My Shortlist

Keep track of your top schools
1

BUILD YOUR SHORTLIST

Login or sign up to save schools.
2

EVALUATE YOUR SCHOOLS

3

TRACK IMPORTANT DATES

Trusted by families since 1998.
Urban Academy logo
OUR KIDS REPORT:

Urban Academy

Grades JK — 12 — New Westminster, BC (Map)
 Add to shortlist







School Busing:

Urban Academy offers bus transferring. Service options offered are regular rider, regular rider AM only, regular rider PM only.

The regions Urban Academy offers busing from are:

Additional notes: Urban Academy offers fee-based morning and afternoon bussing service along centralized bus routes from North West Burnaby and the Tri-Cities. Routes are slightly modified each year based on the locations of families interested in the service. Provider: Luxury Transport is a local, family owned private charter transportation company serving businesses and universities in the Lower Mainland in transfers and shuttle services. Since 1998 Luxury Transport has specialized in transfer to Whistler, corporate shuttles and employee and student shuttles. Days: The UA Bus Service runs every school day from September until the last day of school in June. The bus service will not run on Pro D days or school holidays. The UA Bus Service is for K – Grade 12 students enrolled at Urban Academy.

THE OUR KIDS REPORT:
Urban Academy
REPORT CONTENTS
Reviews
Analysis

School overview

  • LOCATION
    New Westminster, BC (View address)

The big picture on Urban Academy

We summarized the school ourselves

Urban Academy was founded in 2001 with the intention of creating a school that was creative, engaging, and which delivered the core curriculum in a hands-on, cooperative, and interactive way. The success of the program is evident in its growth and reputation. Housed in a purpose-built campus in New Westminster, the school emphasizes inquiry-based education where students are encouragd to think critically, collaborate, and lead with confidence. The integrated curriculum connects disciplines across the arts, sciences, and humanities, creating a vibrant, cross-curricluar learning experience. The ideal student is one that is curious, engaged, and thrives in a dymanic forward-thinking environment. It's a place where learners are prepared not just for post-secondary success, but to adapt and lead in a changing world. 

We questioned the school administration

1. Who are you, as a school?

"Urban Academy is a future-focused independent school (JK–12, co-ed, Advanced Placement: AP) that enriches the BC curriculum through immersive, hands-on learning. Whether in academics, athletics, robotics, Model UN, fine and performing arts, global travel, or the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, students thrive in a dynamic setting that fosters creativity, collaboration and an entrepreneurial spirit. We prepare students to contribute meaningfully, excel academically and lead as the creative innovators of tomorrow."

  • Every graduate accepted to one of their top two university choices
  • 20+ sports teams that promote skill, teamwork and leadership
  • Clubs that spark creativity, leadership and connection
  • Outdoor education integrated from JK to Grade 12 with Duke of Ed for Grades 9-12
  • AP courses that prepare students for university success
  • Technology integrated in every classroom
  • Outdoor spaces for play, wellness, and exploration
  • Future-focused learning that builds real-world skills
  • Entrepreneurial and changemaking opportunities for all students
  • Inclusive, welcoming community where all students belong and are known

2. What do you do differently and uniquely well?

Urban Academy uniquely blends future-focused learning with strong community values. Our Advanced Placement courses challenge students academically, while hands-on STEM, entrepreneurial projects, and a dynamic Applied Design, Skills & Technologies (ADST) program foster creativity and problem-solving.

Our vibrant fine and performing arts programs nurture self-expression and collaboration, complementing academic growth. We value belonging and inclusion, creating a supportive environment where every student is known and is empowered to take risks and develop confidence.

With extensive hands-on, outdoor education and city-integrated learning spaces, students engage actively with their environment, promoting wellness and experiential learning.

Together, these strengths prepare graduates who are academically accomplished, resilient, compassionate, and ready to make a positive impact.

3. What tradeoffs has your school made to serve families in this way?

To maintain our commitment to individualized learning and innovation, we have intentionally kept our enrollment at a size that supports strong relationships and personalized attention. This means we may not offer the same breadth of extracurriculars as some larger schools, but we invest more deeply in the quality and impact of the programs we do offer. Every initiative is chosen purposefully to align with our educational vision.

4. What key junctures in your school's history have most shaped its present?

One pivotal moment was our expansion into our purpose-built facility in New Westminster in 2019, which allowed us to bring our full K–12 vision to life. Another was the addition of the Advanced Placement and Duke of Edinburgh Award Programs, which emphasized the importance of academic rigour, future focussed planning and real-world engagement for our senior students. These moments helped shape our commitment to innovation, growth, and a connected learning journey from JK to Grade 12.

5. What type of student is a good fit for your school?

Urban Academy students are intrinsically motivated and curious learners, eager to actively participate in their educational journey. They possess a genuine willingness to step outside their comfort zone and embrace new challenges and interests. They thrive in an environment that encourages critical thinking, collaboration, and a sense of personal responsibility, readily engaging with both academic rigor and enriching extracurricular and leadership opportunities. Ultimately, the right fit student for Urban Academy is someone who is not only prepared to succeed but also excited to contribute positively to a vibrant and supportive learning community. Beyond the student, the ideal Urban Academy family is deeply committed to being part of something bigger, actively seeking to create and nurture a vibrant school community. They value collaboration and are excited to contribute to a shared vision that enriches the experience for everyone.

6. Under what conditions would you advise a family against choosing your school?

If a family is looking for a highly traditional, lecture-based academic environment with a strong focus on rote memorization, Urban Academy may not be the best fit. Our approach is student-centred and exploratory, and we encourage independence, project-based learning, and integration across subject areas. Students must also be prepared for a variety of opportunities, specialist instructors and transitions both inside the classrooms, but also in the many field study opportunities that they will take part in. Families who are not comfortable with this type of progressive, experiential learning model may find other schools better aligned with their expectations.

7. To your knowledge, why do families choose your school over others?

Families choose Urban Academy for its holistic educational experience. They're drawn to the strong, collaborative community and an entrepreneurial spirit that empowers students to become leaders and innovators. Students gain unparalleled access to a diverse range of experiences, from rigorous academics and AP courses to arts, technology, atheltics, arts and leadership opportunities, helping them explore passions. Crucially, students are known as individuals, receiving personalized attention and challenged to step out of their comfort zones. This tailored approach, combined with future-focused curriculum and post-secondary counseling, effectively prepares them for success in post-secondary education and beyond.

8. How would you characterize your school's image amongst the public?

Urban Academy is seen as a modern, progressive, and aspirational school that’s growing with purpose. We are recognized for our strong academic standards, but also for being innovative and adaptable—qualities that resonate with families who want their children to be ready for an ever-evolving world. We’re viewed as a school that is building something special for the future.

9. What aspect of your school is underappreciated?

Our leadership and character education programs are sometimes overshadowed by our academic and arts achievements, but they are core to who we are. The work we do around empathy, community engagement, and self-awareness builds confident, responsible students who lead with integrity. It’s foundational to how our students grow into capable, compassionate individuals.

10. What might families find surprising about your school?

What might surprise families about Urban Academy is the depth to which every student is truly known, challenged, and offered unique opportunities tailored to their individual potential. It's not just about academics; there's a dedicated team of educators, staff, and a vibrant community genuinely rooting them on as cheerleaders, providing unwavering support, mentorship, and personalized guidance.

11. What improvements or changes has your school made recently?

Urban Academy's program, with Advanced Placement (AP), Duke of Edinburgh's International Award, and enhanced Robotics, directly embodies our vision of "educating for tomorrow." These additions strategically equip students with crucial skills for an evolving world. AP courses offer rigorous academic challenges, fostering critical thinking and a competitive edge for post-secondary. The Duke of Edinburgh's Award cultivates resilience, leadership, and community engagement through experiential learning. Our Robotics program develops vital computational thinking and engineering skills. Together, these programs emphasize hands-on application and future-ready competencies, empowering Urban Academy students to become tomorrow's leaders and innovators.

12. How will your school change in the next 5 years?

In the next five years, Urban Academy will reach its full capacity, growing from 450 to 520 students, creating an even more vibrant and diverse learning community. Although the offerings are currently extensive, this will enable us to further expand course offerings, a richer selection of extra-curricular activities and opportunities, and enhanced community engagement initiatives. This growth isn't just about numbers; it's about deepening our commitment to providing an unparalleled educational experience for every student and family within the Urban Academy community.


 

Dig deeper into Urban Academy

Compare


Urban Academy logo
Report on Urban Academy
 Add to shortlist
 Add to shortlist
How helpful is this report?
We'd love to hear your feedback at [email protected]
Our Kids

By logging in or creating an account, you agree to Our Kids' Terms and Conditions. Information presented on this page may be paid advertising provided by the advertisers [schools/camps/programs] and is not warranted or guaranteed by OurKids.net or its associated websites. By using this website, creating or logging into an Our Kids account, you agree to Our Kids' Terms and Conditions. Please also see our Privacy Policy. Our Kids ™ © 2023 All rights reserved.

Sign up to receive our exclusive eNews twice a month.


Name
Email
Verify Code
verification image, type it in the box
You can withdraw consent by unsubscribing anytime.


Our Kids
From OUR KIDS, Canada’s Guide to Private Schools,
Camps & Kids' Programs.