Our Curriculum
Emphasizing critical thinking + relevant learning
The Urban Assembly Unison School's curriculum emphasizes critical thinking across all classes and a comprehensive approach to building a supportive environment across our school. We know that when students are engaged in thought-provoking and rigorous tasks, specifically those relevant to their lives, they leave Unison prepared for success in high school, college, careers, and beyond.
Watch our video to explore our system of grading for equity, accuracy & social-emotional wellbeing.
English Language Arts
At Unison, the ELA curriculum focuses on reading and writing in many forms that connect to real life audiences and contexts. In an ELA class, students read, discuss and write every day. An ELA student at Unison will choose texts based on their interest, learn about topics of their interest, and study authors from around the world to develop their writing skills. We believe that reading and writing are powerful ways to become active and engaged citizens.
Beginning in the 2024-2025 school year, Unison, along with all other District 13 schools, will be utilizing the Expeditionary Learning English Language Arts curriculum which focuses on building students' background knowledge through theme-based units of study. We are excited about the curriculum!
Mathematics
Our Mathematics courses emphasize deep learning about the essential math concepts in all three grade levels Curriculums are mapped to build upon the understandings from the previous grade and lessons are planned to be engaging, relevant, and provide opportunities for student voice and choice. Our students engage in real-world problem solving and regularly receive feedback to support their personal reflection about their strengths and areas of growth in math.
Unison is implementing the Illustrative Mathematics curriculum in grades 6-8. This curriculum emphasizes students being the "makers of meaning" with an emphasis on conceptual understanding, problem solving, accuracy and efficiency.
Science
Science courses at Unison are designed to be student-led and inquiry based. Our students are presented with real-world problems designed to challenge their current understandings to make way for their deeper understandings of science concepts. These will serve as their foundation for their future STEM experiences in high school, college and beyond. We believe that meaningful STEM learning happens when students are in the driver's seat of their learning. Our students are asking questions, testing ideas and collaborating with one another to creatively figure out solutions and make meaning. We use Amplify Science as the basis of our curriculum to ensure students are meeting grade-appropriate standards.
Social Studies
At Unison, the Social Studies curriculum uses engaging and innovative educational resources. Our curriculum empowers students to understand the relationship between history and current issues while developing the analytical skills to become thoughtful global citizens. We believe that social studies has the potential to prepare our students for college, careers, and civic life with an emphasis on civic engagement and activism. Inquiry is at the heart of our curriculum, we use questions to spark curiosity in order to guide instruction, deepen investigations, and apply knowledge and ideas to real world events to become active engaged citizens in the 21st century.
French
The Urban Assembly Unison School offers a three-year program of studies in French for grades 6 – 8. The 8th Grade students at Unison have the option to opt into an Advanced Concentration program of study class which is held once a week which focuses on language immersion, while all students at Unison take the following classes over 3 years: Beginner French in 6th Grade, French IA in Grade 7 and French IB in Grade 8. The goal of The World Languages and Cultures program is to help students build proficiency in the reading, writing, listening and speaking of a second language, as well as gain a fundamental knowledge of the literature, culture, and traditions associated with the nations where it is spoken.
Visual Art
Our art curriculum goes beyond creativity – it is a pathway to future opportunities. Our program not only nurtures students' artistic talents but also guides them in preparing their portfolios for specialized schools, should they choose to pursue this path. With dedicated instruction, personalized feedback, and tailored projects, we empower aspiring artists to showcase their skills and realize their potential.
Physical Education
Phys Ed at Unison includes practice, application, and mastery of fundamental skills needed in many different sports. Students work together to establish a safe space within the gymnasium or outside space, making sure that everyone is able to participate. The year begins with team building exercises to create a space that incorporates the values of teamwork, collaboration, and sportsmanship. Students learn skill building and game play in sports including soccer, basketball, volleyball, badminton, floor hockey, and flag football.
Health
Health education is a required academic subject for students in all grades. In this class, students learn how to take care of their minds, their bodies, and their relationships with others. They learn the concepts and skills they need to be healthy for life, including:
social and emotional skills
how to set goals for life and health
how to find and use health services
good communication and relationship skills
how to set boundaries and resist negative social pressure
