466 Rousseau Street, New Westminster, British Columbia, V3L 3R3
School Busing:
Urban Academy offers bus transferring.
Service options offered are regular rider, regular rider AM only, regular rider PM only.
The regions Urban Academy offers busing from are:
Burnaby
Port Coquitlam
Port Moody
Additional notes: We understand that the modern, urban family has many complicated logistics to consider. Therefore, in offering centralized bus routes from North West Burnaby and the Tri-Cities, we hope to alleviate some of the transportation challenges. Routes are slightly modified each year based on the locations of families interested in the service.
Provider: Luxury Transport is a local, family owned private charter transportation company serving businesses and universities in the Lower Mainland in transfers and shuttle services. Since 1998 Luxury Transport has specialized in transfer to Whistler, corporate shuttles and employee and student shuttles.
Days: The UA Bus Service runs every school day from September until the last day of school in June. The bus service will not run on Pro D days or school holidays. The UA Bus Service is for K – Grade 12 students enrolled at Urban Academy.
Cost: One way: $1,100/year per student (no sibling discounts). Return trip: $2,200/student (no sibling discounts and bus fees are non-refundable).
Urban Academy was founded in 2001 with the intention of creating a school that was creative, engaging, and which delivered the core curriculum in a hands-on, cooperative, interactive way. The success of the program is evident in its growth—it is now housed within two campuses—and in its reputation. Families are drawn, rightly, to the academic program, though they are also drawn by the community that the school has described, one that approaches the arts, sciences, social studies equally, and building instruction around points there those fields intersect. The facilities are also one of the school’s strengths. The ideal student is one able to thrive in varied, challenging, creative, and very social learning environment.
We questioned the school adminstration
1. Who are you, as a school?
"Urban Academy is a future-focused independent school (JK–12, co-ed, Advanced Placement: AP) that enriches the BC curriculum through immersive, hands-on learning. Whether in academics, athletics, robotics, Model UN, fine and performing arts, global travel, or the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, students thrive in a dynamic setting that fosters creativity, collaboration and an entrepreneurial spirit. We prepare students to contribute meaningfully, excel academically and lead as the creative innovators of tomorrow."
Every graduate accepted to one of their top two university choices
20+ sports teams that promote skill, teamwork and leadership
Clubs that spark creativity, leadership and connection
Outdoor education integrated from JK to Grade 12 with Duke of Ed for Grades 9-12
AP courses that prepare students for university success
Technology integrated in every classroom
Outdoor spaces for play, wellness, and exploration
Future-focused learning that builds real-world skills
Entrepreneurial and changemaking opportunities for all students
Inclusive, welcoming community where all students belong and are known
2. What do you do differently and uniquely well?
"Urban Academy uniquely blends future-focused learning with strong community values. Our Advanced Placement courses challenge students academically, while hands-on STEM,...(more)
"Urban Academy uniquely blends future-focused learning with strong community values. Our Advanced Placement courses challenge students academically, while hands-on STEM, entrepreneurial projects, and a dynamic Applied Design, Skills & Technologies (ADST) program foster creativity and problem-solving.
Our vibrant fine and performing arts programs nurture self-expression and collaboration, complementing academic growth. We value belonging and inclusion, creating a supportive environment where every student is known and is empowered to take risks and develop confidence.
With extensive hands-on, outdoor education and city-integrated learning spaces, students engage actively with their environment, promoting wellness and experiential learning.
Together, these strengths prepare graduates who are academically accomplished, resilient, compassionate, and ready to make a positive impact."
3. What tradeoffs has your school made to serve families in this way?
"To maintain our commitment to individualized learning and innovation, we have intentionally kept our enrollment at a size that supports strong relationships and personalized...(more)
"To maintain our commitment to individualized learning and innovation, we have intentionally kept our enrollment at a size that supports strong relationships and personalized attention. This means we may not offer the same breadth of extracurriculars as some larger schools, but we invest more deeply in the quality and impact of the programs we do offer. Every initiative is chosen purposefully to align with our educational vision."
4. What key junctures in your school's history have most shaped its present?
"One pivotal moment was our expansion into our purpose-built facility in New Westminster, which allowed us to bring our full K–12 vision to life. Another was the development of...(more)
"One pivotal moment was our expansion into our purpose-built facility in New Westminster, which allowed us to bring our full K–12 vision to life. Another was the development of our Capstone program, which emphasized the importance of inquiry-based learning and real-world engagement for our senior students. These moments helped shape our commitment to innovation, growth, and a connected learning journey from JK to Grade 12."
5. What type of student is a good fit for your school?
Information not yet available.
6. Under what conditions would you advise a family against choosing your school?
"If a family is looking for a highly traditional, lecture-based academic environment with a strong focus on rote memorization, Urban Academy may not be the best fit. Our approach...(more)
"If a family is looking for a highly traditional, lecture-based academic environment with a strong focus on rote memorization, Urban Academy may not be the best fit. Our approach is student-centred and exploratory, and we encourage independence, project-based learning, and integration across subject areas. Families who are not comfortable with this type of progressive, personalized learning model may find other schools better aligned with their expectations."
7. To your knowledge, why do families choose your school over others?
Information not yet available.
8. How would you characterize your school's image amongst the public?
"Urban Academy is seen as a modern, progressive, and aspirational school that’s growing with purpose. We are recognized for our strong academic standards, but also for being...(more)
"Urban Academy is seen as a modern, progressive, and aspirational school that’s growing with purpose. We are recognized for our strong academic standards, but also for being innovative and adaptable—qualities that resonate with families who want their children to be ready for an ever-evolving world. We’re viewed as a school that is building something special for the future."
9. What aspect of your school is underappreciated?
"Our leadership and character education programs are sometimes overshadowed by our academic and arts achievements, but they are core to who we are. The work we do around empathy,...(more)
"Our leadership and character education programs are sometimes overshadowed by our academic and arts achievements, but they are core to who we are. The work we do around empathy, community engagement, and self-awareness builds confident, responsible students who lead with integrity. It’s foundational to how our students grow into capable, compassionate individuals."
10. What might families find surprising about your school?
Information not yet available.
11. What improvements or changes has your school made recently?
Information not yet available.
12. How will your school change in the next 5 years?
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