The CamdenForward School is a private Christian school that offers a content-rich, traditional liberal arts curriculum and a variety of enrichment activities. The school provides regular on-level academic programs for all students and instills principles of love, care, respect, responsibility, service, and well-being throughout our programs.
100%
Scholarship Recipients
All students receive customized scholarships based on each family’s financial needs
89%
Daily Attendance
Our families are engaged and our teachers are attentive to students’ attendance and needs
20+
Minutes of Movement
Movement is incorporated into the daily schedule to promote well-being and strengthen classroom engagement
“When I think of UrbanPromise, I think of learning and having fun; reading, art, poetry.”
Shiaheem, 4th grade
Academics

Math

We believe a solid foundation in mathematics is necessary for academic and emotional growth. Our goal is to ensure students have the necessary foundation to promote future growth and competency.

Reading & Phonics

Students are taught the foundational decoding skill necessary to properly read and interpret text.  Small class sizes support students receiving individualized instruction.

Social Studies

Daily civics lessons provide the perfect setting for students to learn about their local and distant neighbors and their roles and responsibilities to support positive growth.

Science

Science education highlights our belief that children learn best through hands-on experiments that allow them to take what they learn in the classroom and apply it to real life.

Writing

Each student has a unique story to tell. Students are taught the fundamentals of grammar, spelling and punctuation, and how to articulate their thoughts and have clarity in their communications.

Faith Development

Students discover Biblical principles through study and grade-appropriate curriculum and activities.

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Experiential Learning Integration

The Monarch 
Project

Our on-campus Monarch Butterfly Garden invites students to engage closely with their migration. From watching metamorphosis in the classroom to releasing the beautiful creatures for their 2,500 mile migration, learning about the Monarch life cycles makes a lasting impression on students.

Wellness

Mind/Body Connection

Movement

Moving our bodies is an essential component of healthy living. Through physical activity, we explore the mind/body connection and help our bodies produce endorphins that help relieve stress.

The BE-WEHL Project

Promoting Resilience

In partnership with CHOP and their BE-WEHL Project, students in grades K-5 complete a six-week series on wellness related topics focused on promoting resilience.

Socio-Emotional Learning and Support

Support Services

Students in grades K–5 have bi-weekly sessions on topics ranging from bullying to self-regulation. Our Wellness team also provides crisis intervention, behavioral support and counseling.

From the Blog
Person

Alumni named award recipient

Aug. 9, 2021
School FAQ
How do I enroll my child in the school?

Please see the Enrollment page to learn more about how to enroll your child.

How much does the school cost?

UrbanPromise will offer a scholarship to all students. The scholarship is need-based and covers between 33% and 100% of the tuition cost. As part of your enrollment process, the principal or enrollment officer will review your income information and let you know the scholarship amount for which you qualify. Other potential costs include uniforms, transportation, and the school breakfast and lunch program—although most families qualify for free or reduced price breakfast and lunch.

What extra educational services are available for my child?

Children who qualify for additional services–either because of their standardized test scores or because of an evaluation by the Child Study team–have access to extra individualized or small group help from instructional aides or supplemental teachers and can have modifications made to their assignments or extra time to complete assignments or tests. Volunteer tutors, screenings by a school nurse, and extra help from teachers during or after school are available for all students. UrbanPromise schools do not have any self-contained classrooms, so any students who need that level of support in order to do their best may wish to consider another educational alternative.

Can my child play sports if they attend the high school?

The local public high school the student would attend, if they did not attend our school, is required by law to allow that student to try-out or participate in sports at the public high school like any student at that school.

Is there a uniform?

CamdenForward School and UrbanPromise Academy require students to wear a uniform. Uniform City on Broadway in Camden supplies uniforms for UrbanPromise students. Parents will receive a list of acceptable uniform options as a part of their application packet.

What is expeditionary learning?

UrbanPromise’s experiential learning programs expose youth to the diversity of people, places, and natural landscapes outside the environment of their everyday lives. Our programming follows the philosophy that education is a lifelong journey that, when nurtured, leads to an endless childlike curiosity and a continual quest to know “why.” Each component is designed to complement the academic rigors in place within the UrbanPromise classroom.  UrbanTrekkers aids in the leadership and character development of countless middle and high school youth, encouraging them to become motivated, disciplined, goal-oriented, and successful members of society.

Will my child have classes like art and gym?

Yes, both CFS and UPA offer art and gym All students participate in gym class each week. All CamdenForward School students have weekly art classes. UrbanPromise Academy students can choose to take art as one of their electives.

What does discipline look like at the school?

Discipline policies at the schools are designed to promote a safe and positive learning environment for everyone in the school community. Discipline is not about punishing bad behavior but about helping students develop self-control and self-regulation. Policies in the school seek to keep students in the classroom as much as possible while still providing a safe environment for everyone involved.

How will my child get back and forth to and from school?

Unfortunately, at the moment UrbanPromise is unable to provide transportation to and from school for our students. However, transportation supports are available. The Camden Board of Education provides bus passes for students living within Camden but more than a few miles from the school. Parents living outside Camden who drive their children to and from school can often apply for reimbursement from their local school district.

Is there an after school program for students?

There is an after care program for students at the CamdenForward School (K-8) called Elevate. Elevate is operated by the school and is only for students that attend our school. UrbanPromise offers additional neighborhood-based after school and summer camp programs for children in grades 1-8 that are open to our students and the community.

Meet the Staff
CamdenForward School Principal
Terry Bullock, MEd
Director of Strategic Initiatives
Ryan McCormick
Administrative Director of School Operations
Pauline Murfree