Urban Academy

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Urban Academy students are courageous

They are open-minded, curious, willing to take intellectual risks and accept challenges. They push beyond their comfort zones and know that through challenges comes growth, courage and resilience.

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Educating for tomorrow

Urban Academy is a JK–Grade 12 private school in New Westminster, where students learn through immersive, hands-on experiences that inspire growth, leadership and innovation.

Urban Academy represents the evolving nature of education. We put students at the centre of our plans, setting them up for maximum success and optimal academic performance. Our students go on to become leaders, innovators, dreamers and doers. Experience an education with greater discovery, higher achievement and deeper passion as we educate for the future.

Connected through learning. Inspired by community. Empowered to contribute.

BENEFITS OF AN URBAN ACADEMY EXPERIENCE

We Know Our Students Small Class Sizes

JK–12 446 Students

100% University Acceptance

20+ Sports
Teams

Lots Of Clubs!
For A Variety Of Interests

Technology Integrated Into The Program

Location Just off HWY 1 & Steps From Braid STN

Outdoor Education Opportunities
For All Ages

AP Courses
Preparing For
Post-Secondary

Urban Academy Values

about UA

Urban Academy is a place where students learn to grow, and are excited about their education!

experience UA

Learning here extends well beyond regular class time, allowing students to cultivate their skills and providing another outlet for teamwork, discovery and collaboration.

learning at UA

Students discover themselves and the world with a focus on connections and creativity that leads to the highest possible academic performance. 

admissions

Our team works hard to make the application process easy, guiding you and determining if Urban Academy is the right fit.

What We’re Up To

Latest News

The Founders’ Vision: Urban Academy’s Beginnings

On the 25th anniversary of Urban Academy, its founders—Donna Tays, Brian and Laura Drummond—gathered overlooking the Fraser River in the New Westminster Boathouse to reminisce and share stories of the school’s beginning. Amidst laughter and a few tears, they sifted

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Weekly Update | May 15, 2026

It is with immense pride that I share a few reflections on our very first Capstone Presentation Night held on Monday. The Capstone project is the culmination of the Career-Life Connections 12 curriculum in BC, a mandatory graduation requirement that

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Weekly Update | May 8, 2026

Today, our students wrapped up an incredible Health and Wellness Week! The week was a resounding success, balancing high-energy physical activities with mindful moments of connection. We kicked things off with our school-wide Buddy Walk, which saw students from JK

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Weekly Update | May 1, 2026

Two weeks ago, Ms. Manifold and I attended the CAIS leadership conference in Ottawa. This was a remarkable professional development and networking opportunity for us, as we got to collaborate with educational leaders from the most renowned independent schools across

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Weekly Update | April 24, 2026

This week, we are excited to share the incredible impact of our community’s collective generosity and the tangible ways your contributions are enriching the student experience at Urban Academy. Our recent Carnival was a resounding success, raising $15,000 that will

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Weekly Update | April 17, 2026

As a JK to Grade 12 school, sometimes it’s hard to accurately share ALL that happens in a week throughout the various grades. But today we thought it may be helpful to offer a snapshot of a vibrant and productive

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Coming Up

June 2, 2026
  • Grade 7 & 8 - Strathcona Park Lodge Camp

    June 2, 2026 - June 5, 2026  

    Event details

June 3, 2026
  • Grade 5 - YMCA Elphinstone Camp

    June 3, 2026 - June 5, 2026  

    Event details

June 5, 2026
  • Grade 3 Trip to the Greater Vancouver Zoo

    June 5, 2026  9:00 am - 2:30 pm

    Event details

  • Grade 1 - Ice cream field trip to Take 5 Cafe

    June 5, 2026  12:40 pm - 2:30 pm

    Event details

  • Anatomy 12 - Vancouver Aquarium

    June 5, 2026  10:00 am - 3:00 pm

    Event details

June 8, 2026