April 2026 U Prep News — Spring is Here and So Are Our Champions!
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Communications Dept
They Showed OUT. And That's Just the Beginning.
Spring has arrived at U Prep — and so has championship energy.
The UPA Mark Murray cheer team took 1st Place in the Elementary Division at this year's cheer competition, with Ellen Thompson close behind at 2nd Place. In the Middle School Division, University Prep Academy Panthers earned 2nd Place and University Prep Science & Math earned 3rd Place. From powerful chants to flawless routines, every squad brought heart, hustle, and school spirit to the floor.
We couldn't be more proud of our scholars.
And that's just one of the highlights packed into our April 2026 U Prep News Newsletter.
What's Inside the April Issue
A Message from Interim CEO John Cleary
Interim CEO John Cleary shares a timely message on growth, renewal, and the hard work our scholars are putting in as spring standardized testing season gets underway. His words are a reminder of why the U Prep community shows up every day.
U Prep Academic Games — State Champions!
Our scholars dominated the 2026 Michigan League of Academic Games Super Tournament, earning multiple State Championships across elementary, middle, and high school divisions — plus 2nd place, 3rd place, and Honorable Mention finishes across the board. This is what rigor and dedication look like.
The Detroit Navigator — Student Journalism at Its Best
5th graders at UPA Mark Murray Elementary launched The Detroit Navigator, a full-color student newspaper covering Arts & Culture, Business, Food, and Sports — all through a Detroit lens. Powered by our long-standing partnership with 826michigan. Grab a copy at onwardrobots.com.
Featured School: UPAD HS Designed for Success
Principal Lauryn Smith shines a light on what's happening at University Prep Art & Design High School — from the new Crew curriculum keeping every student known and supported, to the Senior Art Capstone where 12th graders use creativity as a vehicle for social change. Plus: scholar voices, Design Lines, and upcoming events including Decision Day and Senior Prom.
Assistant Principals Week Shoutout
A special recognition for the APs across our network who pour into our scholars and staff every single day.
Mark Your Calendar
There is a lot happening between now and the end of the school year. Open Houses are scheduled across all campuses — a perfect opportunity to see U Prep in action. Key dates include:
- April 21 — UPAD ES Parent Volunteer Appreciation Breakfast
- April 23 — UPAD HS Open House @ 5pm
- April 25 — Ellen Thompson Mother Son Dance @ 4–7pm
- April 28 — UPA Ellen Thompson Open House @ 5pm
- April 30 — UPA Mark Murray Spring Fling Family Fun @ 5–6pm
- May 1 — UPAD HS Decision Day
Enrollment for 2026–2027 is open. Contact admissions@uprepschools.com or scan the QR code in the newsletter.
Read the full April 2026 newsletter here — and share it with a friend who needs to know what's happening in Detroit's most dedicated school community.