What Urban Academy is all about

Urban Academy students are global citizens and we educate them accordingly. At Urban Academy,we encourage our students to ask “why” and to dive deeper, question the norm and see the world around them through a new lens. Our story is part of what sets us apart. We didn’t set out to be like everyone else – and we’re not.


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how we got here

Urban Academy’s Roots

Urban Academy was formed by three founding families, the Drummonds, the Tays-Clarkes and the Prahsts, who had a great vision of the future of education and were committed to making that dream a reality. They believed in a community-involved school option in the New Westminster area where creativity, heart and collaboration of individual talents would guide success. The plan was simple: develop a learning environment that provides the opportunity for teachers to be at their best while creating a school that includes parents as partners in learning. Urban Academy values thinking outside the box to best prepare students for a rapidly changing future. It wasn’t long before many other parents, staff and students caught the vision and began to share their ideas, talents and hearts to develop it.

And like a big, beautiful snowball, Urban Academy was born.

Our brand new facility is a significant part of our continued evolution process. We’re taking education far beyond traditional classroom instruction and teaching our students about the real world we live in. The facility will accommodate our unique, collaborative approach to learning with innovative outdoor spaces, classrooms and programs.

Our students have opinions. Our students have ideas. Our students have hearts.

Urban Academy starts with 1 teacher & 10 students.

Urban Academy acquires Robson Manor.

100th student registers.

2nd campus opens & curriculum expands from JK - Grade 12.

Urban Academy's new campus construction begins.

where learning happens

What Makes Urban Academy Unique?

Urban Academy is about preparing students for a rapidly changing future. We give them the opportunity to cultivate their joy of discovery, to connect seemingly unrelated subject matter, to think on their feet, and to think critically. We’re moving from traditional education to innovative education, constantly evolving and creating a learning environment unlike any other.

Our academic standards are high, because we know our students are capable. We inspire them to learn holistically through unique experiences and real-world applications. The future is dynamic, changing and fast; we think our students should be all of those things too.

The Urban Academy teaching staff is also second to none. As a group of  passionate professionals they share a commitment to the highest standards of learning and recognize the potential in each child.  By working together and drawing on one another’s skill sets, they are a dynamic group of educators who genuinely care about their students and are committed to the future of the school.

To attend Urban Academy is to join a school that keeps your children’s future in the forefront of how we operate. It is a school that will prepare them for what is to come. We develop the leaders of tomorrow, creating global citizens who are educated, compassionate, resourceful and empowered. Our students are powerful thinkers, communicators and engaged risk-takers.

We are also in the geographic centre of the Lower Mainland, conveniently located in New Westminster, situated right on transit routes, near urban environments, parks and Highway 1. We are a defining part of this rapidly expanding neighbourhood. We are a destination school with students from New Westminster, Burnaby, Vancouver, Coquitlam, Port Moody, Surrey, Richmond and Maple Ridge, as well as other international cities.

Our brand new campus will boast multiple storeys and over 60,000 square feet of learning space, accommodating 450 young minds. Urban Academy positions students for success in their post-secondary initiatives and ultimately their careers.

The best part? At Urban Academy, your child receives a world-class education, supported by a passionate community. We are proud of how far we have come, and are excited about our very bright future.

Latest News

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Head of School’s Weekly Message

Hello UA families, If we’re lucky, on occasion, we get to experience an event or significant moment that you know will stay with you for some time. I have been fortunate enough to experience two this past week! The first was the UA Gala held on Saturday evening. Thank you to everyone who participated and […]

Head of School’s Weekly Message

Hello UA families, Last week staff and students at Urban Academy engaged in a number of activities in recognition of Canadian Mental Health Week. These included various mindfulness activities, daily body breaks, buddy walks where students from different levels of the school went together to the park, and a wonderful talent show on Friday. The biggest hit was […]

Head of School’s Weekly Message

Next week is Mental Health Week! A cross-Canada initiative, Canadian Mental Health Week encourages Canadians to explore mental health literacy and build their personal toolbox of strategies and systems for staying healthy and well. We are excited to launch our inaugural Mental Health Week at UA and are thankful to the teachers and students who have put together a variety of activities to […]

The right education takes your child from remembering and reciting to knowing and understanding.

Stop imagining. Start achieving.

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Staff Directory

Our diverse team is comprised of thinkers, innovators, movers and shakers.

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Campus Life

Creating an environment where students thrive is at the forefront of everything we do.

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Location

Urban Academy is a destination school, perfectly situated in the heart of the Lower Mainland.

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Innovation Partners

Urban Academy is integrated in the real world, evolving as an integral pillar in New Westminster's education landscape.

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PAX

Parent involvement is a cornerstone of our success.

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Volunteering

We encourage parents to get involved and explore their own passions within our school community.

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