Business Details
38 Years
experience
Empowering Students Through Academic Excellence & Social-Emotional Learning
Aurora School has been a progressive education trailblazer in the Bay Area since 1988. Our mission is to nurture students' love of learning by cultivating academic excellence, emotional intelligence, and social engagement. We believe that academic excellence is most effectively achieved in an environment where students feel safe and supported, which is why we implement social-emotional learning throughout our curriculum. For 35 years, we have seen the value of this approach in cultivating self-awareness, relationship skills, problem-solving, and responsible decision-making. Our educational model integrates academic rigor with social-emotional development, preparing students to become empathetic, socially conscious leaders.We serve students from kindergarten through 8th grade in Oakland's Upper Rockridge neighborhood, with a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Our multi-grade classrooms foster confidence and leadership through looping structures that allow students to build deep relationships with teachers and peers. We maintain small class sizes to ensure individualized attention and create a learning environment that emphasizes collaboration, intrinsic motivation, and active learning. Our graduates consistently gain admission to top-tier high schools and emerge as confident, compassionate individuals prepared to make positive contributions to society.
Services
Lower School (K-5)
Middle School (6-8)
Flexible Tuition
Extended Care
Summer Camps
Details
- Year established: 1988
Highlights and features
- 35-year legacy of progressive education in the Bay Area
- Multi-grade classrooms with proven looping methodology
- Integrated social-emotional learning across all curricula
- Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion
- Small class sizes with individualized student attention
What people say
Exceptional educators
Supportive community
Innovative curriculum
Strong social-emotional focus
Excellent preparation for high school
Services
Lower School (K-5)
Our Lower School program for kindergarten through 5th grade emphasizes academic excellence through integrated, project-based learning. Students engage in multi-grade classrooms that foster leadership and confidence through looping structures. The curriculum combines core academic subjects with social-emotional learning, art integration, and service projects to develop well-rounded individuals.
Middle School (6-8)
The Middle School program prepares students for high school through challenging academics and character development. Our approach incorporates adolescent neuroscience research with experiential learning through quests, excursions, and outdoor education. Students develop leadership skills and critical thinking while maintaining strong relationships with advisors throughout their three years.
Flexible Tuition
Flexible Tuition makes Aurora education accessible to diverse families through income-based pricing. Approximately 30% of families receive financial assistance, with the school committing 20% of annual revenue to this program. The needs-based assessment ensures socioeconomic diversity while maintaining educational quality for all students.
Extended Care
Extended Care provides supervised after-school programming from dismissal until 6:00 PM. The program includes structured activities, homework support, and enrichment opportunities. Hourly rates and unlimited monthly plans accommodate different family needs while maintaining a safe, engaging environment for students.
Summer Camps
Summer Camps offer educational and recreational activities for students during school breaks. Programs include creative arts, STEM exploration, and outdoor education. The camps maintain Aurora's educational philosophy while providing opportunities for students to explore new interests in a fun, supportive environment.
People
Lynsey Kamine
Head of School
Lynsey Kamine leads Aurora School with a commitment to progressive education and social-emotional learning. With extensive experience in educational leadership, she oversees curriculum development and school culture. Her leadership maintains Aurora's mission while guiding its strategic growth.
Summer Lee
Admissions Director
Summer Lee manages admissions and outreach at Aurora School. She connects with families to share the school's educational philosophy and facilitates the application process. Her approach emphasizes transparency and community building to ensure families understand Aurora's unique offerings.
LaCardia Walker
STEM Guide
LaCardia Walker teaches STEM subjects while integrating social-emotional learning at Aurora Middle School. Her approach combines academic rigor with character development, helping students understand scientific concepts through real-world applications and collaborative problem-solving.
Dr. Tom Howard
Math Guide
Dr. Tom Howard specializes in mathematics education for middle school students. He develops curriculum that emphasizes practical applications and conceptual understanding. His teaching style incorporates interactive methods to engage students in mathematical thinking and problem-solving.
Jamila Edwards
Humanities Guide
Jamila Edwards teaches humanities at Aurora Middle School, focusing on critical thinking and cultural understanding. Her curriculum integrates history, literature, and social justice themes to develop students' analytical skills and global awareness.
Questions
What makes Aurora School's educational approach unique?
Aurora combines academic excellence with social-emotional learning in multi-grade classrooms. Our approach emphasizes project-based learning, character development, and community engagement.
How does Aurora support student diversity and inclusion?
We maintain a 20% revenue commitment to Flexible Tuition, employ Restorative Justice practices, and integrate Teaching Tolerance's Social Justice Standards across our curriculum.
What are the school hours and extended care options?
Regular school hours are 8:30 AM-3:20 PM. Extended Care is available from 7:30 AM-6:00 PM with hourly rates or monthly plans.
How does Aurora prepare students for high school?
Our Middle School program develops critical thinking, leadership skills, and academic rigor through quests, excursions, and advisor relationships that prepare students for success in top-tier high schools.
What is the application process timeline?
Applications open in October with a January 16 priority deadline. Student assessments occur in January-March, with admissions decisions typically released in March.
Can families tour the campus before applying?
Yes, we offer scheduled campus tours and information sessions throughout the school year to help families experience our learning environment firsthand.
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