The Center is designed to encompass a broad range of research topics from many different disciplines. Although priority will be given to proposals that are consistent with the Center's goals, we do not discourage other kinds of proposals. Its mission is to conduct research and experimentation into childhood education. The school provides a setting in which researchers may study aspects of the learning process, early childhood and elementary curriculum and instruction, child development, school administration, organization, supervision, teaching, counseling, health services, home-school relations, and other educational issues. UES serves not only as a center for educational research, but also as a center from which its research interests, practices, and findings are communicated and disseminated.
Communication is promoted through conferences, seminars and opportunities for observations.
Information related to the functions of the school is disseminated through publications, television, film, and other appropriate media. At present, UES uses nongraded, multi-age classes organized into two Phases. The teaching staff uses team teaching and alternative instructional modes to individualize instruction. UES enrolls approximately 470 students ages 4 to 12 years. The school is seeking to create a student body representative of California on a number of criteria, including ethnicity and socio-economic status.