Universal Academy: Providing a Comprehensive Educational Experience
Universal Academy is a charter school district located in Irving, Texas, committed to providing a comprehensive educational experience for its students. This article delves into various aspects of Universal Academy, including transportation, school board activities, academic performance, and community engagement.
Transportation Services
The Transportation Department at Universal Academy welcomes and thanks parents for entrusting them with their children's safety. Recognizing the importance of this responsibility, the department is dedicated to ensuring students arrive safely to and from school each day.
Eligibility and Service
Students residing two or more miles from their campus, measured along the shortest route from the property line of their residence to the school's property line, are eligible for transportation services. Universal Academy-Irving offers bus transportation, aiming to make getting to school easier, safer, and more convenient for students.
Bus Registration and Service Areas
Parents can register their children for bus transportation through the Universal Academy-Irving Bus Registration Link. Detailed information on bus service areas for both Universal Academy-Irving and Universal Academy-Coppell is available online.
Regular and Early Release Hours
All Universal Academy campuses follow a uniform daily schedule:
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- Regular School Hours: 8:00 AM - 3:30 PM
- Early Release School Hours: 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
On early release days, buses drop off students approximately three hours earlier than regular drop-off times.
Live Bus Tracker and Communication
The Live Bus Tracker is accessible through the Universal Academy School Info App, providing real-time updates on bus locations, estimated arrival and departure times, and alerts for delays or route changes. This tool enhances communication and ensures a smoother transportation experience for families.
Important Forms
- Waiver Form: Required to ensure student safety at bus stops. If no adult is present, the child will be returned to the school.
- Appeal Form: Used if transportation services are not available for a student who lives 2 miles or more from the campus.
- Transportation Concerns Form: Allows parents to report any concerns regarding transportation services to Universal Academy Transportation.
School Board
The Universal Academy School Board consists of members who serve without compensation and are responsible for providing the best possible educational program for students.
Responsibilities
The Board's responsibilities include:
- Making final decisions regarding school priorities, policies, personnel, student issues, textbooks, expenditures, and growth management.
- Adopting a budget necessary to maintain school operations.
- Employing and evaluating the superintendent of schools.
- Selecting and supervising the internal auditor.
Board Members
The current board members are:
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- Mrs. Janice Blackmon, Board President
- Ms. Yolanda Brown, Interim Secretary
- Dr. Sharon Greggs, MD, Member
- Ms. Sandra Hall, Member
- Dr. Dana Jobe, Member
- Mrs. Diane Moshier, Member
- Vacancy
- Vacancy
- Vacancy
Individual biographies of the board members are available online.
School Board Meetings
The School Board conducts regular meetings that are open to the public. These meetings cover various topics related to the operation and improvement of Universal Academy.
Meeting Schedule and Notices
- School Board Meeting: Monday, February 2, 2026
- School Board Meeting (Canceled): Thursday, September 25, 2025
- NOTICE OF CANCELLATION OF THE FEBRUARY 27, 2025 SCHOOL BOARD MEETING
Public Participation
At each regular meeting, the Board sets aside time for the general public to address the Board on matters not listed on the agenda. Speakers are recognized on a first-come, first-served basis and are given up to 3 minutes to address the Board.
Meeting Agenda Items
Typical agenda items include:
- Roll Call; Establishment of Quorum; Call to Order
- Public Comments
- Review and approval of minutes from previous meetings
- Discussion and possible action on contracts, charter ratings, and agreements
- Informational briefings on COVID-19, bond updates, campus updates, technology, financials, and human resources
- Closed sessions for consultation with legal counsel regarding personnel and student issues
- Action on items discussed in closed sessions
- Consent Items
- Adjournment
Academic Performance
Universal Academy is committed to academic excellence and preparing students for college.
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Rankings
Universal Academy is ranked #11,514 in the National Rankings, #1,059 in Texas High Schools, and #236 in the Dallas, TX Metro Area High Schools. The school's rankings are based on performance on state-required tests, graduation rates, and college preparation.
Subject Proficiency
Texas administers the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR) to high school students. News calculates these values for schools based on student performance on state-required tests and internationally available exams on college-level coursework (AP® and IB exams).
- Mathematics Proficiency: 28%
Underserved Student Performance
This measures the proficiency on state exams among typically underperforming subgroups.
- Percentage of Underserved Students Who Are Proficient: 47.0%
- Gap Between School and State Among Underserved Students: 3.6%
College Readiness
High school students take AP® exams and IB exams to earn college credit and demonstrate success at college-level coursework. News calculated a College Readiness Index based on AP/IB exam participation rates and percentages of students passing at least one AP/IB exam.
- National Percentile on College-level Exams: N/A
Graduation Rate
- Graduation Rate: 100% (well above state median)
District Data
- College Readiness (district average): 0.0
- Proficient in Reading (district average): 56%
- Proficient in Mathematics (district average): 28%
- Proficient in Science (district average): 45%
School Supplies
Universal Academy partners with EduKit to provide a convenient and affordable way for parents to order school supplies for their children. Each kit contains the exact items requested by the teacher for the upcoming school year.
Ordering Information
- Ordering Deadline: June 20, 2025
- Contact: 972-255-1800 (Irving Campus) and 972-393-5834 (Coppell Campus)
- Order Links: Universal Academy-Irving and Universal Academy-Coppell
Family Engagement
Universal Academy values family engagement and encourages parents to participate in school activities and provide feedback.
Family Engagement Survey
Universal Academy invites all families to participate in the Family Engagement Survey (available in English and Spanish). The survey gathers feedback on school culture, communication, academic support, and overall satisfaction.
Teacher Appreciation Week
Universal Academy celebrates Teacher Appreciation Week to show gratitude to teachers and school staff.
- Dates: May 5th - 9th
- Activities: Students and parents are encouraged to show extra gratitude through various activities, such as bringing snacks, writing thank-you notes, and creating drawings.
Additional Information
Holiday Break
Universal Academy will be closed for Holiday Break from December 15, 2025, through January 5, 2026. Classes will resume on Tuesday, January 6, 2026.
Spring Break
Universal Academy will be closed for Spring Break from Monday, March 10, through Monday, March 17, 2025. Students will return to their campus on Tuesday, March 18.
Charter FIRST Financial Accountability Rating
Universal Academy conducts a public hearing regarding the Charter Financial Integrity Rating System of Texas (Charter FIRST) rating.
ESSER III Plan
Universal Academy’s ESSER plan addresses students’ social, emotional, academic, health, and safety needs through various strategies.
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