Home
About Us
Three Pathways. One Promise.
Welcome to University Prep Schools
Your scholar deserves a school where they are known, challenged, and supported.
U Prep is a tuition-free public charter school network with three districts and 10 K–12 schools in Detroit. Across University Prep Academy, University Prep Science & Math, and University Prep Art & Design, scholars build meaningful relationships, explore their interests, and prepare for college, careers, and life.
Find your school. Discover your path.
Collectively, 2026 Graduates were offered almost $26 Million in scholarship awards or educational grants, accepting around $8 million to further their education!
These are just a few of the institutions our scholars have attended in the last few years:
News & Events
![A central purple banner announcing "Student Count Day" for University Prep Schools is surrounded by a collage of photos featuring diverse students and teachers in classroom settings.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1791922451/uprepschoolscom/szxt5jj8bxpumu8bfrtd/UPREP_PrincipalsMonthFacebookPost.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1791922451/uprepschoolscom/szxt5jj8bxpumu8bfrtd/UPREP_PrincipalsMonthFacebookPost.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1791922451/uprepschoolscom/szxt5jj8bxpumu8bfrtd/UPREP_PrincipalsMonthFacebookPost.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1791922451/uprepschoolscom/szxt5jj8bxpumu8bfrtd/UPREP_PrincipalsMonthFacebookPost.png","width":940}])
- Network News
- UPA News
- UPAD News
- UPSM News
As we return from Fall Break, we’re celebrating the principals who lead U Prep’s 10 school communities. Meet our school leaders and join us in thanking them during Principals Appreciation Month this October.
![Students work on laptops in a classroom setting, partially obscured by a purple promotional overlay for University Prep Schools.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1791904192/uprepschoolscom/bc458r9znsl6mtvkkv0j/UniversityPrepSchoolsOpenHouses2026-2.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1791904192/uprepschoolscom/bc458r9znsl6mtvkkv0j/UniversityPrepSchoolsOpenHouses2026-2.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1791904192/uprepschoolscom/bc458r9znsl6mtvkkv0j/UniversityPrepSchoolsOpenHouses2026-2.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1791904192/uprepschoolscom/bc458r9znsl6mtvkkv0j/UniversityPrepSchoolsOpenHouses2026-2.png","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1791904192/uprepschoolscom/bc458r9znsl6mtvkkv0j/UniversityPrepSchoolsOpenHouses2026-2.png","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1791904192/uprepschoolscom/bc458r9znsl6mtvkkv0j/UniversityPrepSchoolsOpenHouses2026-2.png","width":1734}])
- Announcements
- Open House
- UPA News
- UPAD News
- UPSM News
Discover your path at U Prep! Explore October 2026 open houses at our elementary, middle, and high schools. View upcoming dates, find in-person and virtual opportunities, and register to connect with our school communities.
![U Prep Families: Request Tickets for the Pistons Season Opener]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1791513948/uprepschoolscom/ixzzkafmvadpakssybez/det_26-27_mktg_DetroitClockIn_web_800x450.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1791513948/uprepschoolscom/ixzzkafmvadpakssybez/det_26-27_mktg_DetroitClockIn_web_800x450.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1791513948/uprepschoolscom/ixzzkafmvadpakssybez/det_26-27_mktg_DetroitClockIn_web_800x450.png","width":800}])
- Announcements
- UPA sports
- UPAD sports
- UPSM sports
U Prep students, families, and staff can request tickets for the Detroit Pistons season opener against the Boston Celtics on Tuesday, October 20, at Little Caesars Arena. Tickets are first come, first served, with a maximum of five per family. Review ticket deadlines and required parent pickup details before registering.
![Math teacher leading a classroom]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1790791152/uprepschoolscom/hjo50grsy7ne4wqfocgo/UPREP_ModelTeacher_WhyUPrep_Classroom_1200x800.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1790791152/uprepschoolscom/hjo50grsy7ne4wqfocgo/UPREP_ModelTeacher_WhyUPrep_Classroom_1200x800.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1790791152/uprepschoolscom/hjo50grsy7ne4wqfocgo/UPREP_ModelTeacher_WhyUPrep_Classroom_1200x800.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1790791152/uprepschoolscom/hjo50grsy7ne4wqfocgo/UPREP_ModelTeacher_WhyUPrep_Classroom_1200x800.jpg","width":1200}])
- Announcements
- Network News
U Prep hiring $100K Model Teachers of Secondary Mathematics.
![U Prep Schools 2026-2027 Board Meeting Schedule]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1787768594/uprepschoolscom/lpzsgj59wikg0mbthezp/PSAD_26-27Meetings800x582.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1787768594/uprepschoolscom/lpzsgj59wikg0mbthezp/PSAD_26-27Meetings800x582.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1787768594/uprepschoolscom/lpzsgj59wikg0mbthezp/PSAD_26-27Meetings800x582.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1787768594/uprepschoolscom/lpzsgj59wikg0mbthezp/PSAD_26-27Meetings800x582.png","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1787768594/uprepschoolscom/lpzsgj59wikg0mbthezp/PSAD_26-27Meetings800x582.png","width":1470}])
U Prep Schools is a free public charter school network. That means the people who run it answer to the public, and that includes you. Every Public School Academies of Detroit (PSAD) board meeting is open. Parents, scholars, staff, and anyone from the Detroit community can walk in and watch how decisions get made about the schools your scholars attend.
![The image features a smiling woman with long dark hair wearing a white top against a teal background. The text "Leaders Who Inspire U" and "Celebrating the U Prep Network's Leading Voices" is displayed above the woman's image, along with the logo for "University Prep Art & Design".]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1776874070/uprepschoolscom/twsisdyacgkihruxrxwn/UPREP_LeadersWhoInspireU_ShanayGilchristApr2026.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1776874070/uprepschoolscom/twsisdyacgkihruxrxwn/UPREP_LeadersWhoInspireU_ShanayGilchristApr2026.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1776874070/uprepschoolscom/twsisdyacgkihruxrxwn/UPREP_LeadersWhoInspireU_ShanayGilchristApr2026.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1776874070/uprepschoolscom/twsisdyacgkihruxrxwn/UPREP_LeadersWhoInspireU_ShanayGilchristApr2026.png","width":940}])
- Network News
- UPAD News
She's been in the building — as a teacher, coach, and AP — for over a decade. Now, as Principal of UPAD Elementary, Shanay Gilchrist is exactly where she's meant to be.
![The image shows a group of people standing near a swimming pool, with some individuals wearing casual clothing and others in what appears to be athletic or workout attire.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1777492365/uprepschoolscom/mxyvkplazaenxvef1gui/UPREP_POST-UPSMunderwater_Apri2026.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1777492365/uprepschoolscom/mxyvkplazaenxvef1gui/UPREP_POST-UPSMunderwater_Apri2026.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1777492365/uprepschoolscom/mxyvkplazaenxvef1gui/UPREP_POST-UPSMunderwater_Apri2026.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1777492365/uprepschoolscom/mxyvkplazaenxvef1gui/UPREP_POST-UPSMunderwater_Apri2026.png","width":940}])
UPSM High’s Jason Mattison & Janae Styles master underwater robotics and secure vital funding for future innovators. 🤖
![A smiling woman with glasses is featured in a circular frame against a blurred background of a brick building, with text announcing her as the new CEO.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1777910574/uprepschoolscom/fwo0mknniatrhjcghvnb/DjenebaDJCherifCEO.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1777910574/uprepschoolscom/fwo0mknniatrhjcghvnb/DjenebaDJCherifCEO.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1777910574/uprepschoolscom/fwo0mknniatrhjcghvnb/DjenebaDJCherifCEO.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1777910574/uprepschoolscom/fwo0mknniatrhjcghvnb/DjenebaDJCherifCEO.png","width":1080}])
- Announcements
- Network News
- Points of Pride
- UPA News
- UPAD News
- UPSM News
University Prep Schools | Detroit 90/90 has a new CEO — and she's been here all along. Meet Djeneba "DJ" Cherif, a Detroit classroom teacher turned chief executive, stepping into the top role on May 11, 2026.
![The image features the logo and text of the University Prep Schools (UPREP) organization, celebrating 25 years of first-class staff. The background depicts a sunset sky with a silhouetted airplane, conveying the theme of "Take Flight!"]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1777659949/uprepschoolscom/umbgficguyisxzzibdhq/TeacherAppWeek2026.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1777659949/uprepschoolscom/umbgficguyisxzzibdhq/TeacherAppWeek2026.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1777659949/uprepschoolscom/umbgficguyisxzzibdhq/TeacherAppWeek2026.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1777659949/uprepschoolscom/umbgficguyisxzzibdhq/TeacherAppWeek2026.png","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1777659949/uprepschoolscom/umbgficguyisxzzibdhq/TeacherAppWeek2026.png","width":1536}])
University Prep Schools marks Teacher Appreciation Week 2026 by honoring the teachers and staff across UPA, UPAD, and UPSM in Detroit — while celebrating a major milestone: 25 years of first-class educators helping scholars soar. This year's theme is "Take Flight: Celebrating 25 Years of First-Class Staff."
![The image celebrates National School Principals Day on May 1, 2026, featuring a diverse group of school principals from the University Prep Schools program.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1777659949/uprepschoolscom/ptwhgeccymtzxd3ccrzg/2026_UPREP_PrincipalsApprecation2.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1777659949/uprepschoolscom/ptwhgeccymtzxd3ccrzg/2026_UPREP_PrincipalsApprecation2.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1777659949/uprepschoolscom/ptwhgeccymtzxd3ccrzg/2026_UPREP_PrincipalsApprecation2.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1777659949/uprepschoolscom/ptwhgeccymtzxd3ccrzg/2026_UPREP_PrincipalsApprecation2.png","width":1080}])
University Prep Schools honors ten principals across its three Detroit campuses — University Prep Academy (UPA), University Prep Art & Design (UPAD), and University Prep Science & Math (UPSM) — on National School Principals Day, May 1, 2026. Each principal leads with purpose, builds strong school cultures, and helps UPrep scholars thrive every day
![A group of people wearing white shirts and blue ties are walking together in front of a building with ornate architectural features.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1777494342/uprepschoolscom/zmn3m4f4ovjpkijewsiq/UPREP_POST-UPSMstepteam_Apri2026.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1777494342/uprepschoolscom/zmn3m4f4ovjpkijewsiq/UPREP_POST-UPSMstepteam_Apri2026.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1777494342/uprepschoolscom/zmn3m4f4ovjpkijewsiq/UPREP_POST-UPSMstepteam_Apri2026.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1777494342/uprepschoolscom/zmn3m4f4ovjpkijewsiq/UPREP_POST-UPSMstepteam_Apri2026.png","width":940}])
UPSM Middle’s Step Team takes over Lansing, while UPA's Ms. Brandis Bean is honored by state legislators for her regional impact. ⚡🏛️
![The image shows a woman with long, wavy blonde hair wearing a black top, standing in front of a teal background with the text "LEADERS WHO INSPIRE U" and "SHANNON BYRNE" displayed.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1776874070/uprepschoolscom/bfb40qgfo3xcq8cszamr/UPREP_LeadersWhoInspireU_ShannonByrneApr2026.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1776874070/uprepschoolscom/bfb40qgfo3xcq8cszamr/UPREP_LeadersWhoInspireU_ShannonByrneApr2026.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1776874070/uprepschoolscom/bfb40qgfo3xcq8cszamr/UPREP_LeadersWhoInspireU_ShannonByrneApr2026.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1776874070/uprepschoolscom/bfb40qgfo3xcq8cszamr/UPREP_LeadersWhoInspireU_ShannonByrneApr2026.png","width":940}])
Principal Shannon Byrne fosters a school culture where academic challenge and personal connection go hand in hand. Her scholars know they belong. They know they are capable. And they know their principal believes it.
![The image shows a group of five individuals, one man, 3 boys and one woman, holding up certificates or awards. They appear to be celebrating a championship or award won by the University of Michigan-Dearborn (UPSM), as indicated by the text on the image.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1777489146/uprepschoolscom/kbeqvb62xdv5xiz7yzx4/UPREP_POST-SpiritDetroit_Apri2026.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1777489146/uprepschoolscom/kbeqvb62xdv5xiz7yzx4/UPREP_POST-SpiritDetroit_Apri2026.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1777489146/uprepschoolscom/kbeqvb62xdv5xiz7yzx4/UPREP_POST-SpiritDetroit_Apri2026.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1777489146/uprepschoolscom/kbeqvb62xdv5xiz7yzx4/UPREP_POST-SpiritDetroit_Apri2026.png","width":940}])
Detroit City Council honors the UPSM Middle School Chess Team for their State Championship win. Checkmate, Detroit!
![The image shows a woman with a vibrant, floral-patterned top standing against a bright red background. She has a warm, friendly expression on her face.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1776833176/uprepschoolscom/jy6t5tfsumblpxzliwty/UPREP_LeadersWhoInspireU_MaylaSpruillApr2026.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1776833176/uprepschoolscom/jy6t5tfsumblpxzliwty/UPREP_LeadersWhoInspireU_MaylaSpruillApr2026.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1776833176/uprepschoolscom/jy6t5tfsumblpxzliwty/UPREP_LeadersWhoInspireU_MaylaSpruillApr2026.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1776833176/uprepschoolscom/jy6t5tfsumblpxzliwty/UPREP_LeadersWhoInspireU_MaylaSpruillApr2026.png","width":940}])
- Network News
- UPA News
Championships. Student newspapers. And a simple mission: produce Good Humans. At UPA Mark Murray, Principal Mayla Spruill is doing exactly that.
![The image shows a smiling woman with dreadlocks wearing a burgundy top against a teal background, with the text "LEADERS WHO INSPIRE U" and "LAURYN HOOD SMITH" displayed.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1776874070/uprepschoolscom/wub5onayyi0t8ztyarnf/UPREP_LeadersWhoInspireU_LaurenHoodSmithApr20261.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1776874070/uprepschoolscom/wub5onayyi0t8ztyarnf/UPREP_LeadersWhoInspireU_LaurenHoodSmithApr20261.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1776874070/uprepschoolscom/wub5onayyi0t8ztyarnf/UPREP_LeadersWhoInspireU_LaurenHoodSmithApr20261.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1776874070/uprepschoolscom/wub5onayyi0t8ztyarnf/UPREP_LeadersWhoInspireU_LaurenHoodSmithApr20261.png","width":940}])
- Network News
- UPAD News
At UPAD High School, art isn't a class — it's the foundation. Principal Lauryn Hood Smith is building tomorrow's leaders one creative breakthrough at a time.
News & Events Container
Latest News
As we return from Fall Break, we’re celebrating the principals who lead U Prep’s 10 school communities. Meet our school leaders and join us in thanking them during Principals Appreciation Month this October.
Discover your path at U Prep! Explore October 2026 open houses at our elementary, middle, and high schools. View upcoming dates, find in-person and virtual opportunities, and register to connect with our school communities.
U Prep students, families, and staff can request tickets for the Detroit Pistons season opener against the Boston Celtics on Tuesday, October 20, at Little Caesars Arena. Tickets are first come, first served, with a maximum of five per family. Review ticket deadlines and required parent pickup details before registering.
Upcoming Events
UPA Ellen Thompson Elementary
University Prep Science & Math High School, 2664 Franklin St., Detroit, MI 48207
University Prep Science & Math High School, 2664 Franklin St., Detroit, MI 48207
The Lastest from Social Media
Partner Agencies & Organizations
Our scholars thrive through dynamic partnerships with top agencies and organizations. These collaborations fuel their aspirations, offering diverse learning avenues that propel them toward their dreams. From career exploration to dual degrees and certifications, we empower scholars to seize every opportunity and forge their path to success!
