Urban Tech Academy

What Urban Tech Academy does

Urban Academy is a private JK-12 independent school located at 466 Rousseau Street in New Westminster, British Columbia, operating continuously since its founding in 2001 by parent-founders Donna Tays, Brian Drummond, and Laura Drummond. The school serves approximately 446 students from Junior Kindergarten through Grade 12, organized across four divisions (Junior Kindergarten, Junior School Grades K-3, Middle School Grades 4-7, and Senior School Grades 8-12). It is accredited by the Canadian Accredited Independent Schools (CAIS), is a member of the Independent Schools Association of British Columbia (ISABC) and Federation of Independent Schools British Columbia (FISA), and operates under the regulatory oversight of the BC Ministry of Education and the Inspector of Independent Schools.

The school's product is a continuous JK-12 educational pathway combining academic coursework (including Advanced Placement courses and standards-based grading for Grades 8-12), experiential learning, technology integration via dedicated Educational Technology Coaches, athletics across 20+ sports teams, arts, robotics, Model UN, and outdoor education. The UA ARC Program (Applied Real-World Connections), launching September 2026 for Grades 8-9, adds five specialized tracks (Impact, Kinetic, Studio, Summit, and TechEng) with weekly industry-expert 'Deep Dive' sessions and field studies. Supporting technology infrastructure includes the MySchool (msm.io) gradebook and parent portal, the Ufli Foundations early-literacy program, and a K-3 digital literacy and citizenship curriculum adapted from Common Sense Media.

The business model is tuition-driven subscription revenue from enrolled families, supplemented by an annual giving campaign (raising $223,000 in 2023-24) and event-based fundraising through the UA Gala (~$50K), UA Carnival ($15K), and PAX (Parent Auxiliary, ~$45K annually). The go-to-market is sales-led but community-driven: prospective families inquire via the website, attend monthly open houses and information webinars, take campus visits, and submit online applications; enrollment is capped per grade. Marketing relies heavily on parent referrals, alumni testimonials, social media presence on Instagram/Facebook/LinkedIn/YouTube, and content marketing via the 'UA Roar Magazine' and weekly newsletter.

Name

Urban Tech Academy

Legal name

Urban Academy

Website

https://urbanacademy.ca

Company type

Private

Founded year

2001

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

Urban Academy is a private JK-12 independent school in New Westminster, BC, serving approximately 446 students with technology-integrated, experiential education. It offers AP courses, small class sizes, and the upcoming UA ARC Program launching September 2026 across five specialized tracks.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Private K-12 Education

NAICS

Elementary and Secondary Schools (6111)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

International/Global Curriculum Schools (IB, Cambridge, etc.) (EDAJABAG)

akta.pro secondary industry

Literacy & ELA Instruction (School-Delivered) (EDAJAFAF)

Keywords

• Private K-12 education
• Independent school
• Experiential learning
• Advanced placement courses
• Post-secondary preparation

Headquarters

HQ city

New Westminster

HQ country

Canada

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Others

Revenue model

1. Tuition and Fees: Urban Academy is a private JK-12 school funded primarily through tuition and fees paid by enrolled families. Tuition is paid on a per-student basis. Fee details including tuition amounts are published on the school's Tuition & Fees page (referenced but specific amounts not disclosed in scraped content). The school also maintains a Tuition Assistance Program for financial support.
2. Annual Giving Campaign: Annual giving campaign raising funds for school programs, facilities, and technology. The 2023-24 campaign raised $223,000. Funds are directed toward facility enhancements, technology education, and experiential learning programs.
3. Event Fundraising (Gala, Carnival, Holiday Fair): School community events generate fundraising revenue. The UA Gala (Silver Soirée) raised approximately $50,000. The Carnival raised $15,000 directed toward the garden program and technology education. PAX (Parent Auxiliary) raises approximately $45,000 annually through various programs.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Urban Academy is a private JK-12 independent school in New Westminster, British Columbia, delivering experiential, technology-integrated education across four divisions (Junior Kindergarten, Junior School K-3, Middle School 4-7, and Senior School 8-12). It offers Advanced Placement courses, the new UA ARC Program (Applied Real-World Connections) launching September 2026 for Grades 8-9, standards-based grading for Grades 8-12, outdoor education, athletics, and a comprehensive post-secondary preparation program. The school serves approximately 446 students through small class sizes with a focus on knowing every student individually and preparing them for university acceptance.

Product overview

Urban Academy is a JK-Grade 12 independent private school offering a comprehensive educational program across four school divisions (Junior Kindergarten, Junior School Grades K-3, Middle School Grades 4-7, and Senior School Grades 8-12). The school provides an integrated educational experience combining academic excellence with experiential learning, arts, athletics, and specialized programs including AP Courses and the UA ARC Program for grades 8-9 students. The school emphasizes technology integration, outdoor education, and future-focused preparation for post-secondary success.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• UA ARC Program: Applied Real-World Connections program for Grades 8 and 9 featuring five distinct tracks: Impact ARC (Local/Global Citizenship & Activism), Kinetic ARC (Kinetic & Health Sciences), Studio ARC (Arts & Design), Summit ARC (Outdoor Education & Leadership), and TechEng ARC (Robotics & Engineering).
• UA Carnival
• UA Gala
• PAX

Products and services

• Junior Kindergarten Program Early learning program for young children in Junior Kindergarten where students learn to harness their imaginations, explore their surroundings, and form critical opinions.
• Junior School Program (Grades K-3) Foundation program for Grades K-3 where students gain a foundation to become the leaders, thinkers, and innovators of tomorrow, including the Ufli Foundations early literacy program and a K-3 Digital Literacy and Citizenship curriculum.
• Middle School Program (Grades 4-7) Middle school program for Grades 4-7 with a focus on culture and community, where students enhance their understanding of the world and develop foundational skills for senior school.
• Senior School Program (Grades 8-12) Upper school program for Grades 8-12 where technology, science, creative, and math-based assignments refine students' problem-solving skills. Includes AP courses, Standards-Based Grading (Grades 8-12), comprehensive post-secondary planning starting in Grade 10, and a Capstone project as a Grade 12 graduation requirement.
• AP (Advanced Placement) Courses Advanced Placement courses preparing Senior School students for post-secondary education, with a designated AP Coordinator supporting student preparation.
• UA ARC Program (Applied Real-World Connections)

Quantifiable outcome

• 100% university acceptance rate for graduates
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers1 record

Segments1 record

Ideal customer profiles1 record

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

Nine partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Canadian Accredited Independent Schools (CAIS)coreOthersUrban Academy is accredited by CAIS, a national organization that provides accreditation standards and professional development for independent schools across Canada.
• Independent Schools Association of British Columbia (ISABC)coreOthersUrban Academy is a member of ISABC, a association of independent schools in BC providing networking, professional development, and collaborative initiatives including the Accessibility Plan and the ISABC Climate Action Student Sustainability Conference.
• Federation of Independent Schools British Columbia (FISA)coreOthersUrban Academy is a member of FISA BC, the provincial federation representing independent schools in British Columbia.
• Greater Vancouver Independent Schools Athletics Association (GVISAA)minorOthersUrban Academy participates in GVISAA athletics, competing against other independent schools in the Greater Vancouver area in basketball, badminton, and other sports.
• Common Sense MediacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUrban Academy's Junior School digital literacy and citizenship curriculum (K-3) is adapted from Common Sense Media's research-based resources, covering media balance, privacy and security, digital footprint, and digital communication.
• University of Florida Literacy Institute (Ufli)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUrban Academy's Junior School early literacy program uses the Ufli Foundations program, developed by the University of Florida Literacy Institute, which focuses on systematic phonics instruction, phonemic awareness, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension based on the science of reading.
• HASTE (Hubs for Sustainable and Safe Transportation)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerUrban Academy collaborated with HASTe (a transportation planner) to create a 'Best Route to School' pamphlet and map to ensure student safety, minimize neighbourhood impact, and encourage environmentally friendly travel options.
• BC Ministry of Education / Inspector of Independent SchoolscoreOthersUrban Academy operates as an accredited independent school under the oversight of the BC Ministry of Education and the Inspector of Independent Schools, which governs curriculum standards, student record filing (Form 1701), and statutory compliance.
• Expect Respect & A Safe Education (ERASE)minorOthersUrban Academy is associated with the ERASE (Expect Respect & A Safe Education) initiative by the BC government, which provides resources for safe and inclusive school environments.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights4 records

Direct peers

• Crofton House School: Independent K-12 girls' school in Vancouver, BC, CAIS-accredited, with strong university preparation outcomes and an expansive athletics and arts program. A leading peer competitor for premium K-12 private education in Greater Vancouver.
• York House School: Independent JK-12 girls' school in Vancouver, BC, focused on academics, leadership, and university placement with strong athletics and arts offerings. Direct competitor within the same Greater Vancouver private school market.
• Southridge School: Independent K-12 school in Surrey, BC with strong academics, IB program, and university preparation. Comparable to Urban Academy in size, range, and focus on student-centred learning in the Metro Vancouver region.
• Meadowridge School: Independent JK-12 school in Maple Ridge, BC focused on academics, arts, athletics, and global citizenship with IB curriculum. Comparable suburban Metro Vancouver peer for premium K-12 independent education families.
• St. George's School: Independent JK-12 boys' school in Vancouver, BC with strong university acceptance rates and broad athletics/extracurricular programs. One of the most established private K-12 competitors in the same Greater Vancouver market.
• Mulgrave School: Independent JK-12 private school located in West Vancouver, BC, offering IB curriculum with extensive athletics, arts, and experiential programs. Direct geographic and curricular competitor to Urban Academy in the Greater Vancouver premium private school segment.
• Vancouver College: Independent K-12 boys' Catholic school in Vancouver, BC with extensive athletics and alumni networks. Major peer competitor in the Greater Vancouver private K-12 segment with an established 100+ year operating history.
• West Point Grey Academy: JK-12 independent school in Vancouver, BC with a focus on academics, athletics, and the arts. Competes with Urban Academy for the same metropolitan private K-12 families seeking a community-based independent school experience.
• Collingwood School: Independent JK-12 school with campuses in West Vancouver, offering IB and AP pathways alongside athletics and arts. Competes with Urban Academy in the broader Metro Vancouver market for premium, university-preparatory education.
• Pacific Academy: Independent Christian JK-12 school in Surrey, BC with extensive athletics and growing academic profile. Represents a values-driven and tuition-funded peer model comparable to Urban Academy's subscription revenue structure.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/@urbanacademybc
• Facebookfacebook.com/urbanacademybc
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/urbanacademybc
• Instagraminstagram.com/urbanacademybc
• Xx.com/UrbanAcademyBC

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles12 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Urban Tech Academy