Based in Miami, FL, Urgent Academy is a private middle school designed for creative young minds. We are a transformative small learning community where students' interests, culture, and creativity form the foundation for a unique educational journey, integrating career and technical education, personalized pathways, project-based learning, and the arts.

In 2025, our new home will be at the Children’s Village located at 217 NW 14 Terrace, Miami FL 33136.

Our Vision

Every student designs a future fueled by their interests, skills, unique culture, creativity, and community.

At Urgent Academy, we envision a transformative learning community where each student's distinct skills, interests, culture, and creativity are the foundation for designing their future. We are committed to fostering an environment where diverse voices and unique assets are not only valued but are integral in cultivating inventive minds and academic endeavors. 

Our Mission

Students are empowered to excel academically, explore their interests, drive their learning, and make meaningful contributions to their communities.

We aim to build each student’s capacity not only to envision their future but also to design it with confidence, purpose, and passion.

Our Values

Our values are encapsulated in the acronym IMPACT:

Innovation and Creativity

Mastery in Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving

Personal Agency and Leadership

Advancement through Lifelong Learning

Community and Collaboration

Transformation through Civic Engagement and Social Responsibility

This reflects Urgent Academy's commitment to nurturing well-rounded individuals who are prepared for what’s next with confidence, purpose, and a deep sense of community and responsibility. Through Innovation, Mastery, Personal Agency, Creativity, Transformation, and Strength in Empowerment, we are committed to ensuring our students are equipped to contribute positively and lead with integrity.

Our Story

Urgent Academy was founded as a visionary extension of URGENT, Inc., a creative youth development organization with a rich history since 1994. Urgent Academy builds upon this legacy and marks an exciting chapter in its 30-year journey. URGENT, Inc. has been at the forefront of empowering young minds through out-of-school time programs focused on media arts education, positive youth development, and career-connected learning. 

The genesis of Urgent Academy was fueled by a compelling need to redefine educational paradigms. We recognized the growing gap between what traditional schools offered and what our students needed – relevance, a sense of belonging, and platforms for expressing their unique selves. Urgent Academy was born out of the urgency to bridge this gap, to create a learning environment where creativity isn't just encouraged; it's the curriculum's cornerstone. By integrating URGENT, Inc.'s proven approaches to creative and positive youth development, Urgent Academy offers a multifaceted and dynamic educational experience. Join us in this extraordinary adventure as we continue to shape a brighter future for the creative minds of today.

This is our story – a story of innovation,  transformation, and empowerment.. Welcome to Urgent Academy.


To learn more about URGENT, Inc.’s work, visit www.urgentinc.org.  

Meet the Board of Directors

  • Saliha Nelson, EdD

    Urgent Academy

    FOUNDER | CEO

  • Graylyn Swilley-Woods, PhD

    Black Hospitality Initiative, GMCVB

    CHAIRWOMAN | ADVISORY BOARD

  • Henry Crespo, Sr.

    Urgent, Inc.

    BOARD MEMBER

  • Emily Gunter

    Urgent, Inc.

    BOARD MEMBER | SECRETARY/TREASURER

  • Michael Wohl

    Coral Rock Group

    ADVISORY BOARD MEMBER

  • Jessica Vasquez

    Dade County Federal Credit Union

    ADVISORY BOARD MEMBER

Learn More

 Policies

  • All employees and agents of a public school district, charter school or private school have an obligation and legal responsibility to report misconduct by instructional personnel and school administrators which affects the health, safety or welfare of a student. READ MORE

  • We are committed to providing the best possible education to our students and earning the trust of our families. If you are ever concerned about possible misconduct from an Urgent Academy staff member, please report it right away so we can address it. READ MORE

  • Urgent Academy (UA) admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. UA does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in the administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship programs,  and other school-administered programs.

  • A parentally placed private school student with a disability does not have an individual right to receive some or all of the special education and related services that the student would receive if enrolled in a public school under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.

  • Parent and Student Handbook