The mission of the Universal Institute Charter School is to provide a School to Career academic program that emphasizes self-sufficiency, civic responsibility and problem solving through mathematics, language arts and the sciences. The educational program will utilize community resources within the Universal Institute's immediate neighborhood  through a variety of before during and after school partnerships with families, businesses, social agencies, civics groups and community organizations to enhance the academic program and to support students and their families. By definition, School to Career is a K through 12 model of instruction, curriculum and assessment that prepares students for success in the world of work, further education, employment, entrepreneurship, and/or service to the community.

To accomplish our mission, the Universal Institute Charter School will be driven by:

• The adoption of the School District of Philadelphia's Academic Standards, Core Curriculum and the PA Standards.
• A commitment  to our families, businesses, community and civic involvement to our academic program.
• An educational program in which high expectations and a performance driven approach is emphasized through Project Based Learning as a School to Career Teaching and Learning Strategy. A focus on authentic, alternative assessment tied to real world experiences.
• On going and consistent staff training on current trends, research driven instructional practices, and curriculum resources.
• Curriculum meetings where teachers meet regularly to share successful strategies for teaching new skills, review test data, and develop monthly curriculum and regrouping strategies. 

UICS uses an integrated literacy approach that incorporates several programs including Harcourt Trophies, Elements of Literature, Junior Great Books, and Action 100.  These programs foster a love of reading and support students that are below grade level, as well as challenge students who are on or above grade level.

Administration:

Dr. Crystal Breedlove, Principal

 Mrs. Zenobia Shah, Operations 

Download the complete enrollment application here.

The documents below must be present for the school to register children:

1.      Proof of your child’s age: Acceptable proof includes birth, baptismal or other religious certificates, a passport or immigration documents.

2.      Proof of Residency: Examples of acceptable proof include Current Voter Registration card, Current Utility Bill (PECO, PGW, etc.), Official Foster Care or DHS letters when child is being cared for by a foster/child care agency. Shelter placement or residency letters are also acceptable for homeless students, Original Deeds or Rental Agreements types, signed by all parties and notarized.

3.      Parent/Legal Guardian: must provide photo identification (Ex: Current PA Drivers License/Non-Drivers License or valid Federal, State or Municipal employment identification, Passport)

4.      Child’s Medical Appraisal and Immunization Records: showing proof of the up-to-date immunizations for: Diphtheria, Tetanus, Poliomyelitis, Measles, Mumps, Rubella (German measles), Hepatitis B, and Varicella (Chicken Pox).

5.      Child’s Most Recent Report Card and any other useful reports (IEP, NOREP, etc.) from your child’s former school or school district.

AAA Math - Grades K to 8 math skills & drills

ABCya - Grades K-6 

BrainPOP - Grades K - 8

Edheads - Activate your mind!

Factmonster- Awonderful website that students can use for homework, research and fun interactive games. Multi subject and skill website that includes time lines, atlas, and other fun filled links.

First In Math - An interactive online game students can play at school or at home. Students can earn points and compete against other students in the school!

GATES Test Login

Gizmos! Explore Learning  - Math & Science interactive simulations

NetSmartzKids - Safety with Clicky & friends

Salier Vocabulary Games 

Starfall- An interactive website where parents and students can work on Reading and Math skills.

UICS adheres to the following Uniform Policy for all students:

Girls Grades K-4 - Plaid Jumper, Sweater w/School Logo, Socks, Blouse, Tie
Girls Grades 5-8 - Plaid Skirt, Sweater w/School Logo, Socks, Blouse, Tie
Boys Grades K-8 – Sweater w/School Logo, Navy Uniform Pants, White Dress Shirt, Socks, Belt & Tie

The Universal Institute Charter School's "Family and Student Resource Center" ensures that all students receive the full complement of  educational and behavioral health services when a need is identified.  The identification of students' needs generally begins in the classroom and is addressed by the classroom teacher with the implementation of progressive interventions.  These interventions are documented on Intervention Records (one record for each week of interventions implemented).

Referrals may be made directly to the Family and Student Resource Center for immediate student needs that a teacher identifies or is made aware of, i.e. poor hygiene, abuse, truancy (three or more days absent), repeated uniform violations, etc.  

If you have any questions, please contact the Resource Center Manager, Fitsum Abay by email at fabay@universalcompanies.org.

Click here for resources the government provides regarding help for families during hard times!

2012-2013 Academic Calendar