These are Educomp's budget schools targeted at semi-urban towns. Schools in Bajpur, Kashipur, and Gadarpur have been functional since 2009. New schools are being launched at Dehradun, Bhubaneswar, Nuh, Nai Nengla and Ferozepur Jhirka for session 2010-2011.

Universal Academy brings with it the result of 5000 man days of research about the needs of students, their aspirations, expectations and limitations, their environment and backgrounds. This Universal Academy learning system focuses specifically to students’ individual needs and aspirations while at the same time propelling them into the mainstream. It brings about a systematic change in the classroom scenario from earlier patterns of rote learning to one where learning is directed through fun-filled activities and exercises.

Universal Academy vision is "To provide a stimulating environment that maximises individual potential and ensures that students are well equipped to meet the challenges of education, work and life."

Universal Academy is the brainchild of a dedicated team that has spent a lot of time understanding the 'Developmental Milestones for a Child' and mapping 'Minimum Learning Levels (MLLs)' according to age levels. This team is also credited with developing the much appreciated learning systems such as Roots to Wings^TM and the Millennium Learning System.

Theme-based Approach

Universal Academy uses a theme based approach in curriculum that takes students beyond books and classrooms, making the learning process a joyful and meaningful one. Each stage in learning is systematically planned, keeping the student in mind. Woven around the NCERT syllabus, the UA curriculum is enhanced with skill-based collaborative Games and activities that enable the student to understand and engage with the world around him/her and not merely rote learn. Creativity dwells on each page of the beautifully illustrated workbooks. They create a wonderful world with interactive friendly characters that take the students through their journey in a fun-filled and entertaining yet informative manner. Each subject follows a clearly defined sequence of learning, beginning from the pre primary level and moving to the primary level. Based on defined age- and grade-appropriate learning levels, this method enables every student to learn concepts in an organised step-by step manner.

Teaching Strategies

Universal Academy integrates innovative teaching strategies into classroom teaching to make concepts come alive. These interesting interactive strategies not only engage the student's attention and build concept learning and accompanying skills in a fun way; they also boost every student's confidence and interpersonal skills.

Values through Comics

All workbooks boast of a comic strip that introduces students to long lasting moral values without being overtly moralistic, in a subtle and interesting manner that evokes laughter while the students connect with the characters. Enriched with values and life skills, the curriculum prepares the student for future success.

Universal Academy is full of many such wonders.

Teacher/Leadership Training Programmes

Universal Academy organises regular workshops and training programmes for its teachers and school leaders. The training sessions are conducted by in-house trainers from Educomp as well as renowned Child Development experts to ensure overall development of teachers as educators.

Classroom Management

Regular guidelines and valuable tips on classroom management ensure holistic learning takes place in the Universal Academy classrooms.

Tools

Use of technological tools such as computers, multimedia content and e-books adds a new dimension to the Universal Academy classroom.

Reading Programme

A reading programme is being initiated to develop the language as well as communication skills of the students.

Global Connect

This is an Internet learning platform that connects students to various resources such as encyclopaedias, current events, news and libraries across the globe.

Continuous and Comprehensive Assessment

Continuous assessment and evaluation of learners throughout the year liberates the student from the burden of examination. Teachers evaluate each student's performance on a regular basis and recommend measures for improvement or enhancement accordingly.

Career Guidance

At the Universal Academy, at an early age children are guided towards future orientation by ensuring

• Vocational mapping
• Counselling students and parents on career options in different fields

Potential Actualisation

Universal Academy thus identifies the inherent talent in each student and helps actualise it by providing an atmosphere conducive to (that helps in) the development of academic, intellectual, imaginative, creative, physical and social faculties.