Flexible Tuition
An independent school education is an investment in your child’s future. At Aurora, we understand that affording independent school tuition in addition to the cost of living in the Bay Area can be challenging for some families. We are committed to making Aurora affordable and accessible to as many families from a broad range of economic circumstances as possible.
We know each family’s financial situation is unique, and Aurora’s Flexible Tuition Committee takes care to consider every application thoughtfully and intentionally. If your family finds the cost of tuition a potential obstacle to attending Aurora, we encourage you to apply for flexible tuition even if you think you may not qualify.
Average tuition paid at Aurora for 2022-23 is $26,901
2023-24 Tuition
Annual Tuition and Fees
$33,010
$36,520
Optional Expenses
Annual Volunteer Commitment
General Admissions Deadlines
2023-24
Academic Year
Aurora’s Priority Admission Application Deadline for the 2023-24 school year has passed. However, we continue to accept applications on a rolling basis. Applicants will be asked to provide the following:
- Flexible Tuition Application
- Teacher Recommendation Form
- Progress Reports
- 2021 & 2022 Tax Forms
When we receive your application, we will schedule an in-person assessment for your child.
30% of our students received flexible tuition in the 2022-23 school year
Frequently Asked Questions
How is flexible tuition awarded?
Aurora is a member of School and Student Services by NAIS (SSS), which assists independent schools in determining a family’s financial need. Families submit a Parent’s Financial Statement (PFS) to SSS that contains detailed financial information. From the information provided on this form, SSS uses a standardized calculation nationally accepted by independent schools to compute a family’s estimated tuition contribution. The information is reviewed by the Tuition Assistance Committee at Aurora and is used as a guideline in determining flexible tuition decisions.
What is Aurora’s school code for the School and Student Services website?
How exactly is my family’s estimated tuition contribution calculated?
Will applying for flexible tuition affect my child’s chances of being admitted to Aurora?
No, admissions and flexible tuition decisions are made separately.
Do we have to reapply for flexible tuition every year?
Yes. Flexible tuition awards are based on your family’s estimated tuition contribution and Aurora School’s flexible tuition budget, both figures change from year to year.
I cannot complete my tax returns in time to meet the flexible tuition application deadline. What should I do?
We understand your taxes may not be complete so we ask that you estimate your financial information to the best of your ability. Aurora will use the information that you provide to make a preliminary flexible tuition award decision. We will verify that the information that you provided is correct after reviewing your tax returns.
What if I have children at other tuition-charging schools?
Other K‐12 tuition you pay is figured into your family’s estimated tuition contribution. However, in order to receive aid from us you must apply for flexible tuition at all schools your children attend.
Do you take into consideration both parents’ income if we are divorced or do not live together?
Aurora considers all available sources of financial support when making flexible tuition decisions. Each parent must submit a separate Parent Financial Statement to School and Student Services. If one parent does not complete a Parent Financial Statement, we will not be able to process the flexible tuition application.
How do you treat our application if one parent does not work?
Aurora considers all available sources of financial support when making flexible tuition decisions. Each parent must submit a separate Parent Financial Statement to School and Student Services. If one parent does not complete a Parent Financial Statement, we will not be able to process the financial aid application.
I work for myself and my income can vary each year. Does this impact my application?
Decisions for next year are based on the previous year’s income, since we cannot predict what will happen next year. You may submit a letter explaining your specific extenuating circumstances to the Aurora Flexible Tuition Committee.
When will I be notified of my award?
Are there payment plans available?
Families at Aurora may choose among three payment options:
- Annual – one payment due by May 1 or the time of enrollment
- Semi-Annual – two installments are due on May 1 and December 1
- Monthly – ten installments on the 5th of the month from May through February.
How can I be assured that my information is kept confidential?
If my financial situation changes and I have need for flexible tuition that I didn’t have before, what do I do?
Complete the Financial Aid Appeal Form and return to our Admissions Director. You will also need to make necessary changes to your Parent Financial Statement on School and Student Services (SSS). Once all of this is completed, the Committee will meet and then contact you to let you know if you qualify for more assistance and if so, how much.
If I’m receiving flexible tuition and my financial situation changes for the better, what do I do?
Families who receive flexible tuition and have positive change of financial status are expected to inform the Aurora Head of School, so that assistance can be adjusted. This is to ensure equity for all Aurora families. Aurora expects honesty from all of its families.
How do I apply for flexible tuition?
Please visit the School and Student Services (SSS) website to apply for flexible tuition.
Can you assist me with the flexible tuition application process?
Yes. We are happy to answer any questions you may have. 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 it a bit easier to manage, be sure to check out these free informational webinars that provide valuable tips to guide you in the process.
40 Dulwich Road
Oakland, CA 94618
Phone: (510) 428-2606
Fax: (510) 428-9183
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