Letter from
Head of School,
Abigayil Koss

It is a pleasure to welcome you to Aurora School, a home to heart smart and head smart leaders, nestled in the quiet residential neighborhood of Upper Rockridge in Oakland. Aurora is the winner of two distinguished awards: Best Independent Elementary School in Oakland and one of three Top Progressive Schools in the East Bay.

Since 1988, Aurora School has intentionally been teaching 21st-century skills such as collaboration, communication, empathy, critical thinking, and creative expression. The power of being a small school allows us to get to get to know our community intimately, forming strong working partnerships with parents and students alike. Being a smaller school, our students have the opportunity to get know themselves and each other as learners, contributing community members, and empowered and authentic human beings. We know that rich learning happens when a variety of ideas, opinions, strengths and challenges come together. We’re proud of our reputation as a school where students and families feel comfortable, supported, and included for who they are.

Our students learn in multi-aged classrooms- K/1, 2/3 and 4/5 grade groupings by design. This mentor exchange leads to greater academic challenge and support, positive self-conception and encourages the inner leader in our students. The world needs leaders who are as heart smart as they are head smart, and that’s precisely how Aurora graduates are described when they go on to the schools of their choice.

We invite you to come see Aurora in action where parents and guardians work in partnership to provide a challenging and supportive academic environment for our students. Our website is an excellent introduction to all that Aurora School has to offer, but nothing compares to feeling the energy of our student leaders and their talented teachers for yourself.