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, develop monthly curriculum and regrouping strategies. 

UICS uses the whole language approach supported by the Harcourt Brace Reading Series, Trophies.  These programs foster a love of reading and supports students that are below grade level, as well as challenge students who are on or above grade level.

MindPlay, Universal from Kevin Lynch on Vimeo.

Administration:

Johnny Walker, Principal 

Mr. Walker joined UICS in July 2000. He is the educational leader of UICS as well as lead principal for the Universal EMO family of schools. Johnny is from Brooklyn, New York, where he was Principal of Redesign schools and Schools Under Registration Review. He was also responsible for developing music programs for the Jackie Robinson Center for Physical Culture, a community after-school program in Brooklyn. In addition to his work as a Principal, Johnny has experience as an entrepreneur and businessman, and has worked in the music industry for several years. He was the CEO of Walk-On Enterprises and owner of Black Label Records. Johnny has served on the boards of many local social and community organizations, and holds advanced degrees from Fordham University, the University of Massachusetts, and Brooklyn College.

Zenobia Shah, Assistant Principal of Operations 

Dr. Crystal Breedlove, Assistant Principal of Academics

All parents interested in enrolling children must supply us with a copy of the following items:

1. Child's Birth Certificate
2. Updated Immunization record
3. Social Security Card
4. Address Verification Last report card
5. Last report card
6. TerraNova/PSSA Test scores

Recruitment of incoming students begins during January. Application deadline for inclusion in the lottery is the last day of February.  Letters of acceptance are sent out in March.

Universal Institute Charter School does not discriminate and is committed to ensuring that all of its programs and facilities are accessible to all members of the public.

Click here to download the Parent Handbook

Click here to download a letter from the School District about "Zero Tolerance for Violence"

UICS 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 patters

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
 

Click here to download the January Calendar for the Family and Student Resource Center! 

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 to download the February calendar of events!

Click here to download the academic calendar for the year!