Urban Academy

Urban Academy, a charter school, is dedicated to providing education for students in pre-K through 6th grade. Its mission is to work in partnership with urban parents to offer each child the opportunity to reach or surpass their individual potential in both academic and life skills. This is achieved through the use of research-proven methods in a safe, structured, and respectful environment. The school believes that a quality education will lead to a productive future and help break the cycle of poverty. Urban Academy also aims to re-instill community-based values such as non-violence, respect, responsibility, accountability, and social reliability in its students.

The school board, comprised of parents, teachers, and community members, guides Urban Academy towards its goals. They provide the staff and administration with necessary assistance in understanding the students' needs. The family specialist regularly meets with parents and parent committees to gather information, work with volunteers, and receive feedback about the school and its programs. This encourages parental involvement and a sense of ownership for the school.

Urban Academy implements an urban teaching strategy, guided by professional development trainers in higher education. The staff is trained in the urban learner framework and curriculum responsive to urban learners. Regular meetings with higher education representatives allow for observations, reviews, and feedback on the children's progress. Teachers are also provided with training in urban culture to better understand and cater to the needs of urban learners.

The curriculum at Urban Academy is a multicultural one, focusing on developing thinking skills, creative thinking, and higher-order thinking. It has developed a unique, integrated curriculum based on the Minnesota graduation standards, providing a sense of community and continuity throughout the school. The school uses a collaborative team approach to achieve a connected curriculum that recognizes and celebrates diversity. Performing arts, music, and plays are incorporated into the curriculum, providing students with a comprehensive understanding of diverse cultural landscapes. The small student-to-teacher ratio enhances the teacher's ability to teach and the student's ability to learn. Urban Academy employs certified classroom teachers who are committed to the program, mission, and students and families.