Academic Philosophy
A great number of American schools and parents believe the notion that educational success is the simple mastery of a laundry list of basic facts and skills focused primarily on reading, writing and arithmetic. While these skills are certainly critical aspects of a well-rounded education, they become useful only as we apply them in problem solving, exploration, invention, relationships, work and play.
At Aurora the curriculum and teaching strategies challenge students to explore and experiment through active application of academic and social skills. Our goal is for our graduates to master a wide range of skills, have the confidence to use them, and the entrepreneurial spirit to apply them creatively in their increasingly complex world.
Instruction at Aurora is focused toward:
Developing mastery of language and literacy. Reading, writing, listening and speaking are primary tools for learning throughout the curriculum.
Creating an understanding, confidence, enthusiasm and appreciation for the beauty of mathematics.
Understanding the role of science in their lives and the world. Students work in large, thematic units to observe, organize, compare, communicate and apply the scientific method through hands-on experience.
Investigating the cultural and historical, aspects of the self, family, community and the world around us. These social studies help children develop civic skills and informed perspectives that are necessary in a democratic society.
Stimulating students to examine their thoughts, feelings and actions in relationship to their peers and community. Our Inside/Out curriculum helps students and staff develop group trust and facilitate awareness and respect for similarities and differences among members of the school community. We actively practice and learn conflict resolution strategies with an emphasis on inter and intra-personal communication skill development. Helping children address and further develop social and emotional skills is a formally organized part of our regular program.
Our passion is for the whole child. Closely integrated with the content and skills development of the classroom are the programs provided by our experienced specialists. Part of every student's active week includes time to explore and express his or her talents and interests through Art, Physical Education and Movement, Music, Woodshop and Spanish Language instruction. Beginning in the second grade all students also work with our specialist in the Computer Lab.
Our specialist programs are part of the unique learning experience at Aurora and integral to our core value of developing and inspiring the whole child.