Urban Community Elementary School

Never have I been more disappointed in a school, it's administrators or it's staff. UCS is a poorly run school that seems so thirsty for voucher fund that it allows ANY kind of riffraff to attend. My daughter has been bullied since fall, 2011 and the only thing I was told by administration was "If she is so unhappy, perhaps you should take her somewhere else." The leadership at the school is a disaster at best. Our family has been lied to about how the bullying was addressed and now my daughter has started cutting herself. Not to mention the ever-present foul language that comes out of the student's mouths directed at one another, teachers and volunteers. We left a suburban school to expose our children to Christian values and those are way on the backburner at UCS. Their brochures & newsletters may say they focus on imparting Christian values and superior education, but in short, they don t! There s an event at the school tonight. Come check out how poorly behaved the students are.
—Submitted by a parent

My two children have attended this school since kindergarten. My eldest graduated and is currently a junior in high school. I must admit that I am dismayed at the turn that Urban has taken over the years. The school should no longer be considered a Catholic school. It is apparently more important to obtain voucher money than it is to teach christian values. My youngest daughter is several years away from graduation and I am astounded at the actions of students and teachers alike. There a fights in the cafeteria during school, threats of violence against students, and the list goes on and on. I am a working, educated person whom chose to live in Ohio City, I should be able to send my child to the catholic school associated with my church. I am very disappointed in the administration at Urban
—Submitted by a parent

I loved it. Very diverse and learned a lot. Good teachers!!

Partially rude Teacher , Partially rude staff, Terrible parents. I don't think there are teachers in this school who are qualify enough to be working there...if you work with kids your supposed to like kids, help them and understand them, not intimidate kids and make them feel like they can't ask a simple question. I do like to make clear I have encounter excellent teachers here but can also count how many with my fingers. My child can't wait to change school and to be honest neither can I. She will be moved to a better private school with much better reputation.
—Submitted by a parent

As graduation nears, I have noticed how inappropriate my earlier words were. It is true that I was under a lot of stress, but writing a review that may hurt the school's reputation was a bad idea. Let it be known that there have been the occasional teachers who show passion for their work and care for their students, and I can say that they have impacted my life in great ways. I thank God for the opportunity to participate in classes with such a diverse student body, and Urbans independent method helped me learn about myself. I cannot say that I am 100% prepared for High School, but I don't think that's a horribly bad thing. If I knew exactly what I had in store, I wouldn't learn anything. Going from Urban Community School to Trinity High School will be a complete perspective change, and I see it as a learning opportunity.
—Submitted by McKenzie Merriman, a former student

I am now in 8th grade at Urban. I've been attending this school my whole life. I enjoyed my experience up to 4th grade. Kids began getting ruthless and mean. I was under stress like one wouldn't believe. Now, I pray everyday that I won't have to face the torment that is the behavior of my classmates. I wish the teachers would do more to control immature, childish students. I am literally counting down the days to my graduation and I am free from this place.
—Submitted by McKenzie Merriman, a student

The Montesouri program is very nice, but only available up to 1st grade. I am having difficulty with newer parents that are rude and disrespective, their children are unkept and somewhat unruly. I've noticed some children are practically non functionable, constantly arrive late, and appear in need of therapy. The school and staff themselves are terrific. The school is brand new, just built this summer-it is immaculate and the gym is just beautiful. The principal is a wonderful person, as with other administrative employees; all helpful and kind---very respective of all children. It's the bad parents and their children that will bring the quality of this school down. The school is in the inner city, and most families are eligible for almost free tuition.
—Submitted by Concerned parent, a parent

UCS is mediocre, I do not believe my children are receiving the education they were promised. While it is better than the Cleveland Public Schools, I think that the teachers could be doing a much better job. The school itself no longer values individuality, as is seen by the fact that even the childrens' socks must meet dress code. I have two children struggling in math and one child has been harassed by teachers. The only reason my children still attend is the fact that it is better than Cleveland Public Schools. If we lived anyplace else, my children would go there.
—Submitted by a parent

the school has lost it's mission. The administration no longer cares about individual learning, but is more concerned with making this school larger. Students are no longer encouraged to be individuals, but are forced to try and fit in. There is no longer any creativity and joy.
—Submitted by a parent

The teachers at Urban community school are awesome!the make learning fun! no. really. my absoulute teacher at Urban was ms.Alyssa McGrath my 2nd and 3rd grade teacher. ok. other good teahers are: Ms.Roth Mrs.Conner, Ms. Katie ms. Joan and Mrs. Sybbl? all of whom who have gone out of the teaching buisness. i can not wat 'till the new school building is done! WOAH MAN! it'll be awsome! 5th grader, Colleen McLinden-I typed it!-Mckenzie
—Submitted by ColleenMckenzie MclindenMerriman, a student

I attended this school from K-8th grade. The faculty is very caring. They also show children how to learn in many different ways - not just sitting and reading from a book. They teach children how to think for themselves, and that they can achieve whatever they want! I wish I still lived in the area so that my children could attend!
—Submitted by a former student

Urban Community is a great school. I attended UCS for 11 years, PreScholl thru 8th grade, and currently my daughter attends there. You could not ask for a more caring faculty. The teachers go out of their way to make sure the students are reaching their full potential.
—Submitted by a former student