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: ~30 minutes
Application
Register in our system and complete the online application (please include an $80 application fee and a family photo).

Step 2: ~15 minutes
Recommendation
Filled out by current teacher who submits directly to Aurora:
40 Dulwich Road
Oakland, CA 94618
Download Kindergarten teacher recommendation

Step 3: ~15 minutes
Progress Reports
Required for grades 1-8 applicants. Submit report cards from last two years. Request report cards directly from your school
Have them emailed to our Admissions Director or mailed directly to Aurora:
40 Dulwich Road
Oakland, CA 94618

Step 4: ~60 minutes
Flexible Tuition
Apply online at Clarity. Submit tax forms for last two years, including PFS, 2022 and 2023 tax filings and 2023 W-2s.

Step 5: ~60 minutes
Student Assessment
Once we receive your application, our Admissions Director will contact you to schedule your child’s assessment.
Questions? Call or email Aurora’s Admission’s Department.
* Please note that Kindergarten applicants must be five years old by December 1, in order to apply. Teacher Recommendation forms and applications for flexible tuition are good for all EBISA schools.
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 to schedule a tour or virtual information session.
2023-24 Academic Year
Priority Admission Application Deadlines
Student Assessments
Admissions FAQ’s
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Aurora have multi-grade classrooms?
Aurora’s most distinctive feature is our multi-grade classrooms:
- K/1
- 2/3
- 4/5
- Middle School (6-8)
We have found this approach reaps a range of benefits, including:
- By spending more than one year in the same classroom, students establish stronger relationships and trust with their classmates and teachers.
- Teachers know their students as learners in a much deeper way.
- When students return to a familiar classroom, they return with a sense of confidence that leads to building strong leadership skills.
- Younger students are welcomed and mentored by older students, and in turn become mentors themselves. This fosters empathy, confidence, and appreciation.
- Combined grades widen the learning span, allowing greater opportunities for all learning levels.
- Because age and developmental levels do not always coincide, there are opportunities for students to establish friendships with older and younger peers.
Curricula are rotated year-to-year so that students never repeat material. Students learn in straight grade levels for math, specialist classes, and Middle School advisory.
Where can I view your Annual Report?
You will find our most recent Annual Report in the Giving section of our website.
What is the tuition, and does Aurora offer flexible tuition?
The tuition for the 2023-24 school year is $33,010 in grades K-5 and $36,520 in the middle school. Aurora offers 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. This video from Clarity has information to help with the process.
What is the deadline for Admission?
Although Aurora had a priority application deadline of Friday, January 20, 2024 for the 2024-25 school year. We accept applications for admission on a rolling basis, as space permits.
What are the hours of Extended Care?
Morning: 7:30 am – 8:30 am
Afternoon: 2:20 pm – 6:00 pm
What is the Parent Volunteer requirement?
At Aurora we believe in community, and studies show that family involvement has a positive impact on a child’s education. For that reason we ask all parents and guardians to volunteer 20 hours per family or 10 hours per single parent each year. Volunteer duties range from supporting Aurora’s in-school events, helping us spread the word to interested families, and helping out in classrooms. Opportunities are listed in each week’s newsletter to families.
Families also have the option of “buying out” part or all of this requirement at $25/hour.
What’s your diversity like at Aurora?
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.