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Last updated on June 2, 2008

United for Success is a new small public school in an underserved immigrant and minority community created to replace a large middle school that has struggled for years to achieve academic results. Our approach is based on rigorous parent outreach, high explicit standards, project-based learning, emphasis on building human relationships and trusting students to step up as leaders in the community. Our old building does not convey to students that their efforts are respected and appreciated. We have a very hard-working and collaborative faculty with a strong shared vision. In just our first year, we have already begun to see dramatic improvements in both performance and school culture.

Description:
United for Success currently has 200 students in grades 6-7 but will add 8th grade and double its 6th grade for a total of 360 students next year. UFSA shares the Calvin Simmons site with another small school, Peralta Creek Middle School. Our hallmark is our project Expo's when students present collaborative projects to their parents and the community. We have an excellent after-school program with arts, sports and technology electives.

History:
In 2004, Oakland decided to phase out Calvin Simmons Middle School on 35th Avenue in the Fruitvale district, and to incubate two new small schools to take it's place. An intense community-based design process took a year and resulted in our opening in August of 2006.

Contact people:

Phil Cotty, Principal, (phone), (email) Milciadis Diaz, Administrative Assistant, (phone), (email) Jenny Rienzo, Volunteer Coordinator, (phone), (email)

Office fax number: (510) 879-1493

Address:

2101 35th Avenue Oakland, CA 94601 (See a map)

Web Site: http://www.unitedforsuccess.org

Directions:

From south/east: take 880 to High Street exit. turn right on High Street. Turn left on Foothill Blvd. Turn right on 35th Avenue. From north/west: take 880 to Fruitvale exit. Turn left on Fruitvale. Go 2 miles and turn right on Foothill Blvd, then left on 35th Avenue. From north/east: take 580 to 35th Avenue exit. Turn right on 35th.   Nearest Metro/Subway Stop: Fruitvale (BART),   Walk distance (in minutes): 20 minutes

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