Skills developed in courses result in projects, papers, exhibits, presentations, and experiments through which students accumulate proficiency in six academic areas:

Literature,
Mathematics,
Social Studies,
Science,
Creative Arts,
and Art Criticism.

Urban Academy students earn their diploma by demonstrating proficiency in these areas, passing courses, and by showing continual progress in the areas of community service, contribution to the Urban Academy community, class participation, and active and independent reading. Competency in library research and computer use is also required.