All the Feels of Back to School in Aurora

There’s something about the back-to-school season that stirs the heart and jogs nostalgia. The scent of sharpened pencils, the excitement of new shoes, the bittersweet moment of watching your child with an oversized backpack walk through the school doors for another year.

At Windler, we know this time of year is filled with emotion. It’s a moment when families are resetting routines, refocusing goals, and rallying together for the changes ahead. And as a growing new community in Aurora, Colorado, we know all about the stresses, anxiety, yet blue sky opportunities of something new and fresh. We get it.

This is a time when we turn to our resources for help, for guidance, and for some positivity. Well, we’ve packed all of that into this highlight for what “back to school” in Aurora looks like at Windler. Let this be a guiding resource for deciding where to put your roots and your energy for a successful school year. (Hint: It starts with living in Windler)

The Schools of Windler: Zoned and Ready

For families who’ve chosen Windler as home, there’s peace of mind in knowing that great schools are just around the corner. 

Aurora Highlands (P-8)

A modern, purpose-built school serving students from preschool through 8th grade. The school emphasizes collaborative learning, integrated technology, and a community-forward environment that aligns with the values of Windler families.

Vista PEAK Preparatory (Grades 9–12)

This innovative high school offers a range of academic and career-focused pathways, including opportunities for students to earn college credit while still in high school. Vista PEAK emphasizes leadership, critical thinking, and preparation for life beyond graduation.

Together, these two zoned schools offer continuity, connection, and convenience for families – making the academic journey feel less like a commute and more like a continuation of home.

Together, these schools offer families a streamlined educational path from early childhood through high school – all designed to foster lifelong learning and growth.

Even More Educational Options Nearby

One of the advantages of living in a dynamic area like Aurora is the access to a wide variety of educational options. Whether you’re seeking a STEM-focused curriculum, language immersion, or a private college-prep experience, there’s likely a school nearby that fits the bill.

Additional K–8 Options:

• Clyde Miller P‑8 – A part of Aurora Public Schools, offering strong academics in a tight-knit environment
• Harmony Ridge P‑8 – Known for its design thinking and STEM approach
• High Point Academy – A charter school offering a well-rounded curriculum and community engagement
  

High School Options:

• Hinkley High School – Part of Aurora Public Schools, offering diverse programs and extracurriculars
• Regis Jesuit High School – A private, Catholic college preparatory high school with a long-standing tradition of excellence
  

Specialty Charter Schools:

• Global Village Academy – Language immersion in Spanish, Mandarin, or French
• Aurora Academy Charter School – A rigorous academic program with a focus on leadership and civic responsibility
• Rocky Mountain Prep: RISE – A public charter school serving grades 6 – 12, focused on high expectations, personalized learning, and strong character development
  

With so many options, families in Windler can find the educational path that best fits their child’s learning style, interests, and goals.

Navigating Back-to-School Stress (And Finding Your Rhythm)

No matter how seasoned a parent (or a student) may be, the start of the school year brings a familiar swirl of questions like…

• Do we have everything on the supply list?
• How will we handle mornings now that summer sleep schedules are toast?
• How are we going to get through all of this laundry?
• Where is that missing left shoe?

Just remember: there’s always tomorrow (and there’s always a chance to run home and back to grab that water bottle before recess).

From kindergarteners with big backpacks to high schoolers with bigger ambitions, every student (and every parent) is carrying something into the new school year. It’s a season of transitions: adjusting work commutes, navigating pick-up lines, and managing an ever-growing list of after-school activities.

Here in Windler, the community itself helps ease those pressures. With miles of trails, over 160 acres of open space, big and small parks woven into the neighborhood fabric, there are plenty of spots to exhale after drop-off and pick-up. Whether it’s a quiet morning walk before the bell rings or an after-school bike ride to decompress, Windler supports families not just in the classroom hustle, but in the moments in between.

When you live here, you’ll find plenty of enjoyment in finding your rhythm. Because as the community grows, so does your roster of things to do close to home. 

Local Resources for School-Year Success

Need help staying on top of it all? Here are a few resources that local parents find helpful:

• Aurora Public Schools (APS): aurorak12.org
• Colorado Department of Education School Choice Info: cde.state.co.us
• Global Village Academy: aurora.gvaschools.org
• Aurora Public Library Back-to-School Events: auroralibrary.org
• Colorado Parent Magazine – School Tips & Articles: coloradoparent.com

Don’t forget to check with your school directly for supply lists, orientation events, and before/after care options.

Celebrating the Beauty of the Back-to-School Season

Yes, it’s hectic. But it’s also beautiful.

Back-to-school time means fresh notebooks and fresh possibilities. New friendships on the playground. Discovering favorite subjects (and maybe future callings). It’s the return of routines, the thrill of recess, and the comfort of community.

At Windler, we see this season as a time of growth. Not just a growing opportunity for the kids, but for the whole family. The community’s thoughtful design encourages connection, offering spaces to gather after school, chat with neighbors, and support one another through the shared chaos and joy of family life.

Whether it’s an early morning at the bus stop, a quiet walk after drop-off, or a group of parents planning carpools while their kids climb at the park, these small moments are the heartbeats of a neighborhood – and Windler is full of them.

Welcome home. And welcome back to school.