Urban Montessori Charter School was founded by a grassroots group of Oakland families, community leaders, seasoned educators and school administrators who have extensive experience starting up schools and advocating for students. We endeavor to create an inclusive learning community that represents an accessible public option for Montessori education in Oakland, as no such option currently exists, a school truly reflective of one of the most diverse cities in the country. Urban Montessori Charter School aims to apply Montessori's methods and pedagogy in a 21^st century urban learning environment that focuses on respect for child-centered inquiry, innovation, and mastery of both skills and knowledge. The UMCS founding team's petition to open Urban Montessori Charter School in Oakland, California was approved on Tuesday, October 11, 2011. Our school will open its doors in August of 2012.