Being a Blue
There are a lot of ways to be an Urban student! For some it means serious athletic participation; for others, it includes arts or performance, student government, outdoor and global trips, or all of these combined. For all Urban students, it means a serious commitment to the school’s mission of igniting a passion for learning. There is no one way to be an Urban student, but all of us are Urban Blues!
Cassie E ('21)
Hi, I'm Cassie! I am currently a Junior at Urban and previously went to the Chinese American International School. At Urban, I am a part of the Advanced Jazz Band and the Community Outreach club. I’m also a peer tutor and am the co-leader of the Asian Pacific Islander affinity space (API). One of the things that drew me to Urban was the classroom environment. Not only are the teachers passionate about what they teach, but the students are also excited to learn. My classes are all incredibly fun and engaging since we do a lot of class discussions and group projects. My favorite class is EngineeringXX. It’s an all-girl elective that focuses on empowering women to pursue a career in STEM. I really love that Urban offers so many classes, clubs and activities that allow you to explore what you are passionate about. I truly am proud to be a Blue!
Max M ('22)
Hello! I’m Max and I’m currently a Sophomore at Urban. Before Urban, I attended to Herbert Hoover Middle School, a public middle school in San Francisco’s Sunset district. Although Urban is quite different from Hoover I have learned to love Urban’s welcoming community, outstanding teachers, and the variety of interesting classes. At Urban, I have been able to find the things that I am passionate about and pursue them. I play soccer, run track, co-lead BSU (black student union), and am a part of MESH. Through these programs, I have made many friends and learned more about myself as both a student and a person….and have fun!
Grace N ('22)
Hello! My name is Grace and I am a Sophomore at Urban! I previously attended Notre Dame des Victoires, a small Catholic school, from Kindergarten to eighth grade. The biggest difference at Urban is that there is less emphasis on grades and more about personal improvement. As a Freshman, I was a Student Committee Class Representative and am now a Deputy as a 10th grader! I play on both the girls varsity soccer team and the lacrosse team, while also balancing club soccer and competitive skiing. My favorite part about Urban is not only the freedom but the encouragement to be part of all different aspects of the school - student government, the arts, sports etc!
Frequently Asked Admission Questions
- Where is Urban located?
- How many students are accepted to the Freshman class?
- Does Urban give sibling and legacy applicants priority in the admissions process?
- Does Urban accommodate students with learning differences?
- How do I schedule a visit or Open House?
- Does the Admissions Office require a standardized test?
- Does the Admissions Office require an interview?
- What is Urban’s evaluation and grading policy?
- How does the 1:1 laptop program work?
- Does Urban have a dress code?
- Does Urban offer student clubs and activities?
- Does Urban accept transfer applications?
- What does it cost to attend Urban?
Where is Urban located?
Urban School is located in the heart of San Francisco adjacent to the Golden Gate Park Panhandle at 1563 Page Street, between Masonic and Ashbury. The new Mark Salkind Center is located at 1639 Oak Street. The school is accessible by 6, 21, 33, 43 and 71 MUNI bus lines. For directions and a map, please click here.
How many students are accepted to the Freshman class?
Does Urban give sibling and legacy applicants priority in the admissions process?
We do not offer automatic admission to siblings, nor to children of alumni. These prospective students are required to undergo the same competitive admissions process as all Urban applicants. While we value our strong relationships with our current and legacy families, we strongly recommend that each family undergo a thorough review of potential high school options to ensure that whichever school they choose is the best fit for their child.
Does Urban accommodate students with learning differences?
Urban provides reasonable accommodations for students with learning differences. We employ Learning Specialists who do hands-on work with students, including one-on-one tutoring, and who coordinate outside tutoring. Our Learning Specialists also work with the faculty to determine practical learning strategies for the classroom. For more information on our Learning Support services, please click here.
How do I schedule a visit or Open House?
Starting at the end of August/first of September (check here for dates), you may register for an optional Open House, student visit, student interview, and/or parent information session through your Ravenna-Hub account. To see dates for this year's Open Houses and other application milestones, please see the Admissions calendar.
Does the Admissions Office require a standardized test?
For consistency between all 9th grade applicants, Urban prefers that applicants submit results from the SSAT. The SSAT should be taken in the 8th grade in October, November, December or January, in order to receive scores by the application deadline. Please designate Urban (school code 7861) as a score recipient on the SSAT registration form. Please visit the SSAT official website or call 609 683 4440 for more information about registration, procedures and dates.
While Urban School prefers that applicants submit SSAT scores, we also accept a number of other standardized tests widely used by other schools. These tests include but are not limited to the High School Placement Test and the Independent School Entrance Exam.
Does the Admissions Office require an interview?
Although an interview is not a required part of the application process, we greatly value the opportunity to speak with 8th grade students individually and hope you will choose to schedule a session with an Admissions staff member.
Following submission of the online Parent/Guardian Form and the non-refundable $100 application fee (waivers can be obtained by calling our office) in your Ravenna-Hub account, you will be able to choose a date and half-hour slot for an optional student interview, if space is still available. The number of available interview appointments is limited, thus we cannot guarantee that every interested student will be granted an interview. We strive to accommodate as many students as possible on a first come, first served basis. Interview appointments are available on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday afternoons beginning in October and run through mid-January.
What is Urban’s evaluation and grading policy?
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. 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 50 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.
How does the 1:1 laptop program work?
All entering students will be assigned a MacBook Pro for both school and home use, which is paid via the annual laptop fee. After four years, laptop ownership is transferred to the student prior to graduation, following removal of school-provided software.
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 digital tools into the learning process, including iPads, tablets, sensors, etc.
Does Urban have a dress code?
Dress at Urban is casual and students are encouraged to select their own style of attire. However, students are expected to use good judgment and dress appropriately for a school setting. Students may not wear clothes that show emblems or slogans that are profane or that represent drugs, alcohol, tobacco or weaponry products or images. Shoes are required at all times, and undergarments may not show.
Does Urban offer student clubs and activities?
Urban currently has more than 40 different student clubs, ranging from Model United Nations to the Students of Color to Environmental Clubs to Fight Club to Meat Club. There is a full array of performing arts, visual arts, yearbook, newspaper, student government and more! Incoming students are encouraged to get involved in club activities, and new clubs may be established -- even by Freshmen! -- if there is sufficient interest among a group of students.
Does Urban accept transfer applications?
Based on space availability, Urban will consider transfer applications for a very limited number of places in the 10th and/or 11th grades. We do not accept transfers for Senior year. Please email or call the Admissions Office (415 593 9555) for more information regarding the transfer application process and timeline.
What does it cost to attend Urban?
Please visit our Affording Urban page for additional information. The tuition and fees for the following academic year are determined in February. 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.