University Preparatory Academy: A Comprehensive Overview
University Preparatory Academy (UPA) stands as a beacon of rigorous education aimed at preparing students for success in higher education. This article delves into various facets of UPA, exploring its mission, academic performance, student demographics, and unique programs, providing a comprehensive overview for prospective students, parents, and educators.
Quick Stats and Overview
University Preparatory Academy Charter is a charter school located in San Jose, CA, which is in a large city setting. The student population of University Preparatory Academy Charter is 713 and the school serves 7-12. The school boasts a student-teacher ratio of 19:1 and demonstrates strong academic performance. At University Preparatory Academy Charter, 63% of students scored at or above the proficient level for math, and 75% scored at or above that level for reading.
Mission and Philosophy
Established in 2005 as a response to parental demands for a specifically rigorous learning environment, University Preparatory (UP) is a comprehensive middle/high school located in the San Bernardino County, high desert city of Victorville, California. University Preparatory Academy (UPA) is a charter school located in San Jose, California, United States. Its charter was approved by the Santa Clara Board of Trustees. UPA opened in the fall of 2007 as a middle and high school, offering grades 7-12th. The propelling philosophy is to provide no excuse academic attainment for all of our students towards university admission. The school's mission is to promote academic and character excellence, to foster effective instruction, support and to tailor resources such that each student is able to access a world-class education. It strives to produce effective members of society who are able to contribute to their community intellectually, socially and ethically.
UPA was founded as University Preparatory Academy in 2007. UPA's campus is located near downtown San Jose in the Willow Glen area.
Academic Performance and Rankings
University Preparatory Academy consistently demonstrates strong academic results. University Preparatory Academy Charter did better in math and better in reading in this metric compared with students across the state. In California, 43% of students tested at or above the proficient level for reading, and 35% tested at or above that level for math. Ranking Factors How University Preparatory Academy Charter placed statewide out of 2271 schools ranked in California. Reading Proficiency Rank #226 (tie) Math Proficiency Rank #144 Reading Performance Somewhat Above Expectations Math Performance Somewhat Above Expectations. University Preparatory has been a US News and World Report Gold Medal School for four years in a row. It is currently ranked 70th in the state and #403 nationally. UP also received its second National Blue Ribbon Award in 2016. For more than a decade, UP has maintained a high level of excellence and achievement.
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Student Demographics and Enrollment
The student population of University Preparatory Academy Charter is 713 and the school serves 7-12. The student population is made up of 51% female students and 49% male students. The school enrolls 31% economically disadvantaged students.
The demographic breakdown is as follows:
- Female: 51%
- Male: 49%
- White: 6.6%
- Asian or Asian/Pacific Islander: 47.3%
- Hispanic/Latino: 19.6%
- Black or African American: 19.2%
- Two or more races: 6.7%
- Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander: 0.4%
- American Indian or Alaska Native: 0.1%
Faculty and Staff
University Preparatory Academy employs a dedicated team of educators and support staff. There are 38 equivalent full-time teachers and 2 full-time school counselors. Full-time teachers: 38 Percentage of full-time teachers who are certified: 100% Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Number of full-time school counselors: 2. The school maintains a student-teacher ratio of 19:1, which is the same as that of the district.
Unique Programs and Activities
UPA is unique because of its’ small community, caring teachers, and a student body dedicated to making the mission of college acceptance a reality. When students are not expanding their skill sets in their college prep courses, they are active participants in athletics, clubs, and student activities. Students new UPA will welcomed and supported with both our AVID and Link Crew/WEB programs. Students who have graduated from UPA have exceeded the A-G minimums required for college admission by the University of California and California State University System.
The UPA Golden Eagles field 12 teams in 4 sports, with both middle school and varsity teams. Each year UPA hosts two drama productions (a fall play and spring musical) and a fall dance showcase every spring by the students in dance classes at the school. Students can audition to perform in the theatre productions or apply to be on technical crews or part of the band for musicals. University Preparatory Academy holds schoolwide events. Drama Productions - These are showcased twice every year, and UPA students are recruited to act in or support a play. Junior College Trip - Once a year, junior students are taken on a trip to southern California to tour colleges, such as the University of California, Los Angeles, the University of California, Irvine, California Polytechnic State University, and others. Annual College Trip - Each class visits a regional university to ready themselves for graduation from high school and entrance into college.
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School Culture and Environment
Our stakeholders play an integral role in the governance of University Preparatory. Staff adheres to professional standards, including dress and demeanor policies and students adhere to uniform and comportment policies. The key to the success of UPA is simple - when you are a student at UPA you matter. Our intent was to create a college-going climate in which every student has access to a rich and rigorous curriculum. Today, the depth and breadth of our determination to prepare our students for university admittance remains unaltered. Our students are not excuses, but rather inspirations for us to work collaboratively both within and across grades, systems and disciplines to make our mission realities.
We have seven classes daily, with the first five classes of each day rotated and the last two classes always fixed to accommodate seniors and allow for an expanded curriculum. This format affords students extra classes and it affords a focus of studies with less repetition, boredom and stagnation.
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