About us
Uptown Arts & Science Charter High School is under the umbrella of the iLearn School charter management organization (CMO). iLearn Schools began as Bergen Arts & Science Charter School (ASCS) in September of 2007, serving just under 300 students in a small K-5 school building located at 200 MacArthur Avenue in Garfield, N.J. The school was created to give all students, regardless of where they live or what their backgrounds, equal opportunities for success in life moving forward. Recognizing the need for the same opportunities elsewhere, Passaic ASCS was then established in 2010 with 350 K-5 students served. iLearn Schools continues to grow, as Paterson ASCS was founded in 2013 and Hudson ASCS followed soon after in 2015. 2019 was a milestone year for iLearn, as the organization expanded for the first time ever beyond New Jersey by opening The Bronx ASCS.
Today, iLearn Schools has grown to serve more than 5,700 students across 18 campuses, 5 Districts, and 2 States. iLearn Schools currently also has over 950 faculty and staff members, as the organization continues to discover and develop unique talents while broadening its reach to students from both near and far.
iLearn’s high schools are especially well-renowned for preparing students for college and career success, while making a lasting difference in future societies and for generations to come.
Mission & Vision
Mission
The mission of Uptown Arts & Science Charter School is to provide a high-quality STEAM-based education in an innovative learning environment that empowers students to meet and surpass grade level expectations and succeed in college and careers.
Vision
Uptown Arts & Science Charter School aspires to prepare students academically, socially, emotionally, and behaviorally for college, meaningful careers, and inspired living.
Core Values
Curriculum
Uptown Arts & Science Charter High School (ASCS) stands as a beacon of educational innovation in the 21st century, prioritizing instructional technology and forward-thinking learning methodologies. Smart Boards, digital pens, and Chromebooks with Schoology access define each classroom, creating a tech-infused environment. Weekly meetings between Instructional Coaches and teachers ensure seamless curriculum implementation, while School Instructional Technology Coordinators (SITCs) guide teachers in integrating technology tools for enhanced instruction.
The curriculum's STEAM focus challenges students to apply 21st-century skills to real-world problems, fostering innovation through Design Challenge Classrooms and Standards-Based Grading (SBG). The English Language Arts (ELA) curriculum adopts a balanced literacy approach, emphasizing close reading skills and real-world application.
College & Career Readiness
The Pathways to College (PTC) program provides a comprehensive college preparation experience, offering STEM and Humanities tracks, AP courses, college visits, and mentor-mentee relationships. The groundbreaking "30 College Credit Program" allows seniors to earn college credits simultaneously, addressing financial barriers for low-income students.
Uptown ASCS's success is further underscored by its alumni tracking initiatives, ensuring ongoing support and career advancement opportunities. With personalized college guidance, PSAT and SAT testing on site, and a robust PTC program, students are well-equipped for a smooth high school-to-college transition, excelling in both academics and future career pursuits.
Core Values
Honesty
We tell the truth and admit wrongdoing. We are trustworthy and act with integrity.
Integrity
We exhibit integrity by doing what is right. We are role models for other students/staff by carrying ourselves with dignity.
Respect
We show high regard for our colleagues and teachers, our students and classmates, and ourselves. We treat others as we want to be treated. We understand that all people have value as human beings, and we respect differences and embrace others’ perspectives.
Community
We demonstrate pride in our school. We offer assistance to our fellow classmates and colleagues and teachers. We are a family.
Compassion
We are compassionate through both word and deed. We care deeply about others and respect differences of opinions. We are kind and show empathy toward our classmates and colleagues and teachers.
Excellence
We strive for excellence by exemplifying positive leadership, responsibility, organization, and a consistently positive attitude.
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