What is U School?

U School is a program run by the U of A Senate that began in 2009-2010. It is rooted in the belief that university should be accessible to all students as a place to grow and learn.  The program has grown immensely since it started, and in recent years we have hosted approximately 40 classes between September to May each school year.

2025-26 U School Year End Report       Listen to U School's Conversation on CBC's Radioactive

What happens at U School?

Along with their teachers, students attend a week-long immersion experience on the University of Alberta North Campus. Using the Inquiring Minds model, the week is planned and organized by the U School Program Lead, and is led by a U School Classroom Facilitator. The class’ schedule is built around their teacher’s application, which often focuses on a theme such as Science, Historical Thinking, or “Reaching for the Stars”. U School sessions are also tied to the Alberta Curriculum, and the many academic and career opportunities available at the University of Alberta.

 

What about the cost and who can apply?

There is no cost for U School, but the program is limited to grades 3-9 classes that are in socially vulnerable areas within Edmonton, Indigenous (FNMI - First Nations, Métis & Inuit) schools in Edmonton and the surrounding area, and rural school surrounding Edmonton.

Who supports U School?

U School is made possible by the ongoing support of the University of Alberta, and by generous donations from countless individual and organizational donors.

Who else makes the week-long experience a success?

Many hands make great work at U School! Along with the planning done by the U School Program Lead and the work of the Classroom Facilitators, U School is supported by many dedicated volunteers. All of the sessions are offered by volunteer presenters who have a passion to share their discipline with visiting students. There are also mentor volunteers who assist students during their sessions, and volunteers who agree to be interviewed by students to teach them about university life.

“U School didn’t just make me think about 2031 but it made me realize that I have only a couple of years to get my grades up and plan my future for myself [...] I am proud of how much I have stretched my thinking and thought to myself that whatever I end up doing, I can remember how good this experience was and it will make me want to go to university.”
- Grade 7 student, Two Hills School