private

Aurora Alternative Micro School

159 Glebeholme Blvd, Toronto, Ontario, M4J 1S7

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At a glance

Grades: JK – Gr. 8
Gender: Coed
Board: Independent

Tuition & admissions

Tuition: $10,000 – $12,000 /year
Application fee: $75 non-refundable; payable by cheque or e-Transfer.
Enrolment fee: $3,000 deposit
Financial aid: No

Admissions process

Complete the Inquiry Form; the admissions team will contact the family. · Meet with the school and arrange a tour. · Complete the Application Form and email it to info@auroraalternative.ca, with a $75 non-refundable application fee payable by cheque or e-Transfer. · If Aurora is considered the right fit, complete the enrolment form and tuition agreements.

Academics & learning

Curriculum: Progressive
Class size: Tuition

Tuition & financial aid details

Plan 1: $3,000 deposit on enrolment and one $8,000 payment on September 1.
Plan 2: $3,000 deposit on enrolment, $4,000 on September 1 and $4,000 on November 1.
Separate tuition statement: The text states: "Yearly Tuition is $1250 to be paid monthly." Its relationship to the listed payment plans is not specified.
Annual supplies fee: $200 non-refundable fee covering school and sporting supplies and some cooking ingredients.
Tuition policies: Tuition is non-refundable, with no adjustments for prolonged absence, withdrawal or required distance learning. Accounts more than 30 days in arrears result in dismissal until cleared.

Course descriptions

Kindergarten

The school describes play-based learning, social-emotional development, explicit phonics, hands-on mathematics, visual arts, French and music, daily outdoor exercise, spring ducklings and monthly field trips.

Literacy and languages

Primary literacy progresses from letters and sentences to students’ own bound story books. Junior/intermediate literacy includes creative writing, analytical reading and debate using novels, films, documentaries, plays, lyrics and poetry. The school describes French and Spanish learning.

Mathematics and coding

Published topics include counting, abacus, arithmetic, fractions, exponents, percentages, algebra, financial literacy, ethical investment, data, measurement and geometry. Primary students may use Scratch and Scratch Jr.

Science inquiry

Published units include animals and habitats, food and health, compounds and experiments, structures, climate, the human body, mechanisms and elements. The school says Scientists in the School and Toronto Wildlife Association visits support primary science.

History and geography

Students explore countries, continents, cultures and family histories; older students also study Canadian history, diversity, multiculturalism and immigration and take Toronto neighbourhood excursions.

Arts, drama and making

Activities described include drama, improvisation, painting, photography, lino printing and mixed-media primary projects; the junior/intermediate page also describes possible scriptwriting and short-film projects.

Garden and food learning

The curriculum page describes an edible garden and cooking activities during Spring and Summer terms.

View course information on the school website

School images

Learning programs

Specializations

Experiential and inquiry-based learning · Integration of academics, arts and outdoor exploration · Play-based kindergarten education and social-emotional development

Languages

English · French · Spanish

Learning support

Very small class sizes foster inclusivity and individualized instruction with certified teachers · Regular individual teacher conferences to discuss performance and establish next steps. · Very small kindergarten classes support individualized instruction with a certified teacher. · Assistance with high school application forms and the My Blueprint process.

Student life

Sports

Daily movement, play and physical skill development. · On-site exercise bike, weights, basketball and volleyball nets, and spike ball. · Wimbledon 101: regular tennis coaching during the Spring and Fall curriculum.

Arts

Drama and improvisation, with possible scriptwriting and short-film production. · Visual arts including painting, photography, lino printing, clay, acrylics, watercolours and sketchbook work. · Kindergarten visual arts and music lessons taught by certified teachers.

Facilities

Library · Computers · On-site exercise bike and weights · Basketball and volleyball nets · Spike ball equipment

Outdoor activities & education

Daily outdoor exercise: The kindergarten page describes daily exercise in outdoor green spaces. Curriculum pages mention parks, beaches, creeks and woodland for movement, play and learning.
Nature and local learning: Published curriculum examples include Toronto-area excursions and visits by Scientists in the School and Toronto Wildlife Association; individual trip schedules are not listed.
Tennis: The school describes Wimbledon 101 coaching during Spring and Fall.
Garden: Students may develop an edible garden; the school associates gardening and cooking with Spring and Summer terms.

About the school

Aurora Alternative School offers experiential academic and artistic learning, outdoor exploration, and a play-based kindergarten program emphasizing social-emotional development.

Location & school highlights

Location

Located in Toronto
with nearby parks
green spaces
beaches
creeks and woodland. Learning excursions include Kensington Market
the Brickworks
Leslie Spit
Toronto Islands and the Don Valley.

What makes the school distinct

Experiential, inquiry-based learning integrating academics, arts and nature.
Assessment emphasizes feedback, reflection, student-created rubrics, individual teacher conferences and portfolios rather than traditional testing.
Homework is optional, with a selection of assignments offered.
The Time 4 Change project enables students to create a group business supporting a charity of their choice.
Kindergarten offers a very small class, individualized instruction, outdoor exploration and monthly field trips.