Why is Urban Academy so successful? Why do 97% of our graduates enter 4-year universities? Why do we have virtually no teacher turnover? Why do we rarely have any incidents of violence or theft? Why are our school indicators, like attendance and drop-out rate, always significantly better than those seen throughout New York City?

It's not just our small size.
Although we have only 120 students, that can't be the only reason. There are small schools out there that seem to be miniature big schools. So even though our small size does give us more time with our students, it isn't the only reason the Urban Academy is such a success.

It's not just our students.
Sure they are a truly multicultural group who come from all over New York City. Some have been unhappy with their previous schools; some are seeking the personal attention of a small school community; others have been out of school for a period of time. They work really hard, take their commitment to Urban seriously, but even they aren't the one reason that Urban works so well.

It's not just our teachers.
Although our staff, many of whom have been with the school for an average of 10 years, is deeply involved in planning our curriculum, administration, and policy, they are still not the only reason that we do so well with our students.

It's not just our curriculum.
Although our courses are focused on critical-thinking and problem-solving and students are allowed to ask, research and answer their own questions, even that is not what makes us as effective as we are.

It's not just the comfortable atmosphere.
Couches, fish tanks and a student microwave cannot, on their own, make a school a success.