Seattle Urban Academy
Helping youth at risk find hope, through developing academic, social and spiritual maturity to graduate from high school to higher education and sustained employment.
www.seattleurbanacademy.org
Seattle Urban Academy (SUA) is a safe, alternative, Christian educational community. Since 1989, SUA has served at-risk teens, and is an integral part of CRISTA’s ongoing youth outreach. SUA is also part of a nationwide commitment to increase the national high school graduation rate.
We pour out Christ’s grace to students who have a history of academic failure. We do this through building relationships and focusing on rigorous and relevant alternative education.
SUA does everything it can to help students succeed. But we don’t back down an inch on accountability and teaching the students to take responsibility for their actions. Our teachers and staff nurture and believe in them, and send them out to be active contributors to the social, intellectual, economic and spiritual health of our communities.
Embrace. Build. Learn. Serve. This is the heart of Seattle Urban Academy.
Did you know?
- An average of 71% of SUA’s graduating seniors go on to a 2- or 4-year college
- Over half of SUA's seven staff members have advanced degrees: master's degrees and one doctorate.
- Community volunteers provide weekly lunches for SUA students—some have done this for 10 years
Hands-on Education
Sarah Lemm, in partnership with classmate Kyla Smith and videographer Tim Hamp, produced a ten-minute video about SUA which aired at the Miracle Event in May.
Sarah and Kyla did all the interviews, showcasing perspectives held by students and staff. “SUA is a positive place for people who are hurting,” says Sarah. “The video is more about what they were saying than what we were asking them.”
Watch the video and learn more about SUA!