As a parent and an educator finding the right learning environment for my son was extremely important. After visiting almost every elementary option within a 20 miles radius of our home in Middlebury, I knew Aurora was our choice when my then 4 year old visited and didn’t want to leave. -C.B., current Aurora School parent.
Finding the right school for your child is about as challenging as wrangling a toddler into snow gear. But, just like the snow gear, finding the right learning environment for your child is non-negotiable. Fortunately, in Addison County, we have lots of high quality schools to choose from. Today, we’re spotlighting the Aurora School. We hope you join us in congratulating Aurora on 20 years of educating Vermont children and read on to learn more about this special place!
Founded in 1996, Aurora School is a small, state approved K-8 school located in Middlebury, VT. Enrollment ranges from twenty five to thirty students in kindergarten through eighth grade, allowing instruction to be tailored to the individual student. We love that Aurora is willing to consider starting students based on assessment of readiness rather than birthdate. For parents of children with early fall birthdays, this is great news! If your child has an October birthday, he may very well be ready for a kindergarten environment, but due to the September 1st birthday cut off, your child would not be eligible to enter public kindergarten. If you feel that spending another year in childcare will not meet his developing needs, Aurora School might be an alternative option for you. Likewise, for a child with a summer birthday a small, supportive school environment may be highly beneficial rather than a larger, traditional kindergarten classroom setting. Aurora gives families a flexible option for planning your child’s first school year.
Aurora School provides a challenging, supportive academic environment with an interdisciplinary, thematic curriculum that fosters eagerness to learn, creativity, and personal growth. We’ve spoken with current and former parents who cherish the balance between a strong academic environment and the flexibility of multi-age classrooms. Aurora allows children to learn at their own pace; speeding ahead during times of growth and slowing down when in-depth studies and repetition are needed. Similarly, parents appreciate that their children will graduate from Aurora based on readiness for their next academic 
settling, rather than age. Consider the transition from elementary school to middle school, the jump is dramatic! While some students thrive in the bustling, high paced social middle school environment, others need a smaller, calmer setting to reach their true potential. Aurora’s Middle School offers an alternative that might be the right fit for you child. Remember, what works for your first child, may not work for your youngest. Surprisingly, while Aurora is very much a close-knit, family environment, you’ll find many students whose siblings attend other area schools because Aurora parents recognize that each child needs are different.
“The welcoming spirit at Aurora came through from our very first visit. We were very impressed with the comprehensive, theme based curriculum that incorporates art, physical activity and the larger community into the learning experience. Our kids immediately felt part of the Aurora family and have blossomed in an environment that is supportive and encouraging with teachers that inspire them to play an active role in their education.” M.R. – current parent
Aurora parents also appreciate that built into tuition cost is after-school care, which is available most days until 5:30 pm. Anyone who’s tried to arrange their work schedule around the early afternoon pick up times knows that after-school care is essential! Aurora also offers financial support to families based on assessed needs, making private education a more realistic option than we’d expected.
Wondering if Aurora School is right for you child? Check out their contact page and schedule a school tour to learn more! Be sure to save the date for their 20th Anniversary Gala at Town Hall Theater on Sunday, March 6th at 2:00pm, all community members are welcome.