Frequently Asked Questions

Urban School is located in the heart of San Francisco, adjacent to the Golden Gate Park Panhandle between Masonic Avenue / Ashbury Street and Oak Street / Page Street. Our three buildings are connected in a U-shape: Page Campus (1563 Page Street), The Mark Salkind Center (1639 Oak Street), and The Performing Arts and Community Center (1530 Page Street). The school is accessible by the 7, 33, and 43 bus lines. For directions and a map, please click here.

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.

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 55 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.

We also encourage you to read through "What Makes Urban Unique?" as well as our Admissions Guide to help better understand how our requirements fit into our larger program, block schedule, and unique three-term academic calendar.

All entering students will be assigned a MacBook 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.
 

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. 

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 9th graders! -- if there is sufficient interest among a group of students.

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 4.9% per year). However, Urban does offer significant financial assistance, and families are encouraged to explore all financing options. Click here to learn more about financial assistance.