Urban Promise Academy (UPA) is a small, public, middle school serving the San Antonio and Fruitvale neighborhoods in Oakland, California. We were started by teachers, parents, and community organizations five years ago. Our mission is to develop effective learners and community members who have excellent academic skills and valuable habits of character. We support our students in building the skills and attitudes that will equip them for a rigorous college preparatory curriculum in the high school of their choice. As an Expeditionary Learning Outward Bound (ELOB) school, learning expeditions provide the framework for of our curriculum. Next year, UPA will serve 300 students in grades six through eight. 93% of UPA’s students are eligible for free or reduced lunch. 60% of our students are English language learners. 10% of our students are African American, 80% of our students are Latino and 9% are Asian American.
Current Programs and Services: UPA serves 300 students in 6th through 8th grades. As an Expeditionary Learning Outward Bound (ELOB) school, learning expeditions provide the framework of the school’s curriculum. UPA focuses on standards-based academic achievement supported by project-based learning, rigorous and relevant curriculum, and continuous evaluation. In addition to a full day of academics, UPA offers many other services and programs for students:
- Urban Arts after-school program—academics, enrichment, and recreation aligned with daytime curriculum and objectives, giving students access to activities not available during the day
- College and Career Counseling—students in college-going preparedness and counseling with workshops for parents
- A college preparatory academic atmosphere
- Integrated arts curriculum
- Small class sizes, with less than 25 students on average
- Strong literacy and academic support
- Counseling Services on-site
- Cross-age mentoring: UPA provides tutors for nearby Think College Now
- College for All Program: college campus visits including UC Berkeley, UCLA, UC Davis, and other California colleges
This page has the following sub pages.
