Universal Bluford Charter School (UBCS) is a community enriched educational institution serving West Philadelphia students in grades K through 6th. One of Universal Bluford Charter Schools' central goals is enriching the community through the provision of resources and viable community partnerships. Universal Bluford Charter School's Family and Student Resource Center will connect social and mental health services to families in need.

UBCS parters with: 

• Police Athletic League (PAL)
• Families and Schools Together (FAST)
• St. Mary's Episcopal Church
• Wordsworth's School Therapeutic Service (STS)

in order to enrich the school environment with resources designed to nurture the whole child's development into a well-balanced adolescent. Interwoven within the fabric of UBCS's daily practices are the principles of Nguzo Saba. These culturally-based principles are reviewed daily and used to nurture each student's development of a positive self-image. In addition to these enriching partnerships and practices, UBCS students will also have access to after school tutoring and extra-curricular activities such as dance, drums and tap. The collaborative goal of each of these services and practices is to fulfill Universal Bluford Charter School's mission. 

All Universal Bluford Charter School students will be provided with daily academic rigor, community-enriched resources and extra-curricular opportunities designed to nurture their development into well-balanced adolescents who areand empowered with positive self-images.

Administration

Ray Ragland, Principal 

Mr. Ray Ragland was born and raised in the city of Philadelphia; he attended the Philadelphia Public School system and ultimately graduated from Central High School in 1975. After high school Mr. Ragland went on to earn a B.S. in History from Lincoln University. Shortly after completing Lincoln University, he began his career in education with the Philadelphia Public School system as a middle school history teacher. He taught for 17 years before persuing a career in Administration. In 2006 Mr. Ragland earned his Master of Science in Educational Administration from Gwyneed-Mercy University. Since 2009, he has served Universal Companies in a variety of positions. Mr. Ragland served in the capacity of Assistant Principal with Universal Institute Charter School before moving on to the position of Principal with the Universal Bluford Charter School in school year 2010/2011. Outside of school Mr. Ragland is a proud member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc. Epsilon Chapter as well as Prince Hall Masonic Order. Mr. Ragland lives by the philosophy of "Yesterday's History", "Tomorrow's a Mystery", "Live for Today". Mr. Ragland is a dedicated instructional leader and believes both students and staff be held to the highest standards.  

Angela Ryans, Assistant Principal of Academics

Ms. Angela Y. Ryans began her postsecondary education at Philadelphia University where she received a Bachelor of Science degree. She continued on to Cheyney University where she earned a Masters Degree in Education. Ms. Ryans then obtained a second Masters Degree in Educational Leadership from Cabrini College.  She has devoted her life to being an educator who has worked with students and teachers with over 16 years of teaching experience. She approached teaching with creativity and utilized researched based best practices. As an administrator, she serves the staff as effectively as she serviced her students. Ms. Ryans builds trusting relationships with her staff and students and is recognized for bringing an upbeat spirit to her job. She has proven herself to be equitable and consistent in her previous roles as teacher and school climate coordinator and she utilizes these skills in her current position as assistant principal. Ms. Ryans is an educator who positions young people for greatness.

Keith Mackey, Assistant Principal of Operations

Kimberly Collins, Assistant Principal of Academics

Upcoming events:

February 25^th— Family Student Resource Center Presents: Parent Workshop on Math & Literacy (Grades 3-4) 4:30 - 5:30 pm 

February 28^th— Family Student Resource Center Presents: Parent Workshop on Math & Literacy (Grades 5-6) 4:30 - 5:30 pm 

Click here to download the Academic Calendar for the year!

UBCS adheres to the following Uniform Policy for all students:

Tops
· Must have a collar
· Colors, Grades K-5 – navy blue or white
· Colors, Grades 6-8 – maroon or white
· SOLID COLORS ONLY, no logos, no designer tops (i.e., Polo pony, GAP, Aeropostale, etc)
· No patterns

Sweaters
· Button front or pullover only
· NO HOODIES OF ANY TYPE
· NO LOGOS, NO PATTERNS

Skirts, Pants and Jumpers
· Must be knee length or longer
· Navy or Khaki (tan) only
· Solid colors only
· NO JEANS, NO LOGOS, NO PATTERNS
· No baggie pants – belts must be worn

Physical Education/Gym
· Navy blue sweat suit
· Solid color only
· NO LOGOS, NO PATTERNS
 

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!

The Universal Bluford Family and Student Resource Center ensures that all students receive the full complement of mental, health, behavioral and educational services available 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). 

Check the Events tab to the left to see workshops and activities being held at our FSRC!

Resource Center Manager: Fitsum Abay email: fabay@universalcompanies.org

Community Liaison: Yasmeen Ali | email: yali@universalcompanies.org

Parent Liaison: Fareeda Mabry | email: fmabry@universalcompanies.org

Social Services Case Manager Tiffany Murphy | email: tmurphy@universalcompanies.org