| University Prep Schools | |
| Type: | Charter school network |
| Streetaddress: | 485 W Milwaukee Street |
| State: | Michigan |
| Zipcode: | 48202 |
| Coordinates: | 42.3679°N -83.0754°W |
| Established: | 2000 |
| Grades: | K–12 |
| Enrollment: | ~ 4,500 scholars |
| Colors: | Black/Red/White (U Prep Academy) Royal Blue/Black/White (U Prep Science & Math) Teal/Black/White (U Prep Art & Design) |
| Sports: | baseball, basketball, cheerleading, football, soccer, softball, track, volleyball, wrestling |
| Conference: | Charter School Conference - Gold |
| Nickname: | Panthers (UPA) / Cobras (UPSM) / Mustangs (UPAD) |
| Homepage: | Official site |
University Prep Schools (U Prep Schools) is a K-12 charter school network headquartered in the New Center area of Detroit. It has three districts within its network: University Preparatory Academy (UPA), University Prep Science & Math, (UPSM), and University Prep Art & Design (UPAD).[1]
The first University Preparatory Academy middle school opened its doors in Detroit in the fall of 2000 with 112 6th graders. Founded by former U.S. Assistant Secretary of Labor and Michigan State Senator Doug Ross, the school was established as a public charter school with a mission of graduating its open-admission Detroit students from high school and enrolling them in college at rates comparable to affluent suburban schools. The school modeled itself after the Big Picture schools in Rhode Island, which developed a program of individualized learning producing impressive results with urban children.
In the spring of 2002, University Prep Middle School was visited by philanthropists Robert Thompson and Ellen Thompson at the suggestion of then Michigan Governor John Engler. The Thompsons offered to help after Detroit Public Schools rejected their $200 million donation offer to create 15 new public schools. The Thompsons agreed to fund a new high school for University Prep, with a performance agreement to graduate at least 90% of the senior class in 2007 and beyond, and enroll 90% of those graduates in post-secondary studies. This "90-90" model exceeded expectations, becoming the hallmark of the University Prep system model.
As Stephen Henderson of the Detroit Free Press points out, "U Prep graduates 90 percent of its students and sends 90 percent to college. Other charters operating in the city have not had as much luck, and Ross will be tasked with making sure all DPS-chartered schools perform well."[2]
University Prep expanded into two systems—University Preparatory Academy and University Prep Science and Math—by 2012, with two high schools, two middle schools, and three elementary schools. Ross then left to become the Chief Innovation Officer at Detroit Public Schools. A third district, developed in partnership with the College for Creative Studies, was later added to the U Prep network. The Thompson Foundation continues to support the schools.
As part of the establishment of U Prep,[3] The Thompsons asked the school to retain 90% of its high school students and have 90% of them attend post-secondary institutions.[4] In 2010, the graduation rate was 95% with almost all students moving on to tertiary education.[5] 57% of students from the class of 2007 who enrolled in two-year schools returned as sophomores, while 83% of those enrolled in four-year universities remained as sophomores.[4]
Dan Rather stated in the 2011 program "A National Disgrace" that the test scores in the U Prep school system "are much closer to the Michigan state average" and "many points higher" compared to test scores from Detroit Public Schools (DPS) campuses.[6]
Founded in 2000, University Prep Academy (UPA) offers a comprehensive K-12 education with a focus on academic excellence and personal development. Mitch Albom, renowned Detroit author and philanthropist, has praised University Prep Academy’s impact on students, stating, "University Prep Academy is an inspiring testament to what happens when you put kids first and give them the support they need to succeed."
University Prep Academy Middle School serves approximately 405 students, the majority of whom are from Detroit. The school’s mission is to provide a stellar academic experience that prepares students for future success in college and beyond. The middle school focuses on fostering courage and ambition in its students, encouraging them to pursue a future full of possibilities.
University Prep Academy High School, also founded in 2000, provides a challenging academic environment designed to prepare students for higher education and professional success. It offers a well-rounded education with an emphasis on preparing students for college and careers.
University Preparatory Elementary School (Ellen Thompson) is an innovative community dedicated to fostering integrity, critical thinking, and resilience among its students. The school aims to build proud and resilient critical thinkers, preparing them for future academic and personal success.
University Prep Academy Elementary (Mark Murray) educates approximately 480 students. The school’s goal is to offer a stellar academic experience that prepares students for success in middle school and beyond. It focuses on leading with respect and accountability, helping students develop into responsible contributors to society.
Founded in 2008, University Prep Science & Math (UPSM) focuses on STEM education, preparing students for success in selective colleges and universities. The district's schools provide a challenging and collaborative environment with an emphasis on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
University Prep Science & Math Elementary School – Sidney D. Miller Campus serves as a cornerstone of the UPSM district. Founded in 2008, this K-5 school educates approximately 480 students, the majority of whom are from Detroit. The school's curriculum emphasizes STEM education, providing a challenging and interactive learning environment. The school promotes high achievement, academic rigor, and personal responsibility, with a focus on hands-on learning and restorative practices.
University Prep Science & Math Middle School educates approximately 540 students. Its STEM curriculum is designed to prepare students for higher education by focusing on hands-on learning and real-world problem-solving. The middle school promotes a culture of high achievement and academic rigor, fostering a nurturing environment that supports students' growth and preparation for future academic endeavors.
The middle school, constructed with significant support from the Thompson Educational Foundation, featured two floors of classrooms and a basement with a cafeteria and gymnasium. The school included an 80,000-square-foot addition and enhancements such as a new entrance to the Detroit Science Center, a Science Center Café, and a Gift Shop. This partnership enriched students with hands-on learning opportunities and additional resources.
Founded in 2010, University Prep Science & Math High School served around 500 students, the majority of whom were from Detroit. The school's educational program featured a rigorous curriculum and a focus on real-world problem solving. The high school aimed to be an inclusive community that empowered students to explore their dreams, create futures, and contribute to their communities through a strong STEM-based education.
The Thompson Foundation generously donated $1 million to University Prep Science & Math High School to support its mission and enhance its educational programs. This donation significantly contributed to providing students with state-of-the-art resources and opportunities.
New University Prep Science & Math High School to open on E. RiverfrontWork began on the renovation of the Albert Kahn-designed Franklin Furniture building in the East Riverfront district to become University Prep Science & Math High School. The 94,000-square-foot facility featured classrooms, a gym, a cafe, a conference room, and a terrace. The Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan awarded a grant of $1.5 million, with the Thompson Educational Foundation contributing the remaining $13.5 million needed.
The University Prep Art & Design (UPAD) district was founded to provide a specialized, art-infused education, offering students a unique and creative learning experience. This district aims to integrate arts into all aspects of education, fostering a culturally responsive environment that values relationships, academic achievement, and symbolic rituals that promote pride within the academy and its community.
UPAD Elementary is a K-5 school located in Detroit. It emphasizes a family-like atmosphere where continuous learning and ownership over personal and collective achievement are fostered. The school aims to cultivate the whole child by providing standards-based instruction, culturally relevant experiences, and restorative practices. The academy encourages both students and staff to advocate for themselves, their peers, and their community, nurturing analytical thinkers through its art-infused educational approach.
UPAD Middle School provides students with a space rooted in culturally responsive learning. The school's curriculum is designed to immerse students in Deeper Learning skills and mindsets, which are intended to help them creatively transform their world. The middle school focuses on high academic achievement while integrating artistic and cultural elements to engage students deeply and meaningfully.
The UPAD High School continues the district’s commitment to art-infused education. It offers a rigorous curriculum that emphasizes creative thinking and problem-solving within the arts. The school's educational program is designed to prepare students for higher education and careers in creative fields, encouraging them to explore their passions and develop their unique talents.
Stephen Henderson. "Detroit Public Schools Criticized for Failures" (Opinions and Editorial). Detroit Free Press. July 6, 2011.
DeMaria. "Preparatory Science and Math Middle School" (Past Projects).
"New University Prep Science & Math High School to open on E. Riverfront." https://www.pr.com/press-release/153690 (May 26, 2009). PR.com. Archive: https://web.archive.org/web/20090604000215/http://www.pr.com/press-release/153690
Finley, Nolan. "What Newark got, Detroit turned down" (Archive) (Opinions and Editorial). The Detroit News. September 30, 2010.