URBAN ACT Academy

"Life's most persistent and urgent question is: What are you doing for others?" ~Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Today in Anderson, we come together in both celebration and remembrance of a man who embodied peace, integrity, and leadership. Whatever you do today, I hope you are able to take a minute to not only dream of a better world but to think about how you might also shape it. ❤️

Our hearts are filled with gratitude for all who were able to celebrate with us this evening! We thank you for your support and hope you have a wonderful holiday break!

We know it’s been a little while since you’ve heard from us so we wanted to share a few updates.

We’ve officially submitted our charter application and are eagerly awaiting the decision that will determine our next steps toward opening a new school in Anderson in the fall of 2026. Our vision is to begin with grades K–2, adding one grade level each year until we reach 5th grade.

In the meantime, we haven’t slowed down! We launched an after-school literacy program affectionately known as “The Hive.” We chose the name because, much like a hive, our space is buzzing with energy, collaboration, and purpose. Every student and tutor plays an important role in helping the whole community grow stronger together.

The Hive was created in response to the new state policy that places students who do not pass the IRead assessment at risk of retention. What started with just five students has quickly grown to twenty-five, and the enthusiasm, commitment, and progress we’re seeing have been incredible.

Here are a few pictures of our tutoring program in ACT-ion! 🐝📚

Happy Saturday! Weekends are a great time for some science activities or crafts! It will limit screen time, boost creativity, and help keep kids entertained.

As the shirt says, "I Lead, I Learn, I Grow" ALL DAY AT ! 😁

We were all smiles and hugs on this day! 😁🩷📚

Have you started summer reading with your student? Here are a few tips on ways to engage your child in summer reading! 📚

- Read aloud together with your child every day.
- Set a good example by reading yourself.
- Read the same book your child is reading and discuss it.
- Let kids choose what they want to read, and don’t turn your nose up at popular fiction.

Even in non-classroom place-based learning, students are still focused and learning through the experience as the foundation for the lessons! 🌳

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Sometimes staff has to join in on the lessons to let the kids know it's okay! 😁

We're sharing the love! 💓 Our staff benefits from place-based learning too! Teachers become facilitators and co-learners with students, and can help foster relationships with community or business partners! That's what we call a win-win! 🤝🤝

Here's group photo from our UAA place-based learning outing last year!

There's so many benefits to place-based learning; one being it emphasizes real-world experiences, and helps students develop a deeper understanding of concepts. 🌳🖍

Thank you for helping make UAA a safe place of learning for our students! We appreciate you! 🍎