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

30-mins

Step 1:
Application
~15 Minutes

Register in our system and complete the online application (please include an $80 application fee and a family photo).

15-mins

Step 2:
Recommendation
~15 Minutes

Filled out by current teacher who may email them to lisa@auroraschool.org or upload them to Ravenna.

15-mins

Step 3:
Progress Reports
~15 Minutes

Required for grades 1-5 applicants. Using this form, submit report cards from last two years, and have them emailed to lisa@auroraschool.org or uploaded to Ravenna.

60-mins

Step 4:
Flexible Tuition
~60 Minutes

Apply on the Clarity website. Submit tax forms for last two years. Due dates:
January 17: PFS and tax documents
February 3: Form(s) W-2
March 1: Tax filings

60-mins

Step 5:
Student Assessment
~60 Minutes

Once we receive your application, our Admissions Director will contact you to schedule your child’s assessment.
Assessment dates:
K-1: Saturday, Jan. 25 & Saturday, Feb. 1, 9am and 11am groups
2-5: Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2:30-4pm
6-8: Saturday, Feb 8, 9am-noon

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

Please note that Kindergarten applicants must be five years old by December 1, 2025.
Teacher recommendation forms are optional for public school students.

Aurora is accepting K-8 applications for Fall 2024

Come Visit!

We’d love to show you what Aurora is all about! Please contact our Admissions Director Lisa Piccione at lisa@auroraschool.org, or call 510-428-2606, ext. 204, to schedule a tour or virtual information session.

Applying to Aurora

Priority Admission Application Deadlines
2024-25 School Year Applications are open on a rolling basis as space allows.
2025-26 School Year Priority deadline for admissions and Flexible Tuition is January 17, 2025. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis after that.

Student Assessments

Once we receive your application, our Admissions Director will contact you about your child’s assessment. Our assessments are scheduled on the following dates (please email admissions@auroraschool.org if you need to make other arrangements)

Student Assessment Dates
Grades K-1 Saturday, January 25, 2025
Saturday, February 1, 2025
9am and 11am groups
Grades 2-5 Wednesday, February 5, 2025
2:30-4pm
Grades 6-8 Saturday, February 8, 2025
9am-noon

Admission FAQ's

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. Students who gravitate socially or academically above or below their grade level are surrounded by like students and can stretch in either direction comfortably.
  4. 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.
  5. “Only children” get to experience the pros and cons of having siblings.

Our most recent Annual Report can be found here.

The tuition for the 2024-25 school year is $34,990 in grades K-5 and $38,710 in the middle school. Aurora does offer Flexible Tuition, and 30% 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 the 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.

Applications for the 2024-25 school year remain open as space allows.
The deadline for the 2025-26 school year is January 17, 2025. Applications will continue to be accepted after that as space is available.

Monday — Friday
Morning: 7:30 am – 8:30 am
Afternoon: 2:20 pm – 6:00 pm

Per Family ($25/hour “buy out” option) 30 Hours

Per Single Parent ($25/hour “buy out” option) 15 Hours

K-1 students attend art, music, library, woodshop, yoga, and P.E. once a week.

K/1 students attend Spanish class twice a week.

2-5 students attend art, music, and library once week.

2-5 students attend computers and woodshop once a week for half the school year.

2-5 students attend P.E. and Spanish twice a week.

We’re proud of our reputation as a school where students truly feel comfortable and supported for who they are. Open mindedness and an appreciation for differences uniquely prepares students to be compassionate leaders in their adolescent and adult years. Read more about diversity and inclusion at Aurora.

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.

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