Welcome to Lotus School

Where education meets excellence

Inspiring Growth Through STEAM Excellence

Lotus School for Excellence stands as a trusted K–12 institution in Aurora, guiding diverse learners through STEAM-focused education, equal opportunities, and a commitment to student and community success.
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UPCOMING EVENTS

 
 

Summer Break

THANKSGIVING BREAK

NEWS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

Stay updated with the latest school news, important announcements, and upcoming events from Lotus School for Excellence.

College and Career

Empowering students to achieve academic goals and career aspirations with confidence and support.

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STEM FOR ALL

Providing every student equal opportunities in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education.

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Athletics

Explore diverse clubs and athletics that inspire teamwork, leadership, growth, and lasting friendships.

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Character Education

Empowering students with integrity, responsibility, and empathy for lifelong personal and academic success.

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AP Classes

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120 STAFF MEMBERS

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DIFFERENT LANGUAGES

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ACTIVITIES & ATHLETICS

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STUDENTS ENROLLED

Lotus By the Numbers

We offers a nurturing and innovative environment where over 900 students thrive, combining STEAM education, inclusivity, and community values to prepare lifelong learners and leaders.
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WE ARE ENROLLING

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ACADEMIC CALENDAR

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OUR STORY

Lotus officially opened its doors in August 2006 with an initial enrollment of 147 students in grades 6 and 7. Over the years, the school experienced steady growth, eventually expanding to serve more than 900 students across grades Kindergarten through 12. Situated within a diverse and underserved community, Lotus has spent over a decade fostering student interest in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM). Today, Lotus stands as one of the most successful and respected educational institutions in Aurora.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER STATEMENT

Lotus School for Excellence (LSE)  does not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, creed, color, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, ancestry, need for special education services, or any other grounds prohibited by law. LSE serves students with disabilities and English Learners and provides services to students as required by state and federal law. Special Education and Services for Special Populations)

Opt-out info (Parent Exemption for State tests)

You must submit a written, signed request each school year to your school to opt out your child from state tests only and does not apply to other tests given in the classroom as part of the course work or to district interim and benchmark assessments..  Please remember, the tests’ results are important for the school, the district, and the state, as well as your students when examining how they are doing with state standards compared to other students. Please print, fill out, and take the form to the Secondary Assessment Coordinator.

“The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically. Intelligence plus character – that is the goal of true education.”

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

LSE FACTS

GENERAL INFORMATION

Lotus first became operational during the 2006-2007 school year, enrolling 147 students in grades 6 and 7. Since then, our enrollment has grown significantly, and we now serve 1,071 students across grades Kindergarten through 12. For over a decade, Lotus has successfully instilled interest in students from a diverse and disadvantaged community in the areas of Science, Technology, Mathematics, Arts, and Engineering, establishing itself as one of the most successful schools in the area.

  • Current Enrollment: 1,071 students
  • Grade Levels: Kindergarten through 12th Grade
  • Class Size: Max 26 students per class
  • School Colors: Navy, Gold, and Red
  • School Mascot: Lion
  • School Uniform: Elementary – Maroon, Middle School – Navy Blue, High School – Red and Black

CHALLENGE LEVEL

  • Rigorous Academic and Character Expectations

    Lotus provides a K-12 rigorous academic program with high expectations for both academic achievement and character development.

    • Character Recognition: We are actively working toward becoming a nationally recognized Character school by CharacterPlus.
    • College Board Curriculum: We have integrated Pre-AP courses into every high school core subject.
    • Advanced Academics: We offer challenging AP classes in most subject areas and are continually adding more. College classes are also available to eligible students.

    Advanced STEAM Education (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math)

    We offer comprehensive Project Lead The Way (PLTW) pathways and cutting-edge facilities to prepare students for future careers.

    • PLTW High School Pathways (Grades 9-12):
      • PLTW Engineering Pathway
      • PLTW Computer Science Pathway
      • PLTW Biomedical Science Pathway
    • PLTW Gateway Courses (Grades 6-8): Includes courses such as Automation and Robotics.
    • K-5 CHAMP Classes: (Computers, Health & Fitness, Art, Music, PE)
    • Foreign Languages: French, Spanish

    Support and Extracurriculars

    We offer robust support and competitive opportunities outside of the regular school day.

    • Tutoring: Free Saturday and After-school tutoring, including SAT Prep.
    • Competitive Programs: Students participate in prestigious national and state competitions:
      • National Level: Speech and Debate
      • State Level: Science Fair and History Day Competition
      • General: MathCounts, Science Olympiads, and various Robotics Leagues.
    • Robotics Programs: Currently include FTC and FLL robotics. We are planning to add FRC Robotics (FIRST Robotics Competition).

COMMUNITY AND CULTURE

  • We celebrate our diverse student body with various events throughout the year.
    • Cultural Celebrations: Includes Noche Latina, African Cultural Night, and Lotus Cultural Day, where all cultures are represented.

NEW FACILITIES AND EXPANSION (Starting Summer 2026)

  • We are planning to open our new building in the summer of 2026. This expansion will feature state-of-the-art learning spaces and expand our grade levels.
    • Maker Space: A 3,000 sq ft Maker Space will include state-of-the-art CNC machines and 3D printers, along with laser cutting and engraving machines.
    • Smart Lab: The new building will also feature a dedicated Smart Lab.
    • Program Expansion: We will add a Pre-K program to our offerings.

OUR LEADERSHIP TEAM

Lotus School for Excellence

MEHMET NALCACI

Executive Director

JOHN KARA

Assistant Executive Director

ERMEK BAKYT

Middle and High School Principal

ANDRE UNDERWOOD

Elementary School Principal

WHAT PEOPLE SAY

Google Reviews

This school offers great opportunities. I feel and believe that the overall course selection is excellent and provides a wide variety of fields of study to help students succeed in life. I would definitely recommend this school.

Hanifi S.

It’s the most challenging high school. I have to say that the front desk staff, Ms. Nejiba, is a great person who always smiles. The teachers are doing a great job, the athletic coach is cool, and the counselor is an amazing person. My cousins go there, and they are so happy.

Hasan E.

It is a very welcoming STEAM school. Student body is so diverse and excepting. I encourage people to be part of the Lotus family as staff, parent and student

Gulsum K.

My brother-in-law goes to the middle school there, and he loves it. He is involved in sports, and his coaches are very friendly. His teachers are also nice and approachable, and they help him with his assignments.

Seb Gil

Awesome school and amazing teachers! I personally appreciate everything they do to help all students learn and prepare for the future, setting them up for success in both school and life. I love the honors courses they offer and their robotics program. My daughter has learned so much from the program. She was shy before, but after starting the robotics program, she is now more confident in speaking in front of a crowd to present their projects. Go, go, go, Lotus!

Ekram N.

Lotus School for Excellence has some of the most caring, dedicated, and well-rounded teachers in the area. I have family members who attend this school, and their experience has been very positive.

P.A.

OUR MISSION

Lotus School for Excellence provides a safe learning environment and a rigorous college preparatory curriculum supported by a diverse, dedicated community.

OUR VISION

Our vision is to create well-rounded and global-minded citizens who are prepared for a college education in order to pursue careers in S.T.E.A.M. fields and become contributing members of the community.