Why UAI?
A School on a Mission
As a small, close-knit school, UAI is dedicated to promoting racial equity and advancing the personal and academic growth of young women everywhere. While our goals are ambitious, our approach is rooted in compassion, community, and support. We know that for students to find their spark, confidently pursue their dreams, and thrive in a complex world, they need a full toolbox of academic and life skills. That’s why our teaching is holistic, nurturing the growth of the whole child over time.
Our curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, problem-solving, and civic-mindedness, preparing students to become inquisitive, lifelong learners. Equally important is our commitment to social-emotional well-being—for students, staff, and families alike. We focus on self- and social awareness, goal-directed behavior, and the essential skills needed for success in school, work, and life.
At UAI, our core values—Joy, Rigor, Power, and Equity—guide every decision we make. They shape our classrooms, our hallways, and our relationships, creating a vibrant, inclusive, and empowering learning environment where every student can thrive.
Why All-Girls STEM Education Matters
Graduates of girls’ schools are six times more likely to consider majoring in math, science, and technology and three times more likely to consider engineering compared to girls who attended coed schools.
—Goodman Research Group, The Girl's School Experience: A Survey of Young Alum of Single-Sex School
Why All-Girls STEM Education Matters
Girls’ school graduates are six times more likely to consider majoring in math, science, and technology—and three times more likely to consider engineering—than girls from coed schools.
(Goodman Research Group, The Girl's School Experience)
Historically, girls have been tracked away from STEM, limiting their access and preparation for high-paying, in-demand careers. Today, women make up only 34% of the STEM workforce, and the gender gap is largest in fields like computer science and engineering.
At UAI, we are breaking these barriers. We provide equitable, high-quality STEM education that empowers all students—regardless of race, gender, or socioeconomic background—to reach their full potential.
How We Do It
Peer Role Modeling:
In our all-girls environment, success in STEM is visible. When every student excelling in Advanced Calculus, Chemistry, or engineering is a girl, it sends a clear message: “You can do this too.” Peer role modeling builds confidence, ambition, and a culture where girls feel empowered to pursue STEM without hesitation
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Rigorous STEM Curriculum:
We challenge and inspire students with over 7 AP courses, college-credit courses through CUNY, and a partnership with NYU Tandon School of Engineering, where students take engineering courses on campus for free. Our curriculum prepares students for top post-secondary programs and future careers in STEM.
Confidence & Growth Mindset:
Hands-on, collaborative learning encourages students to take risks, embrace challenges, and persist through setbacks. By fostering resilience and a growth mindset, we help students break stereotypes and build the confidence to pursue ambitious goals.
Why It Matters
Economic & Personal Security:
STEM careers are among the fastest-growing and highest-paying. Providing girls with equal access helps close the gender pay gap, ensures a diverse workforce, and empowers women to thrive in these fields.
Ending Bias:
Gender and race bias still hinder girls’ progress in STEM, especially for Black girls, Latinas, and other marginalized youth. Myths like the “math brain” persist, but research shows no innate gender differences in ability. UAI actively dismantles these barriers, proving STEM is for everyone.
Research consistently shows that single-gender academic environments offer significant benefits for young women. Students in these schools tend to have higher self-confidence and stronger academic performance compared to their coed peers. They also report feeling less constrained by traditional gender roles and are more likely to pursue STEM majors and careers after high school.
