Urban Community School
Kirsten Karakul is an experienced educator currently serving as a Teacher at Urban Community School since July 2016, following a role as a History Teacher at Laurel School from June 2012 to June 2016. Prior to entering the education field, Kirsten worked as an Assistant at the Cleveland Arts Prize, promoting local artists and community engagement in the arts, and served as a Development Associate for Institutional Relations and Development at University Hospitals of Cleveland, where responsibilities included supporting corporate relations and stewardship projects. Kirsten's early career included a position as Advertising Manager at Washington Fine Properties. Kirsten holds a Master of Arts in Education from Ursuline College, a Master of Arts in Art History from Case Western Reserve University, and a Bachelor of Arts in History from Kenyon College.
Urban Community School
Urban Community School (UCS) strives to break social and economic barriers to success for Cleveland's near west side children by providing an individualized, innovative, and challenging education. Rooted in the Ursuline Sisters’ tradition of faith, character, and educational excellence, UCS engages our faculty, families, and community partners in the successful whole child development of our students. UCS currently serves nearly 700 students from six weeks to 14 years old (8th grade). Our campus has grown with the addition of various partners. We are able to provide our students and families with wraparound services, serving the whole child. The UCS student body is representative of the eight neighborhoods we serve. Our students are 28% Hispanic, 27% White, 25% Multiracial, 19% Black or African American, and 1% Asian. The majority of children attending UCS are economically disadvantaged and approximately 75% qualify for the National School Lunch Program.