Awards

School Recognitions - Aurora Quest K-8 is:

Recognized as one of the "Best Middle Schools" in the 2024 by U.S. News and World Report
Top 5 Performing Colorado schools in math 24-25 school year

Ranked #8 in Colorado Elementary Schools
Ranked #7 in Colorado Elementary Schools
Ranked #3 in Colorado Middle Schools
Ranked #1 in Aurora Joint District No. 28 of the Counties of Adams and Arapahoe Elementary Schools

Schools are ranked on their performance on state-required tests, graduation, and how well they prepare their students for high school. Read more about how we rank the Best Elementary Schools and Best Middle Schools.

John Irwin School of Excellence Award 2012-2024
Aurora Quest K-8 School, has been consistently recognized by the Colorado Department of Education with the "John Irwin School of Excellence award. The John Irwin awards are given to schools that demonstrate excellent academic achievement. On the school performance framework that is used by the state to evaluate schools, these schools “exceed” expectations on the academic achievement indicator and “meet or exceed” expectations on the academic growth gaps indicator. Quest has earned this award every year between 2012-2024.
Governor’s Distinguished Improvement Award 3/1/2017
On Wednesday, March 1st, former Quest Principal Dave Schoenhals accepted two awards from the Colorado Department of Education. Aurora Quest K-8 received the John Irwin School of Excellence Award for demonstrating excellent academic achievement by exceeding expectations on the academic achievement indicator. Quest also earned the Governor’s Distinguished Improvement Award for demonstrating exceptional longitudinal academic growth and exceeding expectations on the indicator related to academic growth gaps. Congratulations to the Quest community! Hard work by students, parents, teachers and administrators is reflected in these prestigious awards.
Teacher Recognitions
We have some of the best teachers! When you look at the state data, and sort by % of students who met or exceed on CMAS, this is how the Quest Math, English Language Arts & Science teachers rank:
For Math, our top teachers are:
Natalie Johnson- #1 in state for 3rd grade math
Courtney Bousquet- #4 in state for 5th grade math
Shannon Parish- #1 in state for 6th grade math
Jodi Ingram- #2 in state for 7th grade math
Erin Hayson- #3 in state for 8th grade math
For ELA, we also have some top 15 teachers:
Sarah Oropeza.- #10 in state for 3rd grade ELA
Beth Davenport. - #6 in state for 5th grade ELA
Kyla Phelps- #5 in state for 6th grade ELA
Beth Wilson.- #11 in state for 8th grade ELA
For Science, we have two top 10 teachers:
Courtney Bousquet- #4 in state for 5th grade Science
Mike Mural- #9 in state for 8th grade Science
Natalie Johnson Earns CCMT Mathematics Teaching Award 10/10/2013
On October 10, 2013 Aurora Quest K-8 Teacher Natalie Johnson was the recipient of the CCTM Mathematics Teaching Award for region 3 (Aurora, Adams County 14, Bennett 29J, Northglenn-Thornton, Strasburg, Westminster, Byers, Cherry Creek, and Deer Trail Public Schools) at the annual Colorado Council of Teachers of Mathematics Conference.
Natalie’s great knowledge of mathematics, standards, and her learners allows her to provide precise instruction that accelerates the learning of all of her students. She sets high learning expectations for her students and inspires them to believe that their thoughts and ideas are important which leads to their development of mathematical agency. Natalie is an amazing teacher who is a great representative of Aurora Quest and Aurora Public Schools!!!