In ancient Greece, the agora was the market place, the place where social life took place. A place for meeting, education, politics and trade.

The Agora foundation originated from a meeting of different organizations and schools on philosophical and educational points. These merged in 2001 into one large organization.

Agora is a foundation for special primary education in the Zaan region, with primary schools in Zaandam, Zaandijk, Koog aan de Zaan, Westzaan, Assendelft, Krommenie, Wormerveer, Wormer and Oostzaan. IKC Tijstroom (Zaandam) provides special primary education. 

Special education differs from public education because the schools and education are based on ideological values. 

More than 700 employees work at Agora: teachers, educational support staff, internal counselors, school leaders, interns and employees at the administrative office. People who dedicate themselves with heart and soul to our common mission: to contribute to the learning and development of the children entrusted to the schools of Agora.