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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
![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.
![Leaders Who Inspire U: John Cleary, Interim CEO]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1776813188/uprepschoolscom/balb3ivwbaj8x1qobm2d/UPREP_LeadersWhoInspireU_ClearyApr20261.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1776813188/uprepschoolscom/balb3ivwbaj8x1qobm2d/UPREP_LeadersWhoInspireU_ClearyApr20261.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1776813188/uprepschoolscom/balb3ivwbaj8x1qobm2d/UPREP_LeadersWhoInspireU_ClearyApr20261.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1776813188/uprepschoolscom/balb3ivwbaj8x1qobm2d/UPREP_LeadersWhoInspireU_ClearyApr20261.png","width":940}])
- Network News
- UPA News
- UPAD News
- UPSM News
Meet the man behind the mission. Interim CEO John Cleary has spent decades building the infrastructure that makes U Prep's promise possible — 10 schools, 5,000 scholars, and a 90/90 promise that's changing Detroit.
![The image shows a group of people in red uniforms posing together, with a banner in the background announcing the April 2026 U Prep News Newsletter.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1776447092/uprepschoolscom/dasskwqzadq9pruct95m/UPREP_POST-AprilNewsletter_Apr2026.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1776447092/uprepschoolscom/dasskwqzadq9pruct95m/UPREP_POST-AprilNewsletter_Apr2026.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1776447092/uprepschoolscom/dasskwqzadq9pruct95m/UPREP_POST-AprilNewsletter_Apr2026.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1776447092/uprepschoolscom/dasskwqzadq9pruct95m/UPREP_POST-AprilNewsletter_Apr2026.png","width":940}])
- Network News
- UPA News
- UPA sports
- UPAD News
- UPAD sports
- UPSM News
- UPSM sports
Spring is in full bloom at U Prep — and so is championship energy. From a 1st Place cheer win at UPA Mark Murray to the Academic Games State Championships, the April 2026 newsletter is packed. Read on for all the highlights.
![The image features a group of individuals, likely assistant principals, celebrating National Assistant Principals Week in April 2020. The background appears to be a cityscape with a purple and pink sky, suggesting an urban setting.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1775751432/uprepschoolscom/jq90ce097elgez0qad21/UPREP_POST-NatAPWeek_Apr2026.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1775751432/uprepschoolscom/jq90ce097elgez0qad21/UPREP_POST-NatAPWeek_Apr2026.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1775751432/uprepschoolscom/jq90ce097elgez0qad21/UPREP_POST-NatAPWeek_Apr2026.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1775751432/uprepschoolscom/jq90ce097elgez0qad21/UPREP_POST-NatAPWeek_Apr2026.png","width":940}])
- Network News
- UPA News
- UPAD News
- UPSM News
National Assistant Principals Week honors the unsung heroes at University Prep Schools. Meet the assistant principals who support scholars every day.
![The image features a woman with long dark hair wearing a white top and a white blazer, smiling and holding a book. The background is a solid purple color with the text "Women Who Inspire" and "Celebrating Women History Month • March 2020" displayed.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1774455864/uprepschoolscom/f7srbvrkmkeflrasihrc/UPREP_WomenWhoInspireU_Mar2026v3.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1774455864/uprepschoolscom/f7srbvrkmkeflrasihrc/UPREP_WomenWhoInspireU_Mar2026v3.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1774455864/uprepschoolscom/f7srbvrkmkeflrasihrc/UPREP_WomenWhoInspireU_Mar2026v3.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1774455864/uprepschoolscom/f7srbvrkmkeflrasihrc/UPREP_WomenWhoInspireU_Mar2026v3.png","width":940}])
This March, we're launching our "Women Who Inspire U" series, beginning with Chief Academic Officer Djeneba (DJ) Cherif.
![A group of people, likely students and teachers, are celebrating their achievement of being state champions five times in a row, as indicated by the text overlay on the image.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1776886242/uprepschoolscom/efq1dvytdbob3wqk8c38/UPREP_POST-AcademicGames_Mar2026.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1776886242/uprepschoolscom/efq1dvytdbob3wqk8c38/UPREP_POST-AcademicGames_Mar2026.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1776886242/uprepschoolscom/efq1dvytdbob3wqk8c38/UPREP_POST-AcademicGames_Mar2026.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1776886242/uprepschoolscom/efq1dvytdbob3wqk8c38/UPREP_POST-AcademicGames_Mar2026.png","width":940}])
- Network News
- Points of Pride
- UPAD News
State Champions. Five times back-to-back. Our UPAD scholars just made history at the 51st Michigan League of Academic Games — and they were just getting started.
News & Events Container
Latest 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.
UPSM High’s Jason Mattison & Janae Styles master underwater robotics and secure vital funding for future innovators. 🤖
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.
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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!
