Our approach is to provide an affirming environment, low student-to-staff ratios and individualized curriculum.  SUA’s committed educators serve as mentors, advocates and life coaches.  Over time, as Principal Sharon Okamoto notes, “Relationships of trust grow, students discover they are loved, and they learn the value of honesty and accountability.”  Then, by working closely with youth agencies, businesses, law enforcement, civic groups and public and private officials, we’re able to provide the highest possible levels of opportunity to our students.

Having experienced academic failure in previous schools, students need a high level of individual attention, guidance and accountability. We concentrate that help in four areas for each student:

• Embrace - develop trusting relationships 
• Build - cultivate character 
• Learn - pursue academic excellence
• Serve - live with purpose 

 Every student, family member, staff member, volunteer, donor, partner and advocate that has ever been a part of Seattle Urban Academy will “always be part of the SUA family” (David Hodge, SUA student, 2002)!