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Aspire University Charter School | K–5 Charter School in Modesto

Aspire University Charter School is a tuition-free K–5 public charter school in Modesto serving families in the Sunset Avenue, Hatch Road, and south Modesto communities.

The elementary program focuses on strong foundational academics, social-emotional learning, and a welcoming school culture built on partnership with families. With caring teachers and a commitment to equity, University Charter School provides a structured and joyful learning environment where students build confidence, literacy skills, and academic readiness. As part of Aspire Public Schools, the campus offers a well-rounded K–5 experience designed to support the whole child.

Escuela pública y gratuita en Modesto para los grados K–5. Si prefiere información sobre la inscripción en español, nuestro equipo puede ayudarle.

Many families searching for charter elementary schools in Modesto choose Aspire University Charter School for its strong academic foundation and welcoming environment.

Serving neighborhoods near Sunset Avenue and Hatch Road, the campus provides individualized attention and consistent, high-quality instruction. Through the Aspire Public Schools network, University Charter School connects families to a mission-driven program focused on equity and long-term student success.

Grades: K – 5
Sponsoring DistrictModesto City Schools
CDS/Charter NumbersCDS: #50-71167-0137265 Charter: #1963
Afterschool: Y
Enrollment: 425
Ethnicity:
Hispanic: 89%
Black or African-American: 2%
Multiracial: 1%
Asian-American: 2%
Caucasian: 3%
Not available: 4%
Free and Reduced Lunch: 65%

Key Dates 2026-2027: 

First Day of School: July 29, 2026
Labor Day: September 7, 2026
Staff PD Day (no students): September 8, 2026
Closure Day: October 9, 2026
Indigenous Peoples’ Day: October 12, 2026
Veterans Day: November 11, 2026
Harvest Break: November 23-27, 2026
Winter Break: December 21-January 4, 2027
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day: January 18, 2027
Closure Day: February 12, 2027
Presidents’ Day: February 15, 2027
Staff PD Day (no students): February 16, 2027
Spring Break: March 29-April 2, 2027
Farmworkers Day: March 31, 2027
Last Day of School: May 26, 2027
Memorial Day: May 31, 2027
Juneteenth: June 18, 2027

For information and resources on bullying and harassment prevention, please contact your school administrator or the Regional Director of Student Services at 209-647-3047 for support.

Homeless/Foster Youth Liaison
Kyle Worley, Program Manager of Student Services
Email: kyle.worley@aspirepublicschools.org | Phone: (209) 901-1530

School Address & Contact Information

Address

819 Sunset Ave.
Modesto, CA 95351

Contact Info

Phone:
209-544-8722

Fax:
209-544-8864

School Officials

Principal’s Message

Dear UCS Families and Future Families,

Welcome to Aspire University Charter School!

For more than 25 years, UCS has been a place where children learn, grow, and thrive. Since opening our doors in 1999, we have been committed to providing an exceptional elementary school experience that prepares students not only for academic success, but also for success in life.

At UCS, we believe every child deserves to be challenged, supported, and celebrated. Our dedicated teachers create engaging classrooms where students develop strong literacy and math skills, think critically, solve problems, and build confidence as learners. We set high expectations because we believe in the limitless potential of every child.

What truly makes UCS special is our strong sense of community. We know that students achieve their best when schools and families work together. We value the partnerships we have built with our families and are committed to maintaining open communication, mutual respect, and shared responsibility for student success.

We are equally committed to nurturing the whole child. Through daily social-emotional learning, positive relationships, and a caring school culture, we help students develop the character, resilience, empathy, and leadership skills they need to succeed both inside and outside the classroom. We want every student to feel safe, valued, and excited to come to school each day.

Our diverse community is one of our greatest strengths. We celebrate the unique backgrounds, experiences, languages, and talents that our students and families bring to UCS. We strive to create an inclusive environment where every child feels a sense of belonging and every family feels welcomed and respected.

As I begin my 21st year as Principal and my 26th year with Aspire, I remain deeply honored to serve this extraordinary school community. Over the years, I have watched thousands of UCS students grow into successful scholars, leaders, and community members. Their achievements inspire us to continue providing the highest quality educational experience possible for every child who walks through our doors.

Whether you are a current family or considering UCS for your child, I invite you to experience what makes our school so special. Visit our campus, meet our incredible staff, and see firsthand the joyful learning environment that our students enjoy every day.

Thank you for trusting us with your children. Together, we will continue to build a school where every student is known, supported, challenged, and inspired to achieve their dreams.

Warmly,
Laura Thompson

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