Frequently Asked Questions About Urban

You may register for an Open House, student visit, interview and parent information session once you have completed our Online Inquiry form. You will be issued a user name and password, which will allow you to register for events online and to begin the online application (alternatively, you may download a paper application using your user name and password). You will also receive an admissions packet with additional information about the school. Urban will begin scheduling visit appointments online on or around September 1 each year. To see dates for this year's Open Houses and other application milestones, please visit the Admissions Calendar.

All entering students will be assigned a MacBook Air for both school and home use. Students gain a wealth of learning, teaching and organizational benefits by having their own computer for use anytime, anywhere. This is an important step in helping students use computer technology as a natural tool of the learning process.

In addition to personal laptops, many classes incorporate other digital tools into the learning process, including iPads, tablets, sensors, etc.

Learn more about technology at Urban.

The block schedule divides the academic year into three, 12-week terms: fall, winter and spring. Students take four intensive classes every term and most classes last for one or two terms. These classes meet for 70-minute periods with one 2+ hour period per week. Due to longer class periods, a term-long class is equivalent to a semester course and a two-term class is equivalent to a year-long course.

In addition, students may take elective classes such as Jazz Band, Chamber Ensemble, Urban Singers, Yearbook and Newspaper, which meet during a shorter period that spans all three terms. Students also have the option of participating in physical activity classes or study halls during this shorter elective period. The weekly schedule includes advising, a grade-level meeting, an all-school meeting and consultation periods for students to meet individually with teachers. The block schedule enables teachers to draw upon valuable off-campus resources such as art and science exhibitions, wildlife habitats, the court system and cultural performances. To see a sample schedule, click here.

Urban’s evaluation and grading practices combine the best of innovative and traditional approaches, consistent with our long history as a nationally recognized educational leader among secondary schools. Designed to challenge students to perform at their highest level, Urban’s assessment system include cycles of ongoing teacher feedback and student reflection. Written reports are provided twice per term – at the midpoint and at the end of each 12-week class – along with a final course letter grade. We know from more than 45 years of experience that our use of specific, differentiated evaluative feedback fosters high levels of student engagement, depth of understanding and achievement, all of which support our mission to inspire a passion for learning. For more details, please download our Evaluation FAQ.

Tuition and fees for 2012-13 school year are $35,320, which include a $620 laptop fee. The tuition and fees for the 2013-14 school year will be determined in February 2013. In budgeting for four years of an Urban education, parents can expect annual tuition increases. The average tuition increase over the past five years has been 4.2% per year.  However, Urban does offer significant financial aid, and families are encouraged to explore all financing options. Click here to learn more about financial aid.

The Urban School of San Francisco
Admissions Office
1563 Page Street
San Francisco, CA 94117