What are the steps to be admitted?

• Complete the Build UP application for admission
• Submit required documents for application and scholarship (list below)
• Make an appointment for an official admissions interview.  The applicant and at least one parent should attend the interview. 
• Complete Boot Camp in June of 2021

What are the required documents?

• Parent or Guardian Valid ID Card
• Birth Certificate
• Social Security Card
• Most recent Report Card
• Transcript (if transferring from another high school)
• Individualized Education Plan (IEP)
• Official Behavior Report
• Immunization Form
• Verification of Public School Assignment**
  • If you are outside of the Birmingham City School Zone, you must have this form filled out and signed by the Board of Education for your school zone
• Household Income Information**
  • 2020 Federal Income Tax Return (1040 Form)
  • 2020 AL Income Tax Return (AL-40 Form) 
  • If you have not filed a 2020 Income Tax Return and are not required to file you may provide:
    • A Statement of Non-Filing
    • All forms of income (which may include but are not limited to) :                                   W2, 1099, Profit & Loss, Unemployment Compensation, Child Support Documentation, SSI yearly statement
    • Statement of No Wages 

**denotes documents required for scholarship

Do I need a scholarship?

Most of our students have financial assistance from non-profit organizations, like Scholarships for Kids or Renaissance Scholarships, that serve as state-approved Scholarship Granting Organizations (SGO) under the Alabama Accountability Act of 2013.  Any household who meets the minimum income requirements is eligible to receive a scholarship to a qualified, nonpublic school.  

The Alabama Accountability Act requires scholarship granting organizations to give priority to students as follows:

1. A student zoned for a “failing school", whether or not they are currently enrolled in a public or private school. Only 25% of all new scholarships can be awarded to students continuously enrolled in a private school during the previous school year. Click HERE to view the Department of Education's list of failing schools.
2. A public school student not zoned for a “failing school". By law, scholarships may not be awarded to students zoned to a non-failing school until July 31st of each school year, for the coming school year.
3. A private school student not zoned for a "failing school". ​

 If your household income exceeds the minimum requirements for a scholarship, we can schedule a meeting to discuss tuition arrangements.

How many students are enrolled?

We currently have about 65 students enrolled for the 2020-2021 school year.

What is your student to teacher ratio?

We have an impressive 10 : 1 student to teacher ratio.  This enables us to communicate with you more frequently about your student's progress!

Tell me about the curriculum and class setting.

At the beginning, middle and end of the year, students take a variety of diagnostic tests that measure grade levels in each subject.  We use this data to create a unique and hand tailored curriculum for each student based on exactly where they are and what they need.  Teachers create units using the Understanding by Design  framework in order to allow for authentic creation and innovation of concepts. Our curriculum is supplemented with online platforms that cater to the individual needs of students. so students are able to go at the speed they need and receive individual tutoring by one of our teachers or tutors.
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Our classrooms are structured so students can create projects, collaborate with one another, study quietly, participate in lectures by guest speakers, or work with teachers one-on-one.  We have a multitude of pull-out rooms for small lectures, tutoring or counseling sessions, and our advisory homerooms. 

How do you deal with discipline?

At Build UP, we believe in the power of Restorative Justice.  Instead of suspending students for negative behaviors, we carve out time each week to reflect on what happened, where the responsibility lies, and what we can do to amend our behavior.  The Restorative Justice program gives a voice to the student and allows him or her to seek his or her own solution.  

Do you provide transportation to and from school?

The school does not provide transportation.​​

Apply here.

​Contact us here.