Guiding principles:
These guiding principles serve as the values and standards by which the school operates. These principles address the needs of all students, including those who may be underserved in traditional education models (e.g., students with disabilities, English language learners, low-income students). Our dedication to transparency, integrity, and accountability demonstrates that the school takes responsibility for student outcomes and that parents can trust the school to act in the students’ best interests. Our commitment to character development addresses the need for a safe, supportive, and respectful school environment, which is crucial for students’ social-emotional well-being and for building a strong community.
​Equity
Ensuring that every student has access to the resources and support they need to succeed, regardless of their socioeconomic background or challenges. Through tuition assistance, wrap-around services, and family support Urban Promise Academy demonstrates our commitment to serving marginalized students and families.
Community
Building strong, supportive relationships with families and local organizations to create a network of support for students. Through our parent organization, Cincinnati Urban Promise, we have access to a wide network of community support through partnerships with Ohio’s Department of Children and Youth, the University of Cincinnati, Xavier University, Westwood Grows, My Neighbor’s Place, Cincinnati Preschool Promise, and many more.
Character development
Fostering integrity, resilience, and social responsibility in students to prepare them for success beyond academics. Through the implementation of the Leader in Me program our school is committed to empowering student leaders who take responsibility for their own education and make a tangible impact on their community.
Excellence
A commitment to academic rigor and high expectations for both students and staff. Our high standards of staff development ensure that our staff receive the training and support they need to provide top-notch instruction to all students. Our ongoing evaluation of outcomes and strategic planning ensures that issues are identified early and resolved quickly to ensure that outcomes and goals are achieved.
Innovation
Encouraging creative problem-solving and the use of innovative teaching methods to meet the diverse needs of students. While most public education systems primarily focus on academic achievement and standardized testing, our holistic approach nurtures the whole child—including their intellectual, emotional, social, physical, and spiritual development.
Instructional Philosophy
At Urban Promise Academy, our instructional philosophy is rooted in a whole-child, faith-based, and family-centered approach that fosters academic excellence, character development, and lifelong learning. We are committed to equipping students with the knowledge, skills, and values they need to succeed in a rapidly changing world while staying grounded in faith and service.
Christ-Centered Education
Faith is at the heart of our instructional approach. We integrate biblical principles, character development, and service-learning into every aspect of the curriculum, helping students grow spiritually, morally, and academically.
Personalized and Differentiated Instruction
Recognizing that every student learns differently, we implement personalized learning pathways that cater to individual strengths, interests, and learning styles. This includes: small-group instruction for targeted support, differentiated lesson plans that allow students to progress at their own pace, and project-based learning that fosters critical thinking and problem-solving.
Inquiry-Based and Experiential Learning
We believe that earning happens best through exploration, discovery, and real-world experiences. Our classrooms emphasize:
- Inquiry-based learning, where students ask questions, investigate, and construct their own understanding.
- Hands-on, experiential activities that apply academic concepts to real-life challenges.
- Collaborative learning to enhance teamwork, communication, and leadership skills.
Culturally Responsive and Relevant Teaching
Our curriculum is designed to be culturally relevant, ensuring that students see themselves reflected in their education. We incorporate multicultural perspectives in all subjects. Our school culture emphasizes justice, equity, and service-learning to develop compassionate, community-minded leaders. We encourage our students to engage in critical thinking about real-world issues and ethical decision-making.
Focus on Higher-Order Thinking and Innovation
Urban Promise Academy nurtures a spirit of creativity, innovation, and lifelong learning by:
- Encouraging students to engage in STEM, coding, entrepreneurship, and design-thinking challenges.
- Teaching critical thinking and problem-solving skills that prepare students for future careers.
- Using technology as a tool to enhance engagement and deepen learning.
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Holistic Development and Character Formation
Education at Urban Promise Academy goes beyond traditional academics. We focus on:
- Social-emotional learning (SEL) to nurture resilience, self-awareness, and empathy.
- Leadership development, empowering students to serve as role models in their communities.
- Spiritual growth, helping students develop a strong foundation of faith and purpose.
Strong Family and Community Partnerships
We believe education is a collaborative effort between students, families, educators, and the community. Our instructional model includes:
- Parental involvement through workshops, mentoring, and community engagement.
- Service-learning projects that connect students to real-world needs.
- Industry and university partnerships to provide young students with exposure to a variety of career and hands-on learning opportunities.
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Emphasis on Justice and Service
Urban Promise Academy teaches students to be advocates for change by integrating:
- Civic engagement projects that promote leadership and social responsibility.
- Mission-driven learning experiences where students apply biblical values to address community needs.
- Ethical decision-making and global awareness to develop compassionate, service-oriented leaders.
Lifelong Learning and Growth Mindset
We instill in students the belief that learning is a lifelong journey by:
- Encouraging intellectual curiosity and a love for discovery.
- Teaching growth mindset principles, so students embrace challenges as opportunities to grow.
- Providing a safe, supportive, and faith-driven environment where students can thrive.