© copyright 2009 Union Independent School |Durham, North Carolina | (919) 682-5903 | email: tkweaver@unionis.org
Welcome to Union Independent School
A founding principle of our country contends that talent, not circumstance, should determine destiny. However, for many children who live in challenging urban environments the struggles begin early, the obstacles are significant and, over time, the gaps in academic performance widen dramatically. Insufficient exposure to the essential elements of academic success, particularly in early childhood; the hardships of daily life; the obstacles of deflated expectations; and the burden of hopelessness - all have contributed to a national crisis resulting in a waste of talent and squandered potential among our youth.
In evidence:
- Low-income children typically enter kindergarten a full year and a half behind in language skills.
- By fourth grade, 86% of low-income children cannot read proficiently and 74% lack basic mathematical skills.
- Over 50% of all low-income children fail the NAEP (National Assessment of Education and Progress) Achievement Test, the "nation's report card."
The gaps in achievement and opportunity are clear and wide and the responsibility to bridge those gaps must be collaborative and immediate. Many things can wait. Our children cannot.
Our brand new, state-of-the-art, 49,000 square foot facility is currently under construction and scheduled to be completed in late Spring 2009 so that we may open our doors to our students and families on July 15, 2009, the first day of school! Our beautiful building includes spacious classrooms each containing a “Smart” Board, digital projector, and personal computers/laptops; a science lab; visual arts and music rooms; a media center with AV storage; a gymnasium/multi-purpose area; a fitness center; a full-service cafeteria; outdoor playground space with state-of-the art equipment; and, a conference room and numerous faculty and staff office spaces. In addition, the building will also contain allocated space for a separately run day care, preschool, and a planned health & wellness center.
While we are thrilled about our new and beautiful building, it is our cornerstones of programs, partnerships, and expectations that will excitedly set us apart:
- Cutting-edge technology tools and a breakthrough curriculum of best practices in the fundamentals of reading, writing, and mathematics – with cross-curricular connections to science and social studies in the early elementary years; and, full, content-area study in upper elementary and middle school
- A laboratory school model with collaborative partnerships in programmatic areas – nutrition and wellness, technology, economic literacy, entrepreneurship, foreign language, visual and performing arts education, and global awareness
- An overarching emphasis on academic achievement and character development
- Small class size allowing for a student/teacher ratio of roughly 12 to 1
- An extended school day and school year inclusive of additional tutorial assistance, counseling, and mentoring
- Experiential education including hands-on learning, special speakers, and field trips
- A culture of high expectations and unyielding standards
- A learning environment of purpose and joy, commitment and compassion
- A focus on the individual student and his/her full intellectual, physical, personal and moral growth
- A commitment of investment and involvement from every family
- A variety of parent and family educational programs and services
- No excuses, no compromises, no short-cuts
We look forward to having you visit our beautiful campus to observe the life-changing experience that is Union!
Very sincerely,
Troy K. Weaver Head of School