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The Urban Assembly School for the Performing Arts Home

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About Us, Mission, And Vision Statements

ABOUT US: 
The Urban Assembly School for the Performing Arts (UASPA) was founded in 2006 as part of the Urban Assembly Network. The Urban Assembly is a non-profit organization whose mission is to establish and support small public high schools with exciting curricular themes and a hands-on approach to instruction. The Urban Assembly network provides instructional and operational support to our school. To learn more visit: www.urbanassembly.org
 
At UASPA, we believe that all students deserve access to a rigorous academic and artistic high school experience; therefore, we do not screen or audition our students and we attract students from all five boroughs of New York City, who may not have had previous access to artistic study. We have partnerships with key organizations, such as Tony Bennett Foundation/Exploring the Arts, Martha Graham Dance Company, and EPIC Theatre Ensemble, that support our teachers with improving instruction by infusing the arts into their classrooms and providing students with exceptional art and career based learning experiences. We are also partnered with College Bound Initiative (CBI), a vital partner, that enables us to maximize students' college awareness, access, placement, and financial aid awards.
 
At UASPA, we believe that “education equals options,” meaning that students’ education and knowledge will provide them with the skills necessary to pursue the post-secondary path of their choice, whether that be in the arts or in another field. Our staff reflects these principles; for example, the Principal is a dancer who pursued a career in education, the Guidance Counselor is a vocalist who pursued a career in counseling and teachers who have backgrounds in all areas of the arts who pursued a career in teaching.
 
OUR MISSION:
The Urban Assembly School for the Performing Arts (UASPA) aims to sustain a challenging college-preparatory curriculum that infuses the performing arts into all aspects of the academic experience.  By using the arts as a teaching tool and providing students with the means to express themselves, UASPA will breathe life and creativity into all subjects and build confidence in all members of our school community. We will use the cultural and professional resources of New York City to ensure that students receive a rigorous education which exceeds state standards, are successful in earning a college degree, and have a vision for what their future holds.
 
OUR VISION:
Underlying our core curriculum is the belief that the performing arts will act as a tool for differentiated instruction and a catalyst for academic excellence for all students.  Graduates of Urban Assembly School for the Performing Arts will be critical thinkers and problem solvers who can discuss their ideas about Mathematics, English, Science, History, Foreign Language and the Performing Arts with confidence and insight.  Students will be a part of a personalized learning community in which all members of the faculty, staff, and parents contribute to the academic success of our students.  Students will take ownership and be informed about their academic progress, strengths and areas of development so that they can be active participants in their education.  Finally, our students will be valuable contributors to a community of artists, students and educators.  
 
 
Read More About Us and Mission Statement

At A Glance

  • getinvolvedAccess for ALL We are the only non-auditioned performing arts HS in NYC
  • PartnershipsKey partnerships help enrich our academics and arts programs.
  • Rigorous Academics100% of our graduates are accepted to college
  • College BoundWe offer 5 AP classes, dual enrollment classes with SUNY, and have a National Honor Society Chapter.
  • Rigorous ArtsA four year rigorous arts curriculum in dance, theatre, and vocal
  • brainstorm Social-EmotionalDevelopment We offer a four year Resilient Scholars Program to provide our youth with academic and life skills necessary for post-secondary success.

Principal's Message

Principal's Message Image
Dear Urban Assembly School for the Performing Arts Community,
 
I hope this letter finds you well. My name is Dr. Willayie Saygbe and it is with great enthusiasm and a profound sense of responsibility that I write to introduce myself as the new principal of Urban Assembly School for the Performing Arts (UASPA). I am honored to join such a dedicated community of educators, students, and parents, and I look forward to working together to continue the tradition of excellence that defines our school.
 
Allow me to share a bit about my background. Over the past 19 years, I have dedicated myself to enhancing educational outcomes by creating supportive, inclusive, and dynamic learning environments where every student can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. As a teacher, I fostered a love for learning and helped students achieve academic success. In my role as an assistant principal, I implemented effective policies and improved school performance. At the district level, I developed strategies that raised academic standards and student achievement. Additionally, I designed and led initiatives that significantly improved math instructional practices across the district.
 
As I step into this role, my primary goal is to build on the strong foundation already in place and to strive for even greater achievements. I am committed to fostering a collaborative and inclusive environment where every student feels valued and empowered to reach their full potential. I believe in the power of community and open communication, and I am eager to hear your thoughts and ideas on how we can continue to make UASPA a place where everyone thrives.
 
Thank you for welcoming me into the UASPA family. Together, we will continue to
make our school a place of excellence, innovation, and joy.
 
Warm regards,

Willayie S M Saygbe, Ed. D.
Read more Principal's Message

Recent News

2025 Spring Showcase

The 2025 Spring Showcase is taking place in May. Click below for more details.

Saturday School

Saturday school resumes every Saturday beginning May 3rd from 9am to 1pm, here at UASPA, until the June 2025 Regents. All students are welcome. This is MANDATORY for 9th grade students.

SAT Day

SAT exams will take place on Wednesday, April 30th here at UASPA for our 11th grade students. Students must arrive no later than 8:15am. The test begins at 8:30am. Late students will not be allowed in the testing room. Students will be dismissed after completion of the exam.
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