Welcome from the Head of School

Urban School believes there is a better way to educate high school students.”

In an ever-changing world, schools, like families, find strength in their core values – the things that truly matter to them. As Urban considers how to best serve our students today and into their futures, we rely on a guiding set of principles.

We believe that a young person’s “success” cannot be measured or understood through flashy college acceptances or impressive GPAs; these are mere byproducts of an aspirational, multi-dimensional education that cultivate fundamental skills alongside more enduring qualities of mind and character: curiosity, empathy, optimism, determination, open-mindedness, creativity, analytical acuity and – more urgently than ever – an authentic investment in making our world a better place.

Easier said than done, of course. But, as you dig into the Urban website, note the commitment to sustained dialogue about complex topics; curricular freedom to ignite and honor student interest; myriad arenas for collaboration and innovation; and an authentic commitment to community engagement, equity and social justice. Most of all, sense if you can, the unique alchemy of the Urban culture – the joyful, purposefully engaged community of learners proud to be part of a singular institution ever restless to improve.

Ultimately, of course, I hope your interest in Urban can go beyond the virtual – that you’ll talk to current students and parents/guardians, ask alumni how their Urban lessons became life lessons, and find time to visit us in person. Until then, I wish you good health and continued energy and optimism to embrace the opportunities that lay ahead.

Dan Miller
Head of School