent.

It is obvious that the postings so far have been from disgruntled parents. While I am not a big fan of 'uniforms' it seems to be a neccessity in today's culture. My son has other ways of being an individual. He doesn't need to dress special to set himself apart from the others. He does that with personality, confidence and friendships. I have had numerous meetings with teachers and staff at the school. I have always been treated professionally and with courtesy. The Middle Years program, IB program and Summit Academy all bring something positive to the school. This school is diverse, but not in a bad sense as one posting would lead you to believe. It's not the school's responsibility to teach our kids discipline, morals, ethics and the importance of education. That's a parent's job. Aurora Hills is doing a fine job with my child.
This review was posted by a parent.

The administration at this school treats parents as adversaries, not as partners in the educational process. There is little positive communication between the administration and the student body. The atmosphere between the various groups of students at the school, which in addition to its home school boundaries includes a magnet school for gifted students, the Jr. International Baccalaureate program and the Middle Years Academy for high-achieving students, verges on poisonous. APS needs to do better for its students at this critical time in young student's educations. And yes, given the secondary populations at the school, test scores should be much higher. I'm afraid that the district doesn't separate out the scores of the two academies for fear that it will show how poorly the general population at the school is being educated.
This review was posted by a parent.

Why does a school with a magnet program get such low test scores? Aurora Hills holds a Pre-IB program but at the same time, shows below level performances on CSAP. In addition, Aurora Hills is not in a comfortable enviroment for several reasons. There are no windows in the school building, making students feel as if they are in closed and locked away area. A[urora] Hills students also have to wear school uniforms meaning that there is less diversity in the school. Aurora Hills is not a recomended school.
This review was posted by a parent.

While my child got straight A's at this school, he was not prepared for high school. We moved in order to get our children into Cherry Creek Schools. The teachers are caring but don't have a lot to work with. I feel it is a hard school to teach at and some children may fall through the cracks.
This review was posted by a parent.