What Makes UMMATI Different?
We believe that education is preparation for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. And for today’s learners, what lies ahead is a future that is drastically different than the world we live in now. Learners today will be responsible for creating that future, and to be prepared for that task, how and what they learn must transform to meet those challenges. We’ve created UMMATI for that reason.To help learners find their calling and prepare them to thrive in a rapidly changing world. We do this by challenging them to take ownership in their learning and to put it into practice by solving complex real-world problems using critical thinking, creation, collaboration, and innovation.
Latest Technology
UMMATI uses the latest technology in a self-paced learning environment designed to foster responsibility, goal-setting, and teamwork. UMMATI students are empowered to thrive in a world that needs independent, motivated thinkers and learners.Experiental Learning
We believe children learn best by doing. Whether it’s launching a startup business, creating a tidepool habitat, learning how to make Wudu, painting a mosaic, or programming a robot, UMMATI students are building real-life skills in the classroom every day.Mentorship
We believe the learning experience is much richer when the teacher (“murabbi/mentor”) offers insightful questions and facilitates hands on learning. Mentors use the reflective converstaions, always responding to students’ questions with new questions. This exchange hones students’ critical thinking skillsStudent Led
UMMATI is “student led.” This means young people take ownership of their education and peer relationships. UMMATI students learn to think independently, take responsibility and embrace challenge. They are being prepared to bring their own unique genius to the world.Apprenticeships
We believe in the power of apprenticeships. Beginning in middle school, our students obtain summer internships in a field they are passionate about. UMMATI students have interned with doctors, entrepreneur bakers, plumbers, attorneys and graphic designers. What will your child choose?Character Building
We encourage our students to develop personal virtues such as honesty, hard work, responsibility, kindness and empathy. Armed with purpose and good character, we believe our students will launch into adulthood prepared to find their calling and change the world.WHAT WE FOCUS ON
It’s About People
The quality of your relationships determines the quality of your life. So we focus on inspiring students to develop real friendships, a sense of personal accountability, and standing strong in their convictions even as you respect others around you.
Character Is Destiny
Character really matters. The right skillset combined with character is a recipe for long-term success. Skills without character are a recipe for disaster. That’s why we believe in developing meaningful skills and character.
Solve Big Problems
Don’t think small. There are countless big problems in the world, and we need people of vision and courage willing to tackle them. We encourage big dreams and big vision and teach the skills to accomplish those dreams.
Get Back Up
Be gritty. Everybody fails sometimes, but the determined person who gets back up and tries again (and again) is the person who succeeds in their ambitions. It’s OK to fall. Get back up and try again.
We Have What It Takes
We’re better together. We appreciate the perspective of others and realize that we are stronger as a team and community. We teach students to lead by listening and loving our neighbors so that now and forever, they can work together with the person beside them.
A Truly Different Approach to School
Take a look at this from 2 different perpectives
What sets us apart:
- We have Mentors not teachers
- We have mixed-age Studios not classrooms
- We have Self Assesments + Portfolios + Exhibitions not grades
- We have Contracts and Covenants not rules
- We ask questions not lecture
- No homework!
- Hands-on + E-learning
- Students learn at their own pace
- Travel is encouraged
- Apprenticeships begin in middle school