University Charter School (UCS) is a public charter school located on the campus of the University of West Alabama (UWA) in Sumter County. The school was opened in August 2018, serving students in grades Pre-K through 8th grade, with plans to add one grade per year until it serves students in Pre-K through 12th grade.
Mission:
The mission of University Charter School is to be an innovative, rural, diverse K-12 school that values collaboration with key stakeholders to cultivate independent thought, promote the building of character and civic responsibility and is committed to preparing all students for personal and professional success through the discovery of individual learning pathways in a rigorous and integrated Science, Technology, Reading, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STREAM) focused, project-based and place-based curriculum.
Vision:
The vision of UCS is to become the rural leader for producing adaptable learners that have a strong sense of place and mission who recognize the value of collaboration within a school, across a community, and between diverse rural regions.
University Charter School is guided by three core values: compassion, integrity, and perseverance. Focus on the infusion of these values will foster a safe and supportive school environment for all students and provide a common foundation on which to build positive relationships throughout the school.
UCS’s program focuses on a student-centered approach, the main characteristics of which are personalized learning, competency-based promotion and progression, off-campus learning opportunities, and student ownership of the education process. Using a curriculum that is geared toward college and career readiness, UCS will partner with local businesses and the University of West Alabama (UWA) to create pathways that prepare students for life after high school. UCS will emphasize dual-enrollment and service-learning.
The University Charter School (UCS) model is best defined using the UCS motto of R3EACH, “Rethinking and Renewing Rural Education, Achieving Collaborative Heights." Concepts of inclusion, courage, integrity, distinction, and stewardship will be key elements to the success of the R3EACH model, allowing the school to overcome some of the unique challenges facing rural public education in the Alabama Black Belt region. It is hoped that University Charter School’s ambitious goal to R3EACH every child will allow them to break through the cycle of poverty and ill-preparedness for the youth of Sumter County.