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Redtail Academy will open in August, 2026!
In the News!
Redtail Academy was featured on the front page of the News Gazette on February 6, 2026!
About Our Name
The Red-tailed Hawk, a bird native to Illinois, represents our school. Its keen eyesight represents our clarity of purpose, focus, and intellectual vision. The free flight of the Red-tailed Hawk symbolizes independence and empowerment, while its ability to soar to great heights is analogous to our rising above challenges and evolving over time. As protectors, hawks remind us of responsibility and community care. As an important member of the local ecosystem, the Red-tailed Hawk symbolizes a connection with and respect for the natural world.
Location
We are excited to announce the location for our school!
Redtail Academy is a secular school that will be located at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Urbana Champaign (309 W. Green Street, Urbana). We will have access to classroom spaces, a large gathering room for meals and activities, a kitchen, a recreation room, an outdoor playground, and outdoor green spaces for growing plants, picnics, movement activities, and other fun things. We will also be conveniently located on an MTD bus line and will be within walking distance (two blocks) from the Urbana Free Library, Lincoln Square Mall, and downtown Urbana.
Mission
We offer a nurturing and inclusive academic environment where students thrive as scholars and compassionate leaders. We foster critical thinking, inquiry-driven learning, empathy, and advocacy, linking academics to real-world challenges. Rooted in authentic identity, intellectual curiosity, and profound respect for the uniqueness of middle school boys, we provide a diverse, equitable, and transformative education. Our students excel holistically, grow personally, and contribute to a more just, connected community.
Vision
To transform our community, we envision learning that is alive with joy and curiosity, and is rooted in compassion and authenticity.
Values
Empathy & Respect –We listen actively, seek to understand deeply, and honor one another’s experiences, even in moments of challenge.
Authenticity & Integrity –We show up fully, speak honestly, act consistently with our convictions, and live responsibly in terms of our words and actions.
Compassionate Communication – We invite dialogue, ask meaningful questions, and exchange ideas to strengthen connection and shared understanding.
Equity & Empowerment – We amplify diverse voices, dismantle barriers, and create spaces where everyone can lead, thrive, and contribute.
Creativity & Criticality – We ignite imagination, challenge assumptions, question boldly, and turn reflection into purposeful action.
Collective Growth – We cultivate curiosity, share knowledge generously, and co-create vibrant, inclusive learning experiences that inspire lifelong development.
Examples of What We Aim to Do
Explore local Champaign-Urbana history, including the history of marginalized and oppressed populations.
Implement historical research skills, and connect stories from the past to our present local government and policies.
Learn math concepts and apply them to real-life sociopolitical issues.
Learn about animal science and animal care, and partner with local farmers to care for farm animals.
Provide support in local soup kitchens.
Grow produce to give to local food pantries and donate the proceeds from the sales to charities.
In the future, we aim to sell the produce grown at a local farmers market in order to teach students customer service, and financial and entrepreneurship skills.
We plan to connect this agricultural learning to financial literacy and economics, as well as discussions about race, systemic poverty, and food insecurity.
Learn about mechanical engineering and partner with a woodworker to build raised beds for growing our produce and/or build and donate raised beds to organizations in need.
Why Boys?
We are often asked why we are creating a secular middle school for boys. By focusing on boys, those who identify as boys, or those who are non-binary, this would allow us to create an environment catered to the needs of these adolescents at this tender time of life, which can be a challenging time for everyone. It would also allow space for them to explore their identities without the added pressure of being in learning spaces with those who do not identify as boys. Additionally, there is already a middle school for girls in the Champaign-Urbana area, so we want to fill that gap. This would also give our students the chance to discover and solidify more of their identities during their middle school years.
We Soar Higher Together!
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