Aurora Public Schools - Power Your Potential

PROGRAMS

The vision of our strategic plan, APS 2026, is that every student will shape a successful future. Some students may be preparing to attend college, while others may go into the military or straight into the workforce. Whatever path our students choose to pursue as part of their plans, there are many resources to support them.

Below are suggestions for students:

Develop, own and pursue your plan for your future:

Stay active in Naviance so that your plans, searches, and resources are documented and stored properly. For more information about how to navigate Naviance, contact your counselor.

Actively work towards earning credentials:

ADVANCED PLACEMENT

  • Advanced placement courses vary by high school

  • These courses are specifically related to students who have shown achievement in specific areas beyond the normal course of study

  • Students can obtain college credit - after taking the course and CEEB Advanced Placement Examination

  • AP courses are sponsored by the College Entrance Examination Board (CEEB)

  • Communicate with School Counselors for more information


ASCENT

Aurora Public Schools_ASCENT22.23.pdf

Accelerated Students Through Concurrent Enrollment (ASCENT)

  • Allows for students to be full-time at a community college or technical college, still enrolled in Aurora Public Schools for support and slow transition into college

  • APS pays for both tuition and fees

  • Look here at the ASCENT website

  • Also speak with your school Counselor and College and Career Advisor for more information


CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION (CTE)

College Credit Opportunities and Career Technical Education at Pickens Technical College

  • Many programs offered at Pickens Technical College that give college credit

  • Students can earn Pickens Tech certificates

  • With appropriate agreements credits earned at Pickens Tech can be transferred towards an associate degree with community colleges that confer

  • Students should consult with the College and Career Advisor delegated to their school for more information

Industry Based Certificates

There is a variety of Industry-Based Certificates APS students can earn during their time in high school through Pickens Technical College.

Human Services

  • Cosmetology

  • Culinary Arts

  • Esthetician

  • Nail Technician

  • Early Childhood Education

  • Executive Internship

  • Barbering

Aurora L.I.G.H.T.S.

Are you interested in the field of medicine or research?

Another L.I.G.H.T.S Video

- FINAL Aurora+L.I.G.H.T.S.-FINAL  (1).mov

Concurrent Enrollment (CE)

Aurora Public Schools and the Community College of Aurora have partnered in order to increase the number of high school students earning college credit

  • The program is for all high school students who have the ability to test into a guaranteed transfer course

  • APS covers the cost of tuition under CE

  • Students will be responsible for the cost of books for each course

  • Must be under 21 years of age and enrolled in any APS school and in grades 9-12

  • Must have Accuplacer, CCPT, ACT, or SAT scores appropriate for the approved class or classes OR APS grade waiver qualifications

Aurora Public Schools Concurrent Enrollment_22.23.pdf

What 21st Century Skills do you possess? How do you demonstrate those skills? What experiences do you have access to that will help influence your future career?

Visit the Digital Badge website to learn more.

International Baccalaureate Schools

Wheeling ES

Elkhart ES

Aurora Hills MS

East MS

Gateway HS

Hinkley HS

Gateway High School

Gateway High School Website