A Proposed Secondary Public Charter School for Schenectady

    SCHENECTADY, NY, July 08, 2023 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Today, the founding team of Urban Collegiate Academy Charter School announces its plan to submit its application to the Board of Trustees of the State University of New York to establish a secondary public charter school in Schenectady, NY. The mission of Urban Collegiate Academy Charter School is to prepare scholars for postsecondary opportunities by providing a productive learning environment conducive to academic achievement and positive youth development. If approved, Urban Collegiate Academy would open in September 2025, serving 216 sixth and seventh-grade scholars. Urban Collegiate Academy will serve scholars grades 6-12.

"The founding team is committed to expanding school choice for all learners in the City of Schenectady, including scholars with an individualized education program and English language learners," said B. Sue Johnson, the applicants' communications associate. "Schenectady families need, want, and deserve a public school choice where academic achievement and high expectations are the norm."

Urban Collegiate Academy will have an extended school day from 8 am to 4 pm with bi-weekly half-days on Fridays for staff development. The proposed charter school will follow the well-researched and successfully implemented Small School of Choice Model (SSCM). SSCM has three core principles - academic rigor, personalized learning, relevance to the world of work, and several core elements, including approximately 100 students per grade, an advisory program, and a keen focus on teaching and learning. "Scholar achievement is our north star! Key design elements include academic achievement, positive youth development, and family-community partnership of Urban Collegiate Academy." Johnson stated.

Urban Collegiate Academy will gradually introduce the different facets of its school design in the coming weeks and months through multiple methods, including social media (Facebook: @Urban Collegiate Academy Charter School), website (www.ucacs.org), and in-person opportunities with the community.

If you want to weigh in on Urban Collegiate Academy, you can email [email protected].

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