The transition into Grades 8 and 9 represents a significant shift in a student’s academic journey. Having progressed through the foundational years of Junior School and the discovery-led environment of Middle School, our students now stand at the threshold of Senior School, graduation and post-secondary. At Urban Academy, this is a deliberate moment where inquiry and exploration converge with growing personal passions: where curiosity meets capability.
We believe that when a student is truly known, their unique potential can be fully realized. As students begin to find their “spark” and take tangible steps toward post-secondary goals, they need an environment where they are safely stretched beyond the traditional classroom.
To support this development, Urban Academy is proud to introduce the UA ARC Program (Applied Real-World Connections) beginning September 2026 for Grades 8 and 9. This initiative ensures our students are not just navigating a curriculum; they are building the resilience and specialized skills necessary to be intentionally future-ready for a world that never stands still.
The UA ARC Program: Purposeful Preparation for the Graduation Years
The UA ARC Program provides the intentional scaffolding necessary for grade 8 and 9 students to transition from general learners to focused innovators. While academic rigour remains our bedrock, this program serves as an essential bridge, ensuring that the skills learned in the classroom are applied in real-world contexts and preparing students for the specialized demands of the UA Graduation Program.
Every week, one full afternoon is dedicated to a “Deep Dive.” Within these passion-based cohorts, students build career-planning portfolios, collaborate with industry experts and engage in immersive field studies.
Starting in the 2026/27 school year, grade 8 and 9 students will choose one of five distinct ARCs:
The Impact ARC is the Local/Global Citizenship & Activism cohort designed for students passionate about social justice, ethics, and community impact. By studying political systems, law, and international relations, students develop the skills needed to advocate for change and lead with integrity. This cohort focuses on debate, community organizing, and service projects, preparing future leaders for careers in law, non-profit management, social work, journalism, politics, international relations, and teaching.
The Kinetic ARC is the Kinetic & Health Sciences cohort that explores the intricate systems of the human body through the lenses of medicine and kinesiology. Students dive into anatomy, nutrition, and biomechanics and gain a deep understanding of peak physical performance. This academic path provides a significant head start for students pursuing medicine, nursing, physiotherapy, kinesiology, sports psychology, paramedicine, veterinary, biomedical engineering, and occupational therapy.
The Studio ARC is the Arts & Design cohort that empowers students to use creative expression as a tool for communication and real-world problem-solving. By exploring performing arts, visual arts, digital media, and design thinking, students learn to bridge the gap between imagination and execution. This cohort emphasizes portfolio development, providing a sophisticated foundation for future studies in graphic design, film/video production, architecture, fashion design, game development, professional artist, and teaching.
The Summit ARC is the Outdoor Education & Leadership cohort that focuses on developing resilience and environmental stewardship through hands-on adventure. Students move beyond the classroom to engage in wilderness survival skills, ecological studies, and leadership training in natural environments. This path builds the teamwork and decision-making skills essential for senior high school while preparing students for potential futures in ecotourism, park management, search and rescue, environmental science, recreation leadership, teaching, and first responders.
The TechEng ARC is the Robotics & Engineering cohort that immerses students in the world of coding, mechanical systems, and automated design. Through CAD modelling, 3D printing, and competitive robot builds, students apply mathematical and scientific principles to solve complex technical challenges. This rigorous path fosters the technical literacy and logical reasoning necessary for success in advanced physics, software engineering, mechanical engineering, skilled trades, robotics, AI development, and product design.
Students may choose to continue in the same ARC or explore a new path the following year.
At Urban Academy, we view education as a deliberate arc of becoming. By connecting today’s studies to tomorrow’s leadership roles, we ensure our students are not just completing a curriculum; they are navigating a clear pathway to being future-ready and prepared to thrive.