Technology at Urban

Urban is a pioneer in integrating technology into academics. Our highly regarded 1:1 laptop program, first implemented in 2000, has attracted attention from educators from around the world, including visitors from China, Russia, South Korea, Singapore and dozens of schools around the US who look to us to learn how to create their own programs. Urban’s approach to technology is purposely holistic: technology skills and related computer projects are integrated throughout the daily curriculum to foster active, student- centered learning.

All students, teachers and staff are issued state-of-the-art laptop computers for school and home use. Student computers (currently MacBook Airs) come fully installed with dozens of software programs used throughout the curriculum, such as Microsoft Office, Adobe Creative Suite, Inspiration, Evernote and other software specific to math and science.  

At Urban, technology is used to enhance communication, collaboration, organization and production in all classes, rather than being taught as a discrete subject. This de-emphasizes the specialization of computer technology as use becomes seamless, ubiquitous and normal. Rather than directly training students on computer and application use, students instead "learn as they go," relying on their own inquisitiveness, peer support and mini-lessons from teachers when necessary.