A small, Christian, drop-in tutoring center.
A safe place for street youth and adults.
A loving place of welcome and belonging.

Seattle Street School started out in 1989 as all of these things for youth without direction in life.  Andrea Taylor, who founded the school, described the consistent desire of the program’s supporters:

“This is the last stop for many of these kids.  We will do whatever we can to
help them.  Whatever we can to keep them alive.”

In 1990, the school began to focus on helping low-income minority youth to earn a high school diploma. In 1993, the small school sought an administrative partner and became a division of CRISTA Ministries, a para-church organization dedicated to education, world health and human services.  By 1995, the name had changed to Seattle Urban Academy, reflecting the character of the school more accurately.  

Located since 1997 in Seattle’s Rainier Valley, SUA has a clear strategy for success:

• Christ-centered approach – While the academy’s teachers are dedicated educators, they are also committed mentors, sharing the love of Christ as life coaches and advocates, and providing one-on-one attention.
• Personal investment – Students are given a constructive understanding of themselves spiritually, academically, and vocationally.
• Community partnerships – Organizations and individuals within the community provide internships, job shadows, and other long-term involvement.
• Donor- and volunteer-supported programs – Tutoring, lunches, mentoring, school supplies, graduation celebrations are all areas where our volunteers are vital to the success of SUA students. 

This strategy has paid off – young people who came here thinking they wouldn’t get high school diplomas have graduated and the majority of those have gone on to higher education.  It works!