Admissions | Aurora School

Applying to Aurora

At Aurora we understand that small is mighty. Small class sizes mean that every student matters. Our teachers empower young minds to think for themselves, and to stand up for others. As an independent school rooted in Oakland, we focus on being inclusive, diverse and anti-racist in our instruction as we move to be the change we want to see in our communities. Our students leave Aurora self-aware—poised to communicate with confidence and to solve problems collaboratively.

The Application Process

Step 1:
Application
~15 Minutes

To get started, please create a Ravenna account, complete the application, and submit the $80 application fee.

Start your application

Step 2:
Recommendation
~15 Minutes

The forms linked below should be completed by your child’s current teacher and uploaded to Ravenna.

Download kindergarten teacher recommendation

Download grades 1-8 teacher recommendation

Step 3:
Progress Reports
~15 Minutes

Required for grades 1-5 applicants. Using this form, upload report cards from last two years to Ravenna.

Step 4:
Flexible Tuition
~60 Minutes

Apply on the Clarity website.
Deadline: Jan. 16.

Visit the Clarity site

Step 5:
Student Assessment
~60 Minutes

Register for Assessments on Ravenna on these dates:
K-1: Saturday, Jan. 24 & Saturday, Jan. 31, 9am and 11am groups
2-5: Wednesday, March 4, 2:30-4pm
6-8: Saturday, Feb. 7, 9am-noon

Questions? Email admissions@auroraschool.org or call 510-428-2606, ext. 204.

Please note that Kindergarten applicants for the 26-27 academic year must be five years old by December 1, 2026. Teacher recommendation forms are optional for public school students.

Apply Now

Touring and Applying to Aurora

Come Visit!

We’d love to show you what Aurora is all about! Campus tours begin in October, please register on Ravenna, If you cannot make the scheduled date, please contact our Admissions Director Summer Lee at admissions@auroraschool.org or call 510-428-2606, ext. 204.

Applying to Aurora

The priority deadline for Admissions and Flexible Tuition is January 16. Applications submitted by this date receive full consideration. Please email admissions@auroraschool.org if you have any questions.

Student Assessments

K-1: Saturday, Jan. 24 & Saturday, Jan. 31, 9am and 11am groups
2-5: Wednesday, March 4, 2:30-4pm
6-8: Saturday, Feb. 7, 9am-noon

Admission FAQ's

Why does Aurora have multi-grade classrooms?

Every day, students of different ages are given opportunities to work together side-by- side and learn from one another what it means to step up academically and socially.
Students are in the same classroom for two years so teachers get to know them deeply, in a way that is not possible when students pass through a classroom in just one year. This allows for greater academic and social/emotional gains.
Students who gravitate socially or academically above or below their grade level are surrounded by like students and can stretch in either direction comfortably.
Students form friendships with children in their grade as well as in the grades above and below. In this way, students quickly get to know everyone in the school.
“Only children” get to experience the pros and cons of having siblings.

Where can I view your Annual Report?

What is the tuition, and does Aurora offer flexible tuition?

The top rate for tuition for the 2025-26 school year is $36,740 for grades K-5 and $39,871 for middle school. Aurora does offer Flexible Tuition, and 58% of our students receive it. An Aurora education is an investment in your child’s future. We understand that it is also a significant financial commitment. We are committed to maintaining socio-economic diversity by making tuition affordable to as many students as we possibly can. We realize that applying for Flexible Tuition can be a time-consuming process and that you want to complete the application fully and accurately. To help make the process easier, be sure to check out these free informational webinars that provide valuable tips.

What is the admission deadline?

What are the hours of Extended Care?

What specialist classes are taught and how often do they see them?

How does Aurora support diversity?

Notice of Nondiscriminatory Policy As To Students

Aurora School admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs.