Aurora School is a progressive K-8 in Oakland's Rockridge neighborhood.
Our mission is to nurture students' love of learning by cultivating academic excellence, emotional intelligence, and social engagement.
Aurora's curriculum is experiential, engaging, and challenging, and our commitment to social-emotional cultivates self-awareness, relationship skills, problem-solving, and responsible decision-making.
Applications are now open for K-8 students for Fall 2025, and current-year transfers. Flexible Tuition is available.
Quick Stats (2025)
- Grades: Kindergarten-8
- Enrollment: 82 students
- Yearly Tuition: $33,010
- Acceptance rate: 80%
- Average class size: 15 students
- Application Deadline: None / Rolling
- Source: Verified school update
School Overview
School Membership(s)School Assoc.
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Kindergarten-8
ADD/ADHD Support
Yes
Learning Difference Programs
Yes
Learning Programs Supported
Individual assessments required
Year Founded
1988
Summer School Offered
Yes
Summer Program Details
School Calendar
School Motto
Take Risks, Make Mistakes
Student Body
Total Students
82 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
40%
State avg.: 51%
Students by Grade
Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
12 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
7:1
National avg.: 13:1
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
50%
Average Class Size
15 students
List of Courses Offered
Matriculation DataMatric. Data
Classroom Dress Code
Casual
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
None / Rolling
Yearly Tuition Cost
$33,010
Tuition Notes
Middle school (grades 6-8) tuition is $36,520
Summer Program Cost Notes
% on Financial Aid
42%
Acceptance Rate
80%
National avg.: 81%
Admissions Director
Lisa Piccione
Application URL
Sports
Total Sports Offered
3 sports
Sports
School Notes
- Aurora School's mission is to nurture students' love of learning by cultivating academic excellence, emotional intelligence, and social engagement.We are an independent, progressive K-8 school in Oakland.Our teachers foster academic excellence and problem-solving skills with a focus on social justice and project-based learning.Social-emotional learning is essential to our curriculum, with an emphasis on self-awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making. Our community of students, parents and staff practice empathy, kindness, and inclusivity, and move through the world with positive intention.
- Learning at Aurora happens in multi-grade classrooms, where students in grades K/1, 2/3, 4/5 and middle school share learning spaces. Older students have the opportunity to mentor younger students, who become mentors themselves the next year, forming friendships beyond their age groups, and supporting learning at all levels.Our Middle School curriculum features project-based learning in STEM and humanities. Students start with questions like "how do we prevent and respond to discrimination?" or "how can the study of nature inform robotics?" Drawing from classroom lessons, guest speakers, and weekly excursions they create culminating presentations demonstrating the applications of what they've learned.
- Aurora has been a progressive education trailblazer since our founding in 1988. We have one of the lowest teacher/student ratios, and largest school libraries, of any East Bay independent school. An Aurora education is grounded in STEM and humanities, along with art, music, Spanish, library, and physical education.We offer flexible tuition to ensure economic diversity.
- The best way to see what makes us special is to come visit our historic campus, located just off Highways 13 and 24 in Oakland. We have scheduled tours on Fridays for Lower School (K-5) and Thursdays for our Middle School (6-8). We can also schedule a tour at your convenience.
- If you'd like to learn more about Aurora, visit auroraschool.org, email admissions@auroraschool.org, or call 510-428-2606, extension 204.
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Aurora School cost?
Aurora School's tuition is approximately $33,010 for private students.
What is the acceptance rate of Aurora School?
The acceptance rate of Aurora School is 80%, which is equal to the national average of 80%.
Does Aurora School offer a summer program?
Yes, Aurora School offers a summer program. Visit their summer school page for more information.
What sports does Aurora School offer?
Aurora School offers 3 interscholastic sports: Baseball, Basketball and Football.
When is the application deadline for Aurora School?
The application deadline for Aurora School is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).
In what neighborhood is Aurora School located?
Aurora School is located in the Upper Rockridge neighborhood of Oakland, CA. There are 3 other private schools located in Upper Rockridge.
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The nearest high school to Aurora School is Holy Names High School (0.0 miles away)
The nearest elementary school is St. Theresa School (0.2 miles away)
The nearest preschool is Rockridge Montessori School (0.9 miles away)
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