New Magnet School Focused on Entrepreneurship & Invention Celebrates Grand Opening
Young students with dreams of owning their own businesses now have a school to help make those dreams a reality. The Clara Brown Entrepreneurial Academy (CBEA) opened its doors earlier this month, one of the first K-8 entrepreneurship and invention magnet schools of its kind. The academy's students, parents and staff recently came together with the Aurora Public Schools community to celebrate this grand occasion.
"I didn't have this kind of opportunity when I was growing up, so it makes me happy that it is now an option for my children," said CBEA parent and staff member Erica Cruz. "Entrepreneurial learning is so unique and is all about staying curious, being creative and solving problems."
Parents like Cruz are excited to see their children grow and learn in new ways. The academy plans to teach students to be curious in their learning and to be willing to take risks. It will use a project-based learning model to immerse students in hands-on, real-world scenarios that will help them gain valuable skills.
The school is named after Clara Brown, an important entrepreneur in Colorado's history, to help inspire students to adopt an entrepreneurial mindset. Brown was a former enslaved woman from Virginia who aided the settlement of slaves during the time of Colorado's Gold Rush. She is known as the "Angel of the Rockies" for helping those in need. In 1866, she established the first laundry in Central City and used the money to help others, including helping newly-freed slaves to relocate to Colorado.
The academy is one of two new magnet schools opening in Aurora Public Schools this school year. Magnet schools have a special academic focus or program. In the coming years, the district plans to open at least one magnet program within each of its seven specialization regions.
"We are fortunate to have a community that supports our students and wants to invest in their futures through Blueprint APS and our 2016 Bond Program," said Aurora Public Schools Board of Education Director Tramaine Duncan. "Our students have been breaking down barriers because of the incredible support of our community."
To learn more about the unique learning opportunities coming to Aurora Public Schools, visit blueprint.aurorak12.org.