A Tale of Three Daughters
Rahel, Selam, and Mizan are the daughters of Genet Alemsged and Kiros Kahassai. All three have been or are currently enrolled at Aurora School.
The family is a three time Aurora family, starting with Rahel, who attended Aurora in 1995, Selam in 1997, and ?nally Mizan who attends Aurora currently. Rahel now attends Holy Names High School and Selam attends Head Royce School.
What is your history with Aurora?
Aurora is a school that prepares my children for the next level. The school is warm and creates a good community feeling for my kids. Everyone works together at Aurora. It's a great school to start with in preparation for higher learning.
Why did you choose Aurora?
I see how the teachers and the parents work together and how safe it is for the kids. The curriculum is good, as it prepares them with studies that are right for their level. I feel Aurora School offers studies that are great and I certainly know it's just the right level for my kids.
What do you find is unique about Aurora?
One thing that really makes me happy is seeing how the teachers and the parents and kids all work together. I never ever worry about my child attending Aurora; we call Aurora our second home. To me that is very comforting.
Is there something in particular about Aurora that you feel strongly about?
I feel the school is so warm and safe for the children. It's the perfect start for kids learning and trying to get to the next level. I'm very happy my children are part of the Aurora family.
How long have you lived in the Bay area?
I'm from Ethiopia, my children were born in America, in Oakland. I have very strong feelings about where to send my children to school. I looked for a long time at many schools and now we're a three time Aurora family. We've been in the United States for 18 years, 13 years of them have been spent with Aurora. That's how strongly I feel about this school.
Have you been to any of the school events and if so, which ones really stood out to you?
Yes, I like all the school functions but mostly I like the fundraising event the school does. It helps everyone in the school and is great that everyone contributes to the needs of the students and school. It's my favorite annual event.
Are you happy you chose Aurora over any other Bay area schools and if so, why?
I'm happy with Aurora. Everyone should send their kids here. The diversity is top notch. My oldest daughter still comes to Aurora to help with the younger children, by volunteering her time. She works with the Aftercare program. My children started playing instruments through the Aurora music program, clarinet and ?ute. They still play instruments now and are now very musically minded. They also play soccer at their current schools. I feel the art program at Aurora is also very good. Salem is very good with art and was very interested in the art program while attending Aurora. She still works with art in her current school. They also learned American Sign Language through Aurora School and they continue using sign language today. What other schools can boast such a wide curriculum? I'm very happy we chose Aurora as I know my daughters will benefit throughout their lives from this choice.