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Welcome to University Prep Schools
About Us
University Prep Schools (U Prep Schools) is a tuition-free charter school network comprised of three distinct Districts and ten K-12 state-of-the-art schools, all located in the heart of Detroit.
- University Prep Academy
- University Prep Science & Math
- University Prep Art & Design
Collectively, 2025 Graduates were awarded more than $11 Million in scholarship awards or educational grants!
These are just a few of the institutions our scholars have attended in the last few years:
News & Events
![🚨 NEWS ALERT: The February U Prep Newsletter Is Here!]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1770849852/uprepschoolscom/pkvsenmurkfzgctgcm1g/UPREP_POST-FebNewsletter_2026.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1770849852/uprepschoolscom/pkvsenmurkfzgctgcm1g/UPREP_POST-FebNewsletter_2026.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1770849852/uprepschoolscom/pkvsenmurkfzgctgcm1g/UPREP_POST-FebNewsletter_2026.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1770849852/uprepschoolscom/pkvsenmurkfzgctgcm1g/UPREP_POST-FebNewsletter_2026.png","width":940}])
The February University Prep Schools newsletter is now available, featuring scholarship updates, key upcoming events, and powerful scholar voices from across our schools. This edition highlights UPA Mark Murray's "commitment to cultivating good humans," and UPA Ellen Thompson’s focus on inspiring lifelong learners, along with reports from four scholar reporters, including 5th grader Logan Banks-Johnson (pictured).
![Big Wins. Bold Innovation. Scholar-Driven Creativity.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1770848385/uprepschoolscom/pfg1q8untmk4fbzmipog/UPREP_POST-75kGrantPathways_2026.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1770848385/uprepschoolscom/pfg1q8untmk4fbzmipog/UPREP_POST-75kGrantPathways_2026.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1770848385/uprepschoolscom/pfg1q8untmk4fbzmipog/UPREP_POST-75kGrantPathways_2026.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1770848385/uprepschoolscom/pfg1q8untmk4fbzmipog/UPREP_POST-75kGrantPathways_2026.png","width":940}])
University Prep Academy High School – Ed Parks Campus has been awarded a $75,000 Pathway to Possibilities grant from the Detroit Children’s Fund to create a student-inspired Makerspace STEM Lab in the school library. The space will feature 3D printing, hands-on AI experiences, augmented reality development, podcasting, digital storytelling, music production, and digital art and animation—designed to amplify scholar creativity and prepare future-ready leaders.
![$60,000 Invested in Scholar Innovation at U Prep Schools]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1770318734/uprepschoolscom/zzzdwys7yj0cre4ngieh/UPREP_POST-Impact30_2026.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1770318734/uprepschoolscom/zzzdwys7yj0cre4ngieh/UPREP_POST-Impact30_2026.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1770318734/uprepschoolscom/zzzdwys7yj0cre4ngieh/UPREP_POST-Impact30_2026.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1770318734/uprepschoolscom/zzzdwys7yj0cre4ngieh/UPREP_POST-Impact30_2026.png","width":940}])
- Network News
- Points of Pride
- UPA News
- UPAD News
U Prep Schools secures $60,000 in GVSU Impact 30 funding to power hands-on learning, creative placemaking, and scholar-led innovation across UPA and UPAD High Schools
![UPA High School’s library builds community of book lovers, garners state award and funding for makerspace]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1770318744/uprepschoolscom/d50allt7thijmvzxy30f/UPREP_POST-UPAHSLibrary2026.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1770318744/uprepschoolscom/d50allt7thijmvzxy30f/UPREP_POST-UPAHSLibrary2026.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1770318744/uprepschoolscom/d50allt7thijmvzxy30f/UPREP_POST-UPAHSLibrary2026.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1770318744/uprepschoolscom/d50allt7thijmvzxy30f/UPREP_POST-UPAHSLibrary2026.png","width":940}])
In December 2025, UPA High School was awarded a $75,000 grant from the Detroit Children’s Fund to expand the library’s makerspace, which will include 3D printing and hands-on AI experiences spanning augmented reality development, podcasts, video, digital storytelling, music, and digital art and animation.
![U Prep Scholars Selected for the 2025–2027 Skillman Youth Council]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1770316747/uprepschoolscom/fkzirveqsabziwgwokey/Post_SkillmanYouthCouncil_800x582px.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1770316747/uprepschoolscom/fkzirveqsabziwgwokey/Post_SkillmanYouthCouncil_800x582px.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1770316747/uprepschoolscom/fkzirveqsabziwgwokey/Post_SkillmanYouthCouncil_800x582px.png","width":800}])
- Announcements
- Points of Pride
- UPA News
- UPAD News
Four U Prep scholars were selected to serve as 2025–2027 Skillman Youth Council members, representing their schools and Detroit as youth leaders committed to community impact.
![U Prep Schools Celebrates 25 Years of Impact]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1770320365/uprepschoolscom/eeroh1hi7d4vx5lanryj/UPREP_POST-25thANNY_2025.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1770320365/uprepschoolscom/eeroh1hi7d4vx5lanryj/UPREP_POST-25thANNY_2025.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1770320365/uprepschoolscom/eeroh1hi7d4vx5lanryj/UPREP_POST-25thANNY_2025.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1770320365/uprepschoolscom/eeroh1hi7d4vx5lanryj/UPREP_POST-25thANNY_2025.png","width":940}])
- Network News
- Points of Pride
- UPA News
- UPAD News
- UPSM News
U Prep Schools was featured in Metro Parent, highlighting 25 years of educational impact, community partnership and scholar success in Detroit.
![The Leaders Behind the Mission: Celebrating Our Principals]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1761085588/uprepschoolscom/glup9a1t3ag4ixdprpig/UPREP_POSTNationalPrincipalsMonth2025.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1761085588/uprepschoolscom/glup9a1t3ag4ixdprpig/UPREP_POSTNationalPrincipalsMonth2025.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1761085588/uprepschoolscom/glup9a1t3ag4ixdprpig/UPREP_POSTNationalPrincipalsMonth2025.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1761085588/uprepschoolscom/glup9a1t3ag4ixdprpig/UPREP_POSTNationalPrincipalsMonth2025.jpg","width":940}])
- Network News
- UPA News
- UPAD News
- UPSM News
U Prep Schools celebrates National Principals Month by honoring the ten dedicated leaders across its three districts. From elementary to high school, these principals build safe, vibrant, and inspiring school communities where Detroit scholars thrive. Their leadership helps shape confident, future-ready students that reach far beyond the classroom.
![October 2025 - So Much to Celebrate at U Prep! 🍂]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1759979609/uprepschoolscom/feoginjvc7ihovirofy4/Post_UPSMSeniors2025_800x582px.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1759979609/uprepschoolscom/feoginjvc7ihovirofy4/Post_UPSMSeniors2025_800x582px.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1759979609/uprepschoolscom/feoginjvc7ihovirofy4/Post_UPSMSeniors2025_800x582px.png","width":800}])
- Network News
- UPA News
- UPAD News
- UPSM News
The October 2025 edition of U Prep News spotlights a month of achievement across all three University Prep districts—from Count Day celebrations and college fairs to the Danielle Jackson Building Dedication and Senior Night at Sidney D. Miller Field—showcasing how U Prep continues to empower Detroit scholars to lead, learn, and thrive.
![A Day in the Life: 6th Grade at UPA Middle]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1759411592/uprepschoolscom/qzkqe9ajqgwsezzp9kop/Post_UPAMS_800x582px3.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1759411592/uprepschoolscom/qzkqe9ajqgwsezzp9kop/Post_UPAMS_800x582px3.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1759411592/uprepschoolscom/qzkqe9ajqgwsezzp9kop/Post_UPAMS_800x582px3.png","width":800}])
- UPA News
From navigating schedules and enjoying lunch with friends, to connecting in crew and diving into academics, this video shows what makes the U Prep Middle experience so special
![What’s New at UPA Middle: A Full Circle Leadership Moment]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1759408183/uprepschoolscom/xiavb7ugdps4iualdqis/Post_UPAMS_800x582px.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1759408183/uprepschoolscom/xiavb7ugdps4iualdqis/Post_UPAMS_800x582px.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1759408183/uprepschoolscom/xiavb7ugdps4iualdqis/Post_UPAMS_800x582px.png","width":800}])
- Alumni Spotlight
- Announcements
- UPA News
University Prep Academy Middle School proudly welcomes a new leadership team: Principal Kyra White, formerly leading at UPA’s Ellen Thompson Elementary Campus, and Assistant Principal Michael Foster, who served last year as Assistant Principal at UPA Mark Murray and is also a proud U Prep graduate. Together, their leadership reflects a powerful full-circle moment as U Prep Schools celebrates 25 years of empowering Detroit scholars.
![U Prep Honors former CEO Danielle L. Jackson with Dedication]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1758545507/uprepschoolscom/w61zb6gcnqk10uc04o0y/Post_UPAHS-Unveiling_800x582px.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1758545507/uprepschoolscom/w61zb6gcnqk10uc04o0y/Post_UPAHS-Unveiling_800x582px.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1758545507/uprepschoolscom/w61zb6gcnqk10uc04o0y/Post_UPAHS-Unveiling_800x582px.png","width":800}])
- Announcements
- Network News
- UPA News
- UPAD News
- UPSM News
University Prep Schools dedicated the Yellow Building at University Prep Academy High School to honor former CEO Danielle L. Jackson for her 18 years of leadership and service.
![UPA High School Recognized at PBLWorks Championships]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1770321358/uprepschoolscom/xkdvtexwq8naykilrmhm/UPREP_POST-pblWorks_20251.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1770321358/uprepschoolscom/xkdvtexwq8naykilrmhm/UPREP_POST-pblWorks_20251.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1770321358/uprepschoolscom/xkdvtexwq8naykilrmhm/UPREP_POST-pblWorks_20251.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1770321358/uprepschoolscom/xkdvtexwq8naykilrmhm/UPREP_POST-pblWorks_20251.png","width":940}])
- PBL
- Points of Pride
- UPA News
UPA High School earned national recognition as a PBLWorks Championships winner for excellence in project-based learning.
- Announcements
- Network News
- UPA News
- UPAD News
- UPSM News
Celebrate the start of a new school year with our September 2025 edition of U Prep News — featuring back-to-school highlights, scholar achievements, and community updates
![UPAD Scholars Shine at Night of the Arts!]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1748324004/uprepschoolscom/zizisbdl8bncmn0uvvec/Post_NOTA2025students_800x582px.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1748324004/uprepschoolscom/zizisbdl8bncmn0uvvec/Post_NOTA2025students_800x582px.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1748324004/uprepschoolscom/zizisbdl8bncmn0uvvec/Post_NOTA2025students_800x582px.jpg","width":800}])
- UPAD News
Over 1,000 stunning pieces by UPAD scholars lit up the Night of the Arts! 🌟🎨
See the photos + full recap here
![Wrap Battle: UPAD Scholars Dive into Automotive Design]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1748326297/uprepschoolscom/llodxjtaqhllfcpky56g/Post_WrapBattle_800x582px12.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1748326297/uprepschoolscom/llodxjtaqhllfcpky56g/Post_WrapBattle_800x582px12.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1748326297/uprepschoolscom/llodxjtaqhllfcpky56g/Post_WrapBattle_800x582px12.jpg","width":800}])
- UPAD News
UPAD scholars took part in the Wrap Battle, turning their creativity into custom vehicle designs at the Henry Ford Museum.
Big thanks to Foxxtecca, Taste of Tech, and AAAA for helping our scholars dream beyond the classroom.
News & Events Container
Latest News
The February University Prep Schools newsletter is now available, featuring scholarship updates, key upcoming events, and powerful scholar voices from across our schools. This edition highlights UPA Mark Murray's "commitment to cultivating good humans," and UPA Ellen Thompson’s focus on inspiring lifelong learners, along with reports from four scholar reporters, including 5th grader Logan Banks-Johnson (pictured).
University Prep Academy High School – Ed Parks Campus has been awarded a $75,000 Pathway to Possibilities grant from the Detroit Children’s Fund to create a student-inspired Makerspace STEM Lab in the school library. The space will feature 3D printing, hands-on AI experiences, augmented reality development, podcasting, digital storytelling, music production, and digital art and animation—designed to amplify scholar creativity and prepare future-ready leaders.
U Prep Schools secures $60,000 in GVSU Impact 30 funding to power hands-on learning, creative placemaking, and scholar-led innovation across UPA and UPAD High Schools
Upcoming Events
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!
