UP Academy

At UP Academy , we believe education should spark joy, curiosity, and a lifelong love of learning. When our students describe their school experience, they use words like "magic" and "special"—and that’s exactly what we strive for. Small Class Sizes, Big Connections One of the cornerstones of an UP Academy education is our personalized approach. With small class sizes, our teachers truly know each child—their strengths, challenges, passions, and growth areas. This deep understanding allows us to tailor learning in a way that inspires confidence and excitement in every student. Project-Based Learning That Inspires We move beyond traditional classroom models with deep, interdisciplinary projects that span entire quarters. These immersive experiences allow students to explore topics in meaningful ways while developing critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills. A Glimpse Into Our Student Projects: Ecosystem Explorations – Students designed their own pl...

At UP Academy, our mission is clear: to empower students of all abilities to strengthen their communities, realize the power of their ideas, and take meaningful action in the world. Located in San Mateo, California, UP Academy is more than just a school—it’s a place where respect, innovation, empathy, and strength come together to create a transformative educational experience. Innovation: Learning Without Limits UP Academy combines the best of the one-room schoolhouse model with cutting-edge technology, creating a student-driven curriculum with endless possibilities. Our approach equips students with the skills and mindset they need to thrive in a rapidly changing world. By fostering creativity, critical thinking, and adaptability, we prepare students to tackle challenges and seize opportunities with confidence. Empathy: Building Connections and Community Empathy is at the heart of everything we do. At UP Academy, students develop the interpersonal skills needed to collaborate...

In today’s fast-paced world, education must go beyond textbooks and standardized tests. At UP Academy, we believe in developing problem solvers, critical thinkers, and empathetic leaders who are ready to tackle the challenges of the future. Through hands-on learning, individualized instruction, and a focus on emotional intelligence, we ensure that students build both academic and life skills that will serve them for years to come. A Learning Experience Rooted in Exploration At UP Academy, we take a Project-Based Learning (PBL) approach, allowing students to engage deeply with real-world problems. Instead of passively memorizing information, they work on interactive projects that encourage curiosity, collaboration, and innovation. This method helps students see the practical applications of what they learn, making education more meaningful and inspiring. Personalized Learning for Every Child No two students learn the same way, which is why we use differentiated instruction to tailor the...

At UP Academy, We Cultivate the Next Generation of Problem Solvers At UP Academy®, we believe that the best learning happens through human connection. While technology plays an important role, our instruction is rooted in the guidance of passionate educators and interactive small group work. This hands-on approach fosters a generation of creative, curious, and free-thinking problem-solvers, ready to tackle the challenges of tomorrow. Project-Based Learning: Engaging Minds, Solving Real-World Problems A cornerstone of our academic approach is Project-Based Learning (PBL). In this dynamic, inquiry-driven method, students explore concepts by immersing themselves in experiences. Instead of relying on rote memorization, they apply their learning to solve real-world problems and reflect on the results. PBL ensures that students not only gain knowledge, but also learn how to apply it meaningfully in the world around them. This active, hands-on approach transforms learning into something relev...

At UP Academy®, Elementary school is more than just academics—it’s a dynamic environment where students thrive through hands-on learning, deep exploration, and meaningful connections. As a parent of a 5th grader, I’ve seen firsthand the transformative experiences this unique approach provides. When we first considered UP Academy®, the small class sizes immediately stood out. Within just one week of joining, my daughter’s teacher shared thoughtful insights about her personality, strengths, and areas to grow. That level of personalized attention and partnership has been a cornerstone of our experience at UP. Engaging Project-Based Learning The interdisciplinary, project-based learning model at UP Academy is what makes it so special. These quarter-long projects allow students to delve deeply into topics that spark curiosity and develop critical skills like research, collaboration, and problem-solving. Some highlights include: The Ecosystem Project : Students studied ecosystems, designed t...

At UP Academy , we believe that every child is unique and capable of reaching their ultimate potential. Our mission is to help students discover their strengths, overcome challenges, and grow into their best selves. Whether it's standing up, learning up, moving up, or reaching up—our goal is to help students achieve more, always do their best, and be empowered to succeed in ways that work best for them. Personalized Education: The Key to Success Traditional education models often provide a one-size-fits-all approach. At UP Academy, we know that this doesn’t work for every child. Instead, we focus on providing each student with exactly what they need to succeed—whether that means more support or greater challenges. We understand that every student’s learning journey is different, and we create an environment where differentiated learning and individualized support are at the core of what we do. Acceptance, Flexibility, and Radical Inclusion Our philosophy is built on acceptance a...