Saved Schools

UP Academy

UP Academy, nominated by an anonymous organization, is an elementary school in San Mateo, California, that describes itself as an independent (private) school serving learners from a primarily urban area.

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Location San Mateo, California

Governance Independent (Private) School

Grades Pre-Kindergarten, Elementary

Students 30

Locale Urban

Founder Tanya Sheckley

Demographics

Percentage of students*

—

English Learners

—

Free/Reduced Lunch

30%

Students with Disabilities

African American or Black —

American Indian/Alaska Native —

Asian 40%

Hawaiian or Pacific Islander —

Hispanic or Latino —

White 35%

2+ Races —

Why UP Academy was nominated

UP Academy's unique methodology includes universal accommodations, a community framework, multi-sensory learning and a project based approach that works to build agency and develop important social emotional intelligence. Students love to come to school, can't wait to work on their next project and show growth rates at twice the national average.

Student experience design

UP Academy is a progressive K-5 micro-school that utilizes a concept and project based curriculum that allows students to apply the knowledge, skills and concepts they master in school to the real world. Our students develop 21st century skills, a global perspective, and empathetic action in an environment that nurtures creativity and encourages curiosity. We empower students of all abilities to find strength in their community, believe in the power of their ideas, and influence action in the world around them. Our small, mixed age classes create a loving environment where each student builds a strong relationship with the peers and educator resulting in a deeper and richer educational experience. We meet students at their level and create the right amount of challenge for them to achieve their goals while loving learning. Content is not age or grade specific, it is student specific. We believe that a good educational model isn’t everyone getting the same thing, it's everyone getting what they need to be successful and thrive. Deep, interdisciplinary project based learning contributes to the magic of Up Academy. Students engage in meaningful projects that allow them to engage authentically in their community to solve problems. Over the course of a trimester the students are able to grow in wonder as they make discoveries and explore their topic through hands-on activities and field trips. Each project culminates with an exhibition day, where the students get to demonstrate their learning and craftsmanship. Our students focus on developing their own identities as individuals and an understanding of who they are as Americans in a global world, humans in a diverse ecosystem, and critical questioners in an ever changing environment.

Core Practices

Core Practices Length of Use

Competency/mastery-based Education
3-4 years

Multi-age Classrooms
5+ years

Project-based Learning
5+ years

SEL Integration School-wide
5+ years

Universal Design For Learning
5+ years

All Practices

Advancement On Mastery

AI For Teacher Productivity

Anti-racist Practices

Assessments For Deeper Learning

Assessments For Social-emotional Skills

Blended Learning

Co-leadership

Community And Workforce Partnerships

Family And Community Support Services

Culturally Responsive Practices

Dual Language Programming

Flexible Staffing & Alternative Teaching Roles

Grading Policies Focus On Mastery

All Courses Designed For Inclusion

Individual Learning Paths

No Tracked Classes

Performance Based Assessment

High Quality Instructional Materials

Restorative Practices

SEL Curriculum

Student-led Goal Setting

Students Develop Projects

key reasons for innovating

Demonstrate what’s possible for other schools

Improve school culture

Increase teacher agency

Date Updated: 4/1/2026

*Canopy profile data is self-reported or sourced from NCES data, then verified by school leaders.