Flexible Tuition

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 believe each family’s financial situation is unique, and Aurora’s Tuition Assistance 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 financial aid even if you think you may not qualify.

Average tuition paid at Aurora for 2020-21 is $24,168.

2022-2023 Tuition

Annual Tuition and Fees

Tuition - Lower School
$30,850

Tuition - Middle School
$34,125

Application fee
$80

Cost of overnight field trip in grades 4/5
$500

Optional Expenses

Extended Care Rates $12.50/hour ($440/mth)
Optional

School Break & Summer Camps
Optional

School Lunch
Optional

Contribution to the Fund for Aurora Campaign
100% family participation

Participation in the Online Auction
Optional

Annual Volunteer Commitment

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

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

General Admissions Deadlines

2021-2022 Academic Year

Priority Admission Application Deadlines*

Financial Aid Application
Teacher Recommendation Form
Progress Reports

Rolling Admissions

*Although Aurora has a priority application deadline each January, we accept applications for admission on a rolling basis.

Financial Aid Priority Deadlines*

Financial Aid Application
Rolling Admissions

2020 Tax Forms
Rolling Admissions

2021 W2 Tax Forms
Rolling Admissions

All other 2021 Tax Forms
Rolling Admissions

*Although Aurora has a priority application deadline each January, we accept applications for Financial Aid on a rolling basis.

Student Assessments

K/1
Rolling Admissions

K/1
Rolling Admissions

2/5
Rolling Admissions

41% of our students received financial assistance in the 2021-22 school year

Frequently Asked Questions

How is financial aid 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 financial aid decisions.

What is Aurora’s school code for the School and Student Services website?
Our school code is 1063.
How exactly is my family’s estimated tuition contribution calculated?
School and Student Services takes into consideration such things as gross taxable income, assets, liabilities, family size, and number of children attending tuition-­charging schools. The income and assets for both parents and the students are considered. School and Student Services creates a Family Report for all parents who apply for financial aid. Your Family Report will provide an overview and a calculation of your estimated tuition contribution.
Will applying for financial aid affect my child’s chances of being admitted to Aurora?
No, admissions and financial aid decisions are made separately.
Do we have to reapply for financial aid every year?
Yes. Financial aid awards are based on your family’s estimated tuition contribution and Aurora School’s financial aid budget, both figures change from year to year.
I cannot complete my tax returns in time to meet the financial aid 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 financial aid 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 financial aid 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 financial aid 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 Financial Aid Committee.
When will I be notified of my award?
Your financial aid award is included with your acceptance notification. The specific amount is listed on your enrollment contract.
Are there payment plans available?

Families at Aurora may choose among three payment options:

  1. Annual – one payment due by May 1 or the time of enrollment
  2. Semi-Annual – two installments are due on May 1 and December 1
  3. Monthly – ten installments on the 5th of the month from May through February. 
How can I be assured that my information is kept confidential?
Applying for financial aid at Aurora is a private matter between the family and the Aurora Financial Aid Committee. The Committee conducts a comprehensive review of families’ personal financial situation and that review is not discussed with any other person outside of the Committee. In an effort to protect a family’s privacy, we expect all financial aid applicants to exercise discretion during the financial aid process by not discussing their financial aid application or award with other families or faculty. In addition, School and Student Services by NAIS (SSS) prioritize collecting and processing a family’s documents in a safe and efficient manner. When documents are sent to SSS, families submit their information to SSS through a secure server. Additionally, families are now able to track receipt of the documents sent to SSS through a unique password protected account.
If my financial situation changes and I have need for financial aid 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 aid and if so, how much.

If I’m receiving financial aid and my financial situation changes for the better, what do I do?
Families who receive financial aid and have positive change of financial status are expected to inform the Aurora Head of School, so that financial aid 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 Financial Aid?

Please visit the School and Student Services (SSS) website to apply for Financial Aid. 

Can you assist me with the Financial Aid application process?

Yes. We are happy to answer any questions you may have. We realize that the applying for Financial Aid 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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