UMCA’s History

Our Founders

Svetlana Pinsky

Suzana Pinsky

Zarina Aksmanov

Founded in 2003, UMCA is the product of passion and countless hours of hard work by Svetlana Pinski, Suzana Pinsky and Zarina Aksmanov, three best friends and mothers wanting to give their own children the best education and opportunities possible. They all firmly believed that there are no lazy or incapable children: just promising students who hadn't yet been taught in a way that worked for them. Initially an informal Sunday school run out of their living rooms, UMCA has since grown into a full K-12 school that puts this belief of individualized education into practice for hundreds of students every day, realizing the ambitious dreams of these three inspiring women.

About UMCA

"No two children are alike - so why would we teach them all the same way?

At UMCA, we don’t approach school as a vehicle for curriculum. We believe wholeheartedly that we are shaping young lives, the thinkers and makers and creators of tomorrow, and that it is above all our responsibility to foster in each student who passes through these halls a sense of curiosity, innovation and belief in themselves. How you learn is just as important as what you learn, because it is the how that will encourage an appetite for knowledge, a desire to discover or create new things, and a willingness to be a lifelong learner.

We work with each student to develop education plans that suit their needs and interests. We don’t stamp out individuality for the sake of the group; we embrace it. We pride ourselves on developing an academic program that is both challenging and enjoyable, emphasizing to our students that learning is not something you must do, but something you get to do. Through a combination of in-class and extra-curricular activities, we support student development academically, socially and emotionally, while prioritizing empathy, integrity and excellence."

What We Offer

We provide our students with the invaluable opportunity to learn and grow at their own pace and in areas which are most meaningful to them. Through junior kindergarten to grade 12, our students benefit from attentive teachers, an enriched curriculum, and a diverse, caring community. We are offering in-person education in addition to virtual schooling.

We have recently moved to a new location, the Kimel Family Education Center. This location provides students with the finest quality schooling available. We have large, spacious classrooms at the center as well as a pool, gym, and a wide range of other dedicated facilities.

Our Policy

The UMCA Rich Tree Academy Academic Handbook is your reference guide to school's policies and procedures. It gives basic information about academic integrity, assessment and evaluation, attendance, course change procedures, and other situations you might encounter as a student at UMCA. Please read it carefully here.

Our Handbook

The UMCA Rich Tree Academy Handbook contains important information that pertain to many aspects of daily operations, regulations, conducts and student life as well as school policies and expectations. It is important for students and their parents and guardians to understand the expectations around the roles and responsibilities of students. For the 2020-2021 Student Handbook, please click here.