What does Aurora Alternative Micro School do differently or uniquely well?

Our school is aimed at families es who are seeking a real and relational alternative to traditional and systemized education. At Aurora, we believe in creating community for our students and families. We have created an organic and alive curriculum weaving together parental and student voice with a host off teaching philosophies. Our motto 'where all is possible' really is the nucleus of the school's intention.

What tradeoffs has Aurora Alternative Micro School made to serve families in this way?

To provide a deeply personalized, student-centred education, Aurora Alternative has consciously moved away from standardized testing and conventional assessment methods. While this means families looking for traditional report cards or rigid academic benchmarks might not find that here, the tradeoff is a richer, more meaningful educational experience that prioritizes student voice, confidence, and holistic development over conformity. The school also forgoes a rigid, one-size-fits-all curriculum in favour of dynamic, evolving programming that adapts to each cohort’s interests and needs.

What key junctures in Aurora Alternative Micro School's history have most shaped its present?

Aurora Alternative was founded as a response to what many families and educators felt was a narrowing of freedom and creativity in conventional education. Since its inception, the school has been shaped by a commitment to expressive learning, mentorship between students of different ages, and community-based projects, which together form the backbone of its evolving identity.

What type of student is a good fit for Aurora Alternative Micro School?

Aurora Alternative is ideal for students who are curious, expressive, and ready to be co-creators in their learning journey. It’s a strong fit for families seeking a nurturing environment that balances academics with emotional growth, creativity, and social responsibility. Students who thrive in small class settings, enjoy hands-on projects, and are eager to explore their passions—especially through art, nature, and community engagement—will feel at home here.

Under what conditions would you advise a family against choosing Aurora Alternative Micro School?

Families seeking a traditional, test-driven academic environment with frequent grading, structured homework, and competitive benchmarks may not find Aurora’s approach aligned with their expectations. If a student requires a highly rigid routine or struggles in settings that emphasize self-direction, risk-taking, and reflection, we would encourage a conversation to assess whether our approach would provide the right support and structure.

To your knowledge, why do families choose Aurora Alternative Micro School over others?

Families choose Aurora Alternative as they see their children thriving with other students of differing ages and feeling the joy of learning and living. Not only are students exploring traditional reading, writing and mathematical skills, they are given space to cook, create, play, and suggest avenues for their own learning. We also explore the city and visit all that Toronto has to offer.

How would you characterize Aurora Alternative Micro School's image amongst the public?

Aurora Alternative is viewed as a vibrant, heart-centred learning environment that offers a refreshing and progressive approach to education. Among those who know the school, it’s considered a haven for creative expression, self-discovery, and meaningful mentorship. It appeals especially to families seeking something different from mainstream education—where students are not just prepared for tests, but for life.

What aspect of Aurora Alternative Micro School is underappreciated?

Aurora Alternative focus is to create relational, critical thinking, and emotionally articulate individuals. Through drama, play and group building activities student are given opportunities to think about themselves as learners and as vulnerable human beings. Students learn their strengths and also where they are meet challenges, frustration and disappointment within themselves and in relation to other. Aurora Alternative also really focusses on the joy of learning.

What do families find surprising about Aurora Alternative Micro School?

Aurora is a vibrant learning experience where parents can drop off their kids and know that they are happy, nurtured and growing. We believe in creating leaders and we have many Grade 9- Grade 12 students who volunteer and teach activities based on their passions. We encourage Aurora students to share their passions with the belief that students are teachers.

What improvements or changes has Aurora Alternative Micro School made recently?

Aurora has expanded its mentorship program, actively integrating older students and recent graduates into the learning environment as workshop leaders and role models. Recent additions include themed workshops ranging from creative arts to life transitions and entrepreneurship. The school has also enriched its assessment practices, helping students co-create rubrics and set personal learning goals, giving them a stronger voice in their academic journey.

How will Aurora Alternative Micro School change in the next 5 years?

In the coming years, Aurora intends to deepen its commitment to individualized learning pathways by further integrating student-led initiatives and expanding partnerships with community organizations. Plans include more immersive projects, enhanced outdoor and nature-based learning, and stronger transitions into high school through mentorship and guidance tools. Aurora also envisions growing its visibility as a model for alternative education, while staying rooted in its core mission of nurturing expressive, confident, and compassionate learners.

Aurora Alternative Micro School: A Detailed Report with Information, Reviews, and Insights

THE OUR KIDS REPORT:
Aurora Alternative Micro School

REPORT CONTENTS

School Overview

Reviews

Insider Reviews

Analysis

School overview

Pages in this report:

Grades
JK — Gr. 8
Gender
Coed
Class Size
10 students
Tuition
$10,000 to 12,000/year
Language of instruction
English
Associations
N/A
Enrolment
10 day students
Curriculum
Progressive
EBROCHURE
N/A

View address

Next open house
N/A
Application Deadline
N/A

The big picture on Aurora Alternative Micro School

We summarized the school ourselves

Aurora Alternative Micro School (AAMS) is a small JK to Grade 12 school with a unique approach to education. AAMS boasts small class sizes and low student-to-teacher ratios, which promotes engagement and interaction, and which provides the opportunity for fun activities like cooking. Even for a small school, it has a remarkably close-knit and intimate community where all kids feel like they belong. AAMS also offers personalized learning, in combination with a traditional curriculum, to capitalize on children’s innate curiosity and love of learning. Finally, the school prioritizes the development of critical thinking, artistic expression, confidence, and leadership skills in all of its students, from kindergartners to older teenagers.

We questioned the school adminstration

1. Who are you, as a school?

"A holistic educational experience in Toronto's East End catering to the Primary, Junior and Intermediate grades. We offer a direct, expansive and heartfelt learning opportunity. At Aurora, we combine traditional pedagogy with relational, outdoor and child-centred philosophies. Class sizes are small and in this way, we really get to know your child academically and personally. We follow your child's curiosity and innate love of learning, nurturing critical thinking and artistic expression."

Class sizes are small and in this way, we really get to know your child academically and personally.
We follow your child's curiosity and innate love of learning.
We nurture critical thinking and artistic expression.
We believe in Youth teaching Youth and have many students from Grade 9- Grade 12 who lead activities
We offer French, tennis and volleyball.
We believe in creating leaders and pursue entrepreneurial activities.

2. What do you do differently and uniquely well?

"Our school is aimed at families es who are seeking a real and relational alternative to traditional and systemized education. At Aurora, we believe in creating community for our...(more)

3. What tradeoffs has your school made to serve families in this way?

"To provide a deeply personalized, student-centred education, Aurora Alternative has consciously moved away from standardized testing and conventional assessment methods. While...(more)

4. What key junctures in your school's history have most shaped its present?

"Aurora Alternative was founded as a response to what many families and educators felt was a narrowing of freedom and creativity in conventional education. Since its inception, the...(more)

5. What type of student is a good fit for your school?

"Aurora Alternative is ideal for students who are curious, expressive, and ready to be co-creators in their learning journey. It’s a strong fit for families seeking a nurturing...(more)

6. Under what conditions would you advise a family against choosing your school?

"Families seeking a traditional, test-driven academic environment with frequent grading, structured homework, and competitive benchmarks may not find Aurora’s approach aligned...(more)

7. To your knowledge, why do families choose your school over others?

"Families choose Aurora Alternative as they see their children thriving with other students of differing ages and feeling the joy of learning and living. Not only are students...(more)

8. How would you characterize your school's image amongst the public?

"Aurora Alternative is viewed as a vibrant, heart-centred learning environment that offers a refreshing and progressive approach to education. Among those who know the school,...(more)

9. What aspect of your school is underappreciated?

"Aurora Alternative focus is to create relational, critical thinking, and emotionally articulate individuals. Through drama, play and group building activities student are given...(more)

10. What might families find surprising about your school?

"Aurora is a vibrant learning experience where parents can drop off their kids and know that they are happy, nurtured and growing. We believe in creating leaders and we have many...(more)

11. What improvements or changes has your school made recently?

"Aurora has expanded its mentorship program, actively integrating older students and recent graduates into the learning environment as workshop leaders and role models. Recent...(more)

12. How will your school change in the next 5 years?

"In the coming years, Aurora intends to deepen its commitment to individualized learning pathways by further integrating student-led initiatives and expanding partnerships with...(more)

We got insight from alumni, parents, and students

Aurora Alternative Micro School: Parent Review from Renel Raftopoulos

Preschool (current) — Watch our parent interview with Renel Raftopoulos to get the inside scoop on what it’s like to have a child attend Aurora Alternative Micro School.

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THE OUR KIDS REPORT:
Aurora Alternative Micro School