Urban Skills Center
Grades and ages
Ages 18-22
Enrollment
22 students
Student-teacher ratio
3:1 to 4:1 (staff to students)
Tuition
District Placement via IEP / Regional Center
About Urban Skills Center
Urban Skills Center is a co-educational transition school in San Diego for adults ages 18 to 22 with disabilities who have not yet earned a high school diploma. We are operated by The Institute for Effective Education, a nonprofit founded in 1972, and we are accredited by WASC and certified by the California Department of Education as a nonpublic, non-sectarian school.
Our students include young adults with learning disabilities, autism, ADHD, medical disorders, and behavior and emotional disabilities. Some complete the full course sequence required for a diploma by San Diego area high school districts, while others focus on functional skills such as money management, budgeting, computer navigation, functional reading, and health and nutrition, practiced first in school simulations and then on community outings. Social skills instruction runs throughout the day, supported by a staff counselor and men's and women's groups.
We staff at about one adult for every three to four students. Depending on each IEP, students receive speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, counseling, and behavior intervention planning. Most seniors complete volunteer and paid job experiences before graduating, and our school year runs 210 days.
Student fit
Who this school serves
Grades and ages
- Private
- Young Adult (18-22)
Learning needs supported
- Learning disabilities
- Autism
- ADHD
- Emotional and behavioral disabilities
- Medical disorders
Specialties
- Transition to adult life
- Functional life skills
- Vocational training
- Evidence-based instruction
Learning and support
Curriculum and therapeutic services
Services and supports
- Speech-language therapy
- Occupational therapy
- School counseling
- Behavior intervention planning
- Social skills training
Programs
Programs at Urban Skills Center
Other programs and supports
- Speech-language therapy
- Occupational therapy
- School counseling
- Behavior intervention planning
- Social skills training
School facts
Practical details for families
- School Day
- 6 hours
- School Year
- 210 days
- Student Body
- Coed
- Religious Affiliation
- Nonsectarian
Accreditation and licensing
- WASC
- NAPSEC Member School
Tuition and funding
Tuition: District Placement via IEP / Regional Center
- School district IEP placement
- Private placement
Enrollment
22 students
Visit us
Location and directions
Map
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Urban Skills Center
What is the mission of Urban Skills Center in San Diego?
Urban Skills Center is dedicated to preparing transition-age students ages 16–22 with disabilities for competitive employment, independent living, and community inclusion.
What vocational training opportunities are provided?
Students engage in on-campus business enterprises, retail/culinary skill labs, and supported off-campus internships with local San Diego employers.
Is placement funded by local school districts?
Yes, Urban Skills Center is a certified California Non-Public School (NPS) partnering with San Diego public school districts for transition-age IEP placements.
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