Defining Ubuntu
Inspired by an profound South African philosophy of humanism called “ubuntu” (/oo-boon-too/), a new-model preschool is born that captures the essence of local community found in Ann Arbor, MI.
The U School applies this philosophy to grow individuality and teamwork in children during their most powerful developmental years of life. Embedding ubuntu practices into our unique “U School Approach” naturally guides children and their families to establish ubuntu practices at school, at home, and in their community. The result benefits the child, the family, our community, and our world.
At the U School we celebrate the strengths of the individual child, the family, our school community, and the people and resources of the greater Ann Arbor area. We aim to reinforce and enhance our connection to all of those things.
Founding Story
The U School was founded in 2015 by Ryan Brown and Jackson Perry to address the rapidly evolving needs of early childhood aged children growing up in the 21st century. Ryan and Jackson grew up in the Ann Arbor community and have a combined 40 years of experience working in education and youth programming, both in Michigan and California. After years of dreaming up a vision for a new school that redefines children’s connection to their educational experience and their community, they made it a reality.
The U Philosophy of Learning was created to develop a new high quality early childhood education experience that uses ubuntu as a guiding principle woven throughout our pedagogy to emphasize the innate human connection that all children have to themselves and the world around them. As Executive Director, Ryan continues to lead the U School in cultivating passionate educators and providing families with a unique experience in early childhood education that is easily distinguishable in Ann Arbor, showcasing the best of our community.
What makes us unique?
The U School Approach™ to Early Childhood Education
- U Philosophy of Learning
- Curriculum Delivery
- Skillful Togetherness Curriculum (SkT)
- Ubuntu
- The U School Lexicon
- Mindfulness
- Plans for PEACE and Conflict
U School Staff
- Extensive early childhood experience combined with degrees and certifications. Visit the U Team page for complete bios of each staff member.
- Child and Family Support Coordinator
- “Specials” Teachers (current offerings)
- Art Studio
- Yoga
- Capoeira
- Music
U Food
- Provided snacks emphasize nutritional value and are “power packed”
- Committed to sourcing local and organic foods as often as possible
- Snack menus are curated to be inclusive to just about all by being nut-free, vegan, and gluten-free
U Family Programming
- Extracurricular activities (sports, arts, cooking)
- Community gatherings and play events
- Parent Night Out events
- Caregiver workshops and course offerings
Visit the Programs page to learn more about current and upcoming offerings!
If you have any other questions that are not answered on the website, please don’t hesitate to contact us!