UPrep

Our son entered UPrep in 9th grade and it has been a great fit for him. The academic environment is top notch in both STEM and humanities courses, with excellent teachers, engaging curriculum, and students who work hard and enjoy a challenge -- all within a healthy school culture that is collaborative rather than excessively competitive. The workload is pretty high but it is valuable work, not "busy work" and teachers are approachable and helpful. The school schedule with advisory classes and community time makes it possible for students to seek help or get a head start on homework during the school day. There are so many interesting electives, it has sometimes been hard for our student to choose between them. The music program is also good and has become stronger even during our few years at UPrep. Athletics are all no-cut, and tryouts ensure that students are placed on the right team with other players at the same level (Varsity, JV, and for some sports there's also a JVC team). UPrep's athletics coaches are fantastic. Our student has been very happy at UPrep and we feel confident that he will be well prepared for college and will have positive lifelong memories of his UPrep years. Seniors and graduates we know well also rave about college counseling. We are early in that process but from what we've seen so far we can see why the UPrep college counseling department has a reputation of being the absolute best!

My daughter started at UPrep since her 6th grade, she is now a sophomore. Our experience with UPrep is outstanding, school culture is very inclusive and friendly. The school provides numerous programs to fulfill students' needs. One reason my daughter chose UPrep was because of their orchestra program. No matter whether the students are new to music or have had advanced training, they can all find a program that fits their needs. UPrep middle school orchestra and high school chamber orchestra are both award-winning orchestras in the state. UPrep Athletics provides students variety of sports programs all year around. My daughter found her passion to volleyball in middle school at UPrep and she continues her volleyball journey with UPrep high school varsity team. UPrep community is very supportive as well, we couldn't be more proud to be part of this community!

Our son is a rising 10th grader at UPrep. Last year was his first year at the school. All in all, his freshman year was great. He made plenty of friends of all genders and grade levels. While he expected to participate in theater as a stagehand, he caught the acting bug during his theater intensive. He enjoyed acting and working with the Theater Directors so much that he volunteered to act in the Spring play. As for academics, the workload is challenging at times, but UPrep offers a ton of support: Students can utilize the after-school study hall where a math teacher is available a couple of times a week, sign up for a fellow student to regularly tutor them in math, and teachers are available to meet during daily Community Times. Plus, there is a great course, School Hacks, that students can take as an elective. That course is like a guided study hall with an emphasis on developing better executive functioning skills. Our son qualifies for services from the Integrative Learning Dept. because of his diagnosed learning challenges. His Integrative Learning counselor is such a cheerleader for her students. She really cares about them and wants to help them succeed. The parent community is extremely welcoming. UPrep has a very robust Parent and Guardian Association. There are many ways to volunteer and meet other parents.

UPrep has been such a great place for our family. Our sons began in 6th grade and while they are very different students, they each found great friends and lots of ways to engage and learn at UPrep. UPrep`s fantastic teachers have created a culture where kids feel free to experiment with new things. Academics are both rigorous and collaborative so it feels really positive rather than overly competitive. The school embraces cutting-edge curriculum like their intensives program where kids spend 3 weeks focusing completely on one area of study. The athletics program has an inclusive no-cut policy. The parent/guardian community is welcoming and we have enjoyed volunteering and making lots of lasting friendships. Finally, the outstanding college counseling office expertly guided our son successfully through the college search process! So clearly we love UPrep and highly recommend it!

I attended UPrep for high school almost 20 years ago, but still feel a strong connection to the school and the community. My teachers were engaged and seemed truly invested in my happiness and success. I had so many opportunities to explore new interests and try new things. It really felt like a safe place for students to learn and grow.

Our two kids have been at UPrep since 6th grade. We have been completely happy and satisfied with our experience. The culture of kindness guides everyone from students to administrators. It encourages kids to excel academically, but to also become kind, aware, well-rounded individuals. The teachers are excellent, accessible and create relationships with students based on mutual respect. There is a strong sense of community and belonging. An expectation of independence, along with small classes and constant support from many people, gives our kids what they need to learn to their own potential. Both kids have discovered activities and interests that they will take into their lives thanks to a rich curriculum with many choices. Other standout experiences that make UPrep unique are the no-cut sports policy and the intensives program which has allowed our kids to get off campus to have memorable and important learning experiences. Finally, as we enter their senior and junior year, I must mention the absolutely outstanding college counseling office. I am sure that their knowledge, guidance, communication, and support will ensure that our kids find just the right college. I am also confident that UPrep has prepared them to successfully thrive in the next step of their education.

University Prep a very special place. Looking back at my time at UPrep in middle-and upper school - it was an amazing time that I am grateful for everyday. A challenging education from the best faculty could hope for in a college prep atmosphere that fostered community while inspiring the individual. College was a snap -thanks to the education I received. Today, my son attends UPrep. While I look around and see how different the campus is, the dedication and heart are the same. After 40 years, UPrep continues to be a cutting edge, inclusive community shaping the next generation of global citizens. The learning and life experience gained here is second to none.

With two completely different style learners in our house, finding our family's best fit was a hurtle without them in two separate schools. UPrep has exceeded our expectations. The faculty and staff all know my children and family. The teachers who care about your child's success has been overwhelming. From becoming new member of the community, feeling right at home from the start, to now looking for colleges with a high schooler, our family has utilized every aspect of the school expertise, compassion, and experience to take my children to the next stage in their lives. They are ready, independent, strong, compassionate members of society.

Our family experience with University Prep has been very positive. The high quality of educators and administrators have offered to our children an amazing academic program and the socio-emotional support appropriate for their teen years. I have been impressed with the content of the curriculum and the great variety of engaging courses that students can take. The approach is experiential and presents many different options in arts and athletic opportunities. The local, national, and global educational opportunities are incredible as students learn and explore cultures while developing critical thinking and understanding of diversity and social justice issues. U Prep commitment and approach to equity and inclusion fits our family values. Finally, the level of community building and the thoughtful communication to parents makes the experience at U Prep welcoming to families. We love this school!

As an alum of University Prep who graduated 23 years ago, my review is based on my experience looking back at my time at the school. I can say it was one of the best experiences I had. I made life long friends, had a happy high school experience, got opportunities to do things that I never would have at a larger public school (i.e. played sports, participated in musicals and dramas, traveled to different countries through programs offered...etc.). Although the school has gotten bigger and changed in many ways, the culture and teachers I experienced remains true today as it did more than 20-years ago. If you have the opportunity to attend you prep I would highly recommend it.