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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: 415
Ethnicity:
Hispanic: 87%
Black or African-American: 1%
Multiracial: 1%
Asian-American: 3%
Caucasian: 2%
American Indian or Alaska Native: 0%
Native Hawaiian or Pac Islander: 0%
Not available: 6%
Free and Reduced Lunch: 53%

Key Dates 2025-2026: 

First Day of School: July 30, 2025
Labor Day: September 1, 2025
Student Led Conferences (Fall): September 8- 12, 2025
Fall Break: September 29 – October 3, 2025
Indigenous Peoples’ Day: October 13, 2025
Veterans Day: November 11, 2025
Thanksgiving Holiday: November 24- 28, 2025
Winter Break: December 19-31, 2025
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day: January 19, 2026
Student Led Conferences (Spring): January 26 – 30, 2026
Presidents’ Day: February 16, 2026
Spring Break: March 9 – 13, 2026
Farmworkers Day: March 31, 2026
Memorial Day: May 25, 2026
Last Day of School: June 4, 2026
Juneteenth: June 19, 2026

 

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

Aspire University Charter School has been serving students since 1999. We are a TK-5th-grade Elementary school with approximately 420 students.  At UCS, we feel it is important to provide access to education for all families and students.  We do this by examining our own beliefs about equity and engaging in professional development that is aligned to our Aspire Equity Commitments. We have a dedicated group of families who regularly facilitate and attend our ELAC/SSC meetings. If translation is needed, we provide it.  We value social emotional learning and prioritize it in our school day. We have created a five-year plan with a focus on building a robust program that will meet the needs of our students who are classified as English Language Learners. 

Our team works in the field of education because we care deeply about students and families.  The UCS team is dedicated to putting customer service at the forefront.  It is our honor and pleasure to work with families and students. 

This is the start of my 24th year at Aspire UCS, and I can say without hesitation that our students, families, and staff make UCS a beautiful place. If you are interested in joining our UCS family, I encourage you to call the office. We are happy to answer any questions. We also love giving tours of our campus. 

If you are already part of the UCS family, please don’t hesitate to share your ideas, questions, and concerns with me. We are your partners in education, and we are here to serve you and your children.  

Laura Thompson
Principal
University Charter School

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