UP Academy is a progressive TK-5 micro-school that utilizes a project-based curriculum. Children have an innate curiosity and sense of wonder about the world.
UP Academy is a progressive elementary micro-school that utilizes a concept and project based curriculum to promote whole child growth. Our graduate standards of growth mindset, scientific mind, social emotional intelligence, executive functioning, and influencing action allow students to apply the knowledge, skills and concepts they master in school to the real world. Our core values of innovatio
03/28/2026
Change is in the air this Spring at UP Academy! -
It's Spring at UP Academy! It was so wonderful to see so many of you out having fun, bowling, playing games and enjoying this community. From my family to yours: Thank you for joining us and making this community magical.
03/19/2026
Today we launched our T3 project with an Eco-Exploration Day! We went on a scavenger hunt using our 5 senses, learned how to make a healthy salad for our bodies, and made an UP Acadmey eco-friendly bowling alley. What a fun ways to kick off our final project for the school year! 🌎
03/01/2026
UP Academy is seeking its next Head of School.
We are hiring for fall 2026. If you, or someone you know, is interested in leading a small, project based learning, competency based school with a focus on educator development and a strong parent community - please reach out!
Head of School UP ACADEMY Where Curiosity Thrives Head of School Location: San Mateo, CA (On-Site) Start Date: August 2026 Position Type: Full-Time, 12-Month Salary: $80,000 – $110,000 Reports To: Board of Directors School Size: TK–5, Small Micro-School About UP Academy UP Academy is a WASC-accr
01/27/2026
time-ins ✨⏰ think the opposite of a time out. At UP Academy we reward respect, empathy, innovation and strength with time-in tickets! our students get to pick a new class or teacher they’d like to spend some time with. This is just one way we stay true to our values and build community.
01/21/2026
Looking for a school that emphasizes the whole child and authentic learning? Come visit UP Academy this weekend! Link to register in bio.
At UP Academy we love engaging our students in new project units with experience days!
01/08/2026
We launched our T2 project on the brain with a rainbow day!🧠🌈 We explored memory through activities including sensory stations, creative art challenges, memory games, and even a teacher talent show! Our students generated scientific and emotional questions about our new topic and are ready to explore the the wonders of the brain!
12/13/2025
We closed out 2025 with a week filled with sparkles, festive sweaters, and holiday joy! ❄️☃️✨
12/03/2025
Our first exhibition day of the year was filled with WONDER and pride! Our students exhibited projects including unique wonders of the world, 3d printed houses and a documentary celebrating their family history and culture✨
11/11/2025
Field trip to Filoli! Our students enjoyed exploring the trolls and experiencing WONDER as part of our first trimester projects around the theme of “wonders of the world”
part of our t1 “wonders of the world” project is creating a wonders of our school documentary, where the students get to share about their families, culture and what makes them wonders!