Overview of Urbana High School: Academics, Extracurriculars, and Recent News

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Urbana High School is a public secondary school located at 3471 Campus Drive, Ijamsville, Maryland, United States. It serves grades 9-12 and is part of the Frederick County Public Schools district. The school was founded in 1995 and has since grown rapidly, currently enrolling over 1,900 students.

Academic Programs

Urbana High School offers a variety of academic programs, including an Honors Program, an Advanced Placement (AP) Program, and the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Program. The IB program is particularly notable, attracting over 200 students from across the county. The school has been recognized for its high academic standards, consistently ranking among the top high schools in Maryland and nationally.

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Extracurricular Activities

The school has a robust extracurricular program, including a wide range of sports, clubs, and other activities. The sports teams, known as the Urbana Hawks, compete in various regional and state championships. The school also has a strong focus on student engagement and social-emotional learning, with programs designed to support students' overall well-being.

Recent News

Recently, Urbana High School has been in the news due to an incident where a man entered the school and assaulted a staff member. The incident occurred on September 17, 2024, and led to an increased police presence at the school during dismissal. The school resource officer and deputies are actively searching for the suspect.

Overcrowding Issues

Despite its academic and athletic successes, Urbana High School faces challenges related to overcrowding. The school is currently operating above its designed capacity, leading to issues such as crowded hallways and larger class sizes. This overcrowding affects the quality of education, as teachers struggle to provide individual attention to students in classes that average around 30 students.

Community and Parental Involvement

Urbana High School emphasizes the importance of parental involvement in their children's education. The school offers various opportunities for parents to engage, such as through the Parent Teacher Student Association, Booster Clubs, and mentoring programs. This partnership between the school and parents is seen as crucial for student success.

Notable Alumni

The school has produced several notable alumni, including Paralympic athletes, professional stunt performers, and creators in the entertainment industry. These alumni reflect the diverse talents and achievements of Urbana High School graduates.

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For more detailed information, you can visit the school's official website or its profiles on educational platforms like U.S. News and GreatSchools.