School Reviews

We believe we offer one of the best educational environments in BC’s Lower Mainland, and can be confident in this statement through the academic outputs of our students.  However an even more significant indication of our success is what the families are saying with regard to their child’s education.

This is what our community is telling us:

"At Urban Academy it is clear our children are being cared for, and guided through, the very important process of education by skilled, compassionate, committed professionals that have the student's best interest at heart!" - The Sanderson Family
 

"We wanted to find a school that would nurture our children through their academic career as well as empower them with knowledge. We can confidently say, we have found that and so much more at Urban Academy. It is very rewarding to see our children grow intellectually and emotionally. We expected a high level of academics but we were exceptionally pleased with the self-assuredness and confidence that our children exhibit. We can not express how impressed and thankful we are, that our children are a part of this growing community. We started this venture hoping to give our children the best academic education possible, what we are getting is so much more." - The Uphill Family

I had taken the kids for a play at Queens park a couple of years ago (the old fire truck was still there). They were playing on a swing set together and there was a group of teens (boys & girls about 14 years to 17 years) sitting on the rail road ties that kept the gravel in the adjoining play area. My children were 5 & 6 and were openly engaging the teens in conversation for 3 to 4 minutes. My children then moved over to the old fire truck to play with a group of kids their own age. As I was moving over to the other play section, one of the teens approached me and asked the ages of my children. She shared with me that they had discussed the confidence and willingness of my children to talk on range of topics. The group of eight or so teens all felt that none of them would have had the confidence to talk the way my children had (that is - to talk to such a large group of teens and on such a variety of topics). They asked me where my kids went to school & I told them about Urban Academy. It was not until later that evening, after putting my kids to bed and recounting the conversation with my wife (who was not with as at the park) that it came to me that if a group of teens can recognise the confidence and character nurtured in my children, that we were definitely on the right track. As our original goal for Urban Academy was to raise confident, creative children it was awesome to have it recognised by a usually pretty critical segment of the community. - The Clarke Family

"I never intended to send my children to an independent school, but I felt strongly that my child should choose the school she was to spend 6 hours a day at. After visiting schools in our neighbourhood one of which was Urban Academy, my daughter chose Urban Academy. This empowered her and from days one she has had so many heartfelt things to say about the school.  I, as a parent, can reflect on how I feel about the school, but ultimately it is my children who spend a large part of their childhood there. It is their feedback that I can say that Urban Academy is a school that provides my children with an educational experience that supports them in their development and learning at every level.  I have consistently recommended this school to friends and acquaintances and will continue to do so." - The Fenwick Family

 
"My daughter moved to Urban Academy for grade 6. She is now in grade 7 and loves her school. She has really blossomed because of the small class sizes and individualized attention she receives from the head of school and teachers alike. She feels very at home and comfortable in the school and takes great pride of being part of the Urban Academy community. Her grades have improved significantly and she takes a greater interest in her studies than she did in her previous (public) school." - The Lancaster Family

"My son has been at Urban Academy for two years and we've been thrilled with our choice to send him there. The head of school and teachers all take a genuine interest in helping him succeed and the smaller class sizes ensure that he doesn't get lost in the shuffle. He loves the school and feels safe and welcome." - The Findling Family

"Our daughter is in the JK class, and we cannot say enough good things about Ms. Nadia. She is a true gem and she really starts the foundation that UA then builds on in subsequent grades.  Right from when we first toured the school, we were very impressed with the culture of UA and the manner in which the children are addressed—with respect, understanding, patience and kindness.  The opening circle is key to unifying the school and I love that various topics are addressed, from friendship to public speaking. These conversations challenge the kids to think critically which is a life skill many people lack.  UA not only focuses on the academic educational component, but educating the child as a whole, from manners, to community-mindedness to celebrating our human uniqueness." - The Kawulka Family

"Our son has only been at Urban Academy for a few months, but he loves it. He felt immediately at home in his JK class and is growing by leaps and bounds with the curriculum.  Every new medium for learning—modeling clay while studying birds; wood and tools while learning about building houses; practically every kind of art material while studying volcanoes—has been a great adventure for him. We wanted to provide him with a community of learning as well as a school, and most importantly we wanted an approach to education that cultivates creativity and values emotional learning. We feel we've found it with UA.  Our son loves being a student here and is always very proud to tell people ‘My school is Urban Academy’." - Katey Wright and Peter Jorgensen Family

 
"I have two twin boys, Patrick and Liam Arthur, who are in grade 8 and this is now their third year at Urban Academy.  We chose UA due to the small class sizes UA classes averaged 12 students and are much smaller compared to most in the public school system, individual attention given to each student, and the fact that they wore school uniforms.  My wife and I were very impressed when we visited the school. The younger students we met were polite, well-mannered and acted very mature. Within a few months, the teachers at UA knew my sons’ characters, weaknesses and strengths. They were able to act on them and encourage my sons to improve and better themselves.  My sons really appreciate and respect their music, science lab and computer classes. They are especially fond of the annual tea party and the Christmas show, where their ideas and assistance is encouraged and accepted.  Within a year at UA, we saw a vast improvement in the boys. They became more outspoken, accepted challenges, and became more focused. The biggest change we have seen in our sons is their growth into two strong capable young men, who protect and guide the younger students. Their environment at UA is one of support and helping and our sons have thrived." – The Arthur Family

 
Call 604-524-2211 or email our Admissions Office today to find out how your child can flourish at Urban Academy.