Aurora's first bilingual magnet school opens
The Betty Benavidez Bilingual School began operations with 123 students, offering a dual-language curriculum for families across the district.
By Lorenzo Marshall ·
Aurora Public Schools opened its first dual-language magnet school last month. The institution is named the Escuela Bilingüe Betty Benavidez. It serves as a public option for families seeking rigorous bilingual education.
The school honors Betty Benavidez, the first Latina elected to the Colorado Legislature in 1971. She sponsored the Bilingual Bicultural Act. That legislation formed the basis for much of the state's bilingual education framework. Benavidez died in 2013.
Anabel Rafoul serves as the principal. She has taught for more than two decades. She originally came to Colorado from Mexico to work in bilingual education. Rafoul holds a master's degree in Linguistically Diverse Education from the University of Colorado Boulder. Her career roles include elementary teacher, biliteracy instructional coach, assistant principal, and principal.
Rafoul stated that the school is historic for the city. Hispanic and Latino residents make up 31% of Aurora's total population, according to the most recent census data. The district currently enrolls about 40,000 students. Of that total, more than 20,000 speak Spanish as their first language.
The school operates as a magnet program. This model allows students from any area within the district to attend. It is not limited to a specific neighborhood boundary. Magnet schools often feature specialized academic focuses.
Students enter the dual-language program in preschool. In the early grades, 90% of instruction occurs in Spanish and 10% in English. The ratio shifts as students advance. By first grade, the split becomes 80% Spanish and 20% English. By fifth grade, the program reaches a 50/50 balance.
Rafoul said the school maintains English literacy throughout the curriculum. Some classes are taught in English while others are taught in Spanish. The goal is for students to understand the language deeply and grow up with it.
The current student body consists of 123 students. This number reflects the three grade levels currently open. The school plans to expand annually until it reaches fifth grade. Rafoul noted that the year of operational planning has led to a positive start for the staff and students.
Because the school is small, educators can work directly with families. Students have responded well to learning in Spanish. The school recently hired a music teacher and is expanding its library. These resources are intended to support the students' education.
Magnet applications for the 2027-2028 school year begin on Nov. 13. This date applies to the Betty Benavidez school and other magnet programs in Aurora Public Schools.
