Welcome to UCS!

Thank you for your interest in Urban Community School.

Update for 2026-2027 School Year Admission: Kindergarten application deadline is Sunday, February 1, 2026.

Our Policy

Admission to Urban is selective and based on several factors: academic readiness, sibling relationships, economic need, residence, and parent partnership. There is an admission screening process for all students; it varies based on the age/grade level of the prospective student. All students are admitted for a probationary period. 

The main point of entry to Urban is our Pre-Kindergarten program, for which students must be four years of age before September 1 of the school year. Our Pre-Kindergarten has earned the top Gold Banner rating in the Ohio Department of Education Step Up To Quality program. We are also a member of Universal Pre-Kindergarten (UPK) and Pre4CLE, both of which are focused on enabling parents to enroll their children in high-quality programs.   

We also welcome new students into our Kindergarten program at age five. We have a limited number of preschool spots for three-year-old students. Students transferring from other elementary schools are handled on a case-by-case basis.

Through the use of differentiated instruction, UCS focuses on the whole child to help each reach his or her own highest potential. We have a long history of helping students prepare for success at a wide range of high schools, including some of the most competitive in the Cleveland area.

Interested families should submit an inquiry form. You will then be contacted by a member of the Enrollment Team. A complete admission application with supporting documents is required and is available upon request. Admitted students must register and pay an $100 registration fee.