As families in Metro Vancouver consider high school options amid growing concerns over space limitations, Urban Academy in New Westminster is positioning itself as a space of opportunity.
Located on the border of Burnaby and Coquitlam, Urban Academy provides students with physical and academic space to reach their full potential.
Recognizing regional challenges with space in schools, Urban Academy is offering a limited number of Grades 9 to 12 entrance scholarships. These scholarships target students who share Urban Academy’s values, seeking an academic and enriched educational experience in a future-focused setting. While this opportunity may not solve capacity challenges in neighbouring districts for everyone, it could impact the lives of a few senior students quite significantly.
Senior school years are a crucial time for students as they map out their futures. During this time, students discover their interests, develop strong work habits and gain a deeper understanding of themselves. At Urban Academy, these years are enriched with opportunities that help students plan confidently for their futures.
Personal and university counsellors are available to guide students at every stage, helping each one create a purposeful, well-planned path forward.
Supportive academics and leadership development
As young people prepare for adult responsibilities, the school recognizes they still need support and guidance from trusted adults. Urban Academy’s skilled staff and Senior School program caters to these needs, providing academic opportunities, leadership development and encouragement to explore passions within a future-focused curriculum.
One feature of Urban Academy is its Advanced Placement (AP) program. The AP curriculum offers flexibility, allowing students to select courses based on their interests and post-secondary aspirations. At Urban Academy, students can tailor their academic paths, choosing from a range of subjects like AP Biology, AP Chemistry and AP Macroeconomics, among others, while meeting British Columbia's graduation requirements. The flexibility of the AP program is especially beneficial for students engaged in high-level extracurriculars, such as competitive sports or performing arts.
At Urban Academy, however, the focus extends well beyond academic success. The school is dedicated to holistic development, providing unique experiences that foster self-discovery and build self-confidence. “The changes that occur for students in these most pivotal years are truly remarkable. Emotional, physical and psychological transformations happen at an incredible pace and having a trusted adult for support is crucial,” says Emily Marsh, senior school facilitator at Urban Academy.
Small classes and diverse opportunities
Urban Academy’s smaller class sizes enable teachers to develop strong connections with students, recognizing their individual strengths, goals and areas for growth. It is also the perfect environment to foster and encourage student leadership skills across a variety of different fields: — athletics, business, performing arts, robotics, house teams, as well as science, math and MUN competitions. Students are consistently encouraged to take risks and step into opportunities presented to them.
The supportive atmosphere fosters a sense of belonging and encourages students to both take part in initiatives and begin their own new initiatives. Marsh says this approach helps students develop independence and resilience, skills that benefit them long after high school.
Families interested in learning more about the school’s senior school program are encouraged to connect with the admissions team for further information. Visit www.urbanacademy.ca to learn more.
