The Basics of TIEE’s Teaching Method are: Catch students being good a lot and praise them for it, Teach all expectations for school, classroom, and lessons, Teach at each student’s optimum learning level, Maximize attention to task and opportunities for all students to respond, Teach to mastery before moving on to new material, and Use daily measures of student progress as a guide to what to teach.
The Institute for Effective Education is committed to creating, providing and evaluating positive environments in which all people learn the skills and knowledge essential to success.
We will teach others to implement such environments and we will advocate that they be made available to all learners.
Quick Facts (2025-26)
- School Type: Special Education School
- Grades: 12
- Enrollment: 66 students
- Application Deadline: None / Rolling
- Source: Verified school update
School Overview
School Type
School Membership(s)School Assoc.
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades 12
Year Founded
1972
School Calendar
Student Body
Total Students
66 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
45%
State avg.: 51%
Students by Grade
Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
5 teachers
Student-Teacher Ratio
13:1
National avg.: 13:1
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
None / Rolling
School Notes
- School Motto: You have the most positive schools I've ever seen!
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the application deadline for Urban Skills Center?
The application deadline for Urban Skills Center is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).
In what neighborhood is Urban Skills Center located?
Urban Skills Center is located in the Mission Valley neighborhood of San Diego, CA. There are 3 other private schools located in Mission Valley.
School Reviews
Endorse Urban Skills Center. Endorsements should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
- Academic or athletic awards
Recent Articles
What Private School Alumni Say a Decade Later
Ten years after graduation, private school alumni reflect on advantages, regrets, career impact, and life lessons—unearthing truths families need to know.
Can Private School Help with College Admissions?
Explore how private schools influence college admissions—advantages, limitations, and what families should expect.
Inside the Daily Life of a Private School Student
Discover what daily life is like for private school students in 2025, from classes and athletics to dining, dorms, and extracurriculars.


