Both our kids went there and we and they were very happy with their experience there.  Both got into their top choice colleges ...  Read More

Both our kids went there and we and they were very happy with their experience there.  Both got into their top choice colleges (Univ. Wisconsin Madison and Middlebury) and are thriving young adults. Bloody expensive of course, which we could ill afford, but there is good financial aid and your kids only get one adolescence -- Urban helps to make it a positive one.  Worth the sacrifices.  Read Less

I interviewed at Urban wearing a fuzzy argyle sweater and baggy cordoroy pants. The person who interviewed me said that "I didn...  Read More

I interviewed at Urban wearing a fuzzy argyle sweater and baggy cordoroy pants. The person who interviewed me said that "I didn't care about my appearance. " I found that odd comment of her to make. And then it was really funny because I was going through a philosophical phase. So they had me come up with my own question and I came up with something kind of amusing actually and based on that I was admitted. Next I observed Geometry class and thought it was really interesting how it was taught, students worked in math groups which I wasn't so good at. It did impress me that the students made presentations on Geometrical formations, not just the usual proofs form of standard analytical geometry. Although I got the feeling that most of the work wasn't very rigorous, not for my future plans at least.    I think Urban is too small, some rural schools can't help it. But Urban caters and coddles not making academics too hard or else students leave in droves. And it gives its students a leg up in boosting their egos by helping their odds of being accepted to Stanford. I always wanted to go to a big high school where you can meet a new person everyday. To that was an exciting prospect after an all girl's private school where you've known the same people for nine years and you want a mental divorce. OMG. I think there should be a Mega high school/secondary school located in the Presidio where students from all social circles can interact and learn that this is actually what the world is about. I think it would bring back the energy of the city which is plagued by the prestige factor. My sister attended Urban as a freshman and I don't think it was a good school for her to reach her potential and develop competency and a positive self image. And I honestly don't think the setting of the Haight Ashbury is really a good setting for personal educational success given that its located in a neighborhood world famous for elicit drug use. What do these schools do with all this revenue from tuition? I mean are administrators embezzling it or something. They don't pay teachers so much and the Urban school hasn't spend money on a new buidling recently. So it is a scam. Make your happy and get them to reach their potential try out School of the Arts if you are looking for an artistic school. Really talented artists go there and an infusion of more socio economic status diversity would benefit SoTa. Public school high school students in SF tend to become much more independent and responsible than the stiffling environment of the well meaning private schools. Public high schools in SF is a fun and stimulating experience where practically every AP credit class is available. Save your money and put it in your 401k or take really nice vacations abroad instead.  Read Less

I was lucky enough to attend an elite private high school that now costs around $27,000 a year (including laptop fee---every st...  Read More

I was lucky enough to attend an elite private high school that now costs around $27,000 a year (including laptop fee---every student is now issued an ibook to use for all fours years.  We used paper and pen back in my day).  Let's forget about the outrageous tuition for a second and focus on the positives: small classes where everyone learns to voice an opinion; courses like Ornithology, Circus Arts, Faulkner, printmaking, etc.; committed, often brilliant teachers who stick around for many years; no grades!; great outdoor program; great people in general. Definitely not a snotty institution, although they could probably stand to give out more scholarships to increase socio-economic diversity.  Speaking of which, I hear they are hiring a diversity specialist.  Either that's totally awesome, or indicative of dysfunction, I can't decide.  I'm proud to say that Urban was the first step in a series of expensive degrees that have taught me to think but don't qualify me for any kind of paying job.  Go Blue!  Read Less