At Kuumba Academy, we subscribe to the seven Nguzo Saba principles: Umoja (Unity), Kujichagulia (Self-Determination), Ujima (Creative Work & Responsibility), Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics), Nia (Purpose), Kuumba (Creativity), and Imani (Faith).

In addition to the seven principles, Kuumba Academy has adopted four core values:
1) Respect
2) Responsibility (Ujima)
3) Accountability (Kujichagulia)
4) Honesty

These core values represent our collective reflection of what we think the Kuumba community considers important in the foundational development of our students. We believe that young people who incorporate these values in their lives will be better prepared to achieve academically and to become productive, caring citizens who will make a positive contribution to their individual communities and to the larger society. We understand that these values are interdependent and in some way support or contribute to the development of other extremely important values such as: integrity, self-discipline, diligence, trust, commitment, courage, compassion, tolerance for others' beliefs, and loyalty. We encourage the inclusion of these values whenever and wherever appropriate.