Aurora’s most distinctive feature is our multi-grade classrooms. Students are grouped into cohorts (K/1, 2/3, 4/5, and 6-8). 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.

We have found this approach reaps a range of benefits, including:

• Students establish stronger relationships and trust with their classmates and teachers.
• Teachers get to know their students as learners in deeper ways than they would in just one year.
• When students return to a familiar classroom, they return with a sense of confidence which helps build strong leadership skills.
• Younger students are welcomed and mentored by older students, and in turn become mentors themselves. This fosters empathy, confidence, and deepens their understanding of what they learn.
• Since age and academic development doesn’t always coincide, there are greater opportunities for differentiated learning. 
• Since age and developmental levels do not always coincide, there are opportunities for students to establish friendships with older and younger peers.

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.

Aurora accepts transfer students on an ongoing basis as space permits. Our priority application deadline is Friday, January 20, 2024 for the 2024-25 school year. However, we accept applications for admission on a rolling basis throughout the year as space permits. All relevant dates are on the Admissions Calendar.

Aurora’s school day starts at 8:30am for grades 2-8, and at 8:45am for kindergarten and first grade. Four days a week kindergarteners are dismissed at 2:20pm, grades 2-5 at 3:15 and Middle Schoolers at 3:20. On Wednesdays, all students are dismissed at 2pm.

Aurora’s robust Extended Care program is run by our staff and features fun and educational activities every month.  

Before Care starts at 7:30am and After Care runs from dismissal until 6:00pm.

Parents can pay a drop-in rate of $13.50/hour, or prepay $472.50 a month for unlimited care.

Students leave Aurora academically and socially prepared for high school. Our graduates have gone on to independent schools including Head Royce, Bentley, the Athenian, the College Preparatory School, Maybeck, the Urban School of San Francisco, Bay School, St. Mary's College High School, Bishop O'Dowd, and Holy Names High School; as well as public high schools in Oakland, Berkeley, El Cerrito and San Leandro.

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 school events, driving on field trips, helping us spread the word to interested families, and helping out in classrooms. Opportunities are listed weekly newsletters to families.

Families also have the option of “buying out” part or all of this requirement at $25/hour.

We’re proud of our reputation as a school where students are celebrated and supported for being who they are. Open-mindedness and an appreciation for differences uniquely prepares students to be compassionate leaders in their adolescent and adult years. You can learn more about Aurora’s commitment to diversity here.

You will find our most recent Annual Report here.