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]
| University Prep Schools | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Address | |
 | |
485 W Milwaukee Street , 48202 | |
| Coordinates | 42°22′4.4″N 83°4′31.4″W / 42.367889°N 83.075389°W |
| Information | |
| Type | Charter school network |
| Established | 2000 |
| Grades | K–12 |
| Gender | Co-Educational |
| Enrollment | ~ 4,500 scholars |
| Color(s) | Black/Red/White (U Prep Academy) Royal Blue/Black/White (U Prep Science & Math) Teal/Black/White (U Prep Art & Design) |
| Athletics conference | Charter School Conference - Gold |
| Sports | baseball, basketball, cheerleading, football, soccer, softball, track, volleyball, wrestling |
| Nickname | Panthers (UPA) / Cobras (UPSM) / Mustangs (UPAD) |
| Website | Official site |
History
editThe 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.
Academic performance
editAs 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]
University Prep Academy District
editFounded in 2000.
University Prep Academy Middle School
editUniversity Prep Academy Middle School serves approximately 405 students, the majority of whom are from Detroit.
University Prep Academy High School
editUniversity Prep Academy High School, also founded in 2000.
University Preparatory Elementary School (Ellen Thompson Campus)
editUniversity Prep Academy Elementary (Mark Murray Campus)
editUniversity Prep Academy Elementary (Mark Murray) educates approximately 480 students.
University Prep Science & Math District
editFounded in 2008, University Prep Science & Math (UPSM) focuses on STEM education.
University Prep Science & Math Elementary School – Sidney D. Miller Campus
editUniversity 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.
University Prep Science & Math Middle School
editUniversity Prep Science & Math Middle School educates approximately 540 students.
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.
University Prep Science & Math High School
editFounded in 2010, University Prep Science & Math High School served around 500 students, the majority of whom were from Detroit.
The Thompson Foundation donated $1 million to University Prep Science & Math High School to support its mission and enhance its educational programs.
New University Prep Science & Math High School to open on E. Riverfront Work 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.
University Prep Art & Design District
editThe University Prep Art & Design (UPAD) district was founded to provide a specialized, art-infused education.
University Prep Art & Design Elementary School
editUPAD Elementary is a K-5 school located in Detroit.
University Prep Art & Design Middle School
editUniversity Prep Art & Design High School
editSee also
editReferences
edit- ^ "About." University Prep Schools. Retrieved on August 8, 2015. "Our Offices[...]610 Antoinette St Detroit, MI 48202"
- ^ "Detroit Public Schools critic Ross tapped to improve DPS's charter schools". MLive. 2011-07-26.
- ^ Albom, Mitch. "Mitch Albom: Denied Michigan hopeful learns tough lesson" (Archive). Detroit Free Press. April 19, 2014. Retrieved on August 8, 2015.
- ^ a b Jennifer Mrozowski (February 23, 2009). "Charter's grads staying in college". The Detroit News. Retrieved 2010-01-18. (Archive)
- ^ Transcript of "A National Disgrace" (Archive). AXS TV. p. 16. Retrieved on August 11, 2015.
- ^ Transcript of "A National Disgrace" (Archive). AXS TV. p. 15. Retrieved on August 11, 2015.
Further reading
editStephen 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." [1] (May 26, 2009). PR.com. Archive: [2]
Finley, Nolan. "What Newark got, Detroit turned down" (Archive) (Opinions and Editorial). The Detroit News. September 30, 2010.