New Westminster Child Care Grant Committee selected Urban Academy to receive a $5,000 grant, which has gone towards our Junior Kindergarten and Out of School Care programs. With the grant, we have purchased a sand–water table and a light table for science and exploration. We appreciate the efforts of the City of New Westminster as they grant this support to our school, our programs and our children.

Over the years, we have worked with various farm and nature partners throughout the Fraser Valley such as Southlands Farm to bring animals into the classroom and for students to explore the business of agriculture. Many other opportunities such as visiting the SPCA, having the Mobile Dairy Farm bring cows to the school or bringing in wild animals from the Urban Safari Rescue Society have allowed Urban Academy students the opportunity to get up close and personal with a variety of wildlife.

Artists in Residence / Authors in Residence

Through this partnership, we are able to bring in professional artists from the community to mentor and teach our students. Working with organizations and programs such as ArtStarts and the Arts Council of New Westminster, we connect learning to life in a vibrant way through these local connections. We also bring in other programs such as Axe Capoeira and Kids In Motion Dance to spend time with our students and teach them new skills and activities.

Our membership in the Independent Schools Association of BC (ISABC) affords our students incredible opportunities in leadership, personal development, athletics and various conferences and competitions. Grade 6-12 students are able to learn from their peers and build leadership skills while interacting and building relationships with other young leaders across the province.

Urban Academy also partners with parents to provide our students with unique learning opportunities from guest seminar leaders including doctors, police, engineers and tech professionals. Parents will also come into the classroom to profile elements of their culture and cultural celebrations at various times of the year. Parents with specific tech skills such as film production, have worked with older students to document their learning and showcase student experiences.

Every year, the youngest UA students celebrate the holidays through activities and crafts with seniors. Students enjoy connecting to the wider community and broadening their perspectives. The UA Junior Choir also performs for their new friends to bring the joy of the holidays to many.

Through Community Service Club, students learn about the challenge of homelessness and provide food for people of New West through the local Union Gospel Mission, discovering volunteerism and the need to contribute to a community's overall success.

We are always open to growing and meeting new people and organizations where we can share knowledge and expertise. If you would like to join our network of innovative partners, we would love to hear from you.