Skip To Main Content

Leaders Who Inspire U: Lauryn Hood Smith, Principal — UPAD High School

Post RSS Feeds Subscribe to Post Alerts
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.
Leaders Who Inspire U: Lauryn Hood Smith, Principal — UPAD High School
Communications Dept

At University Prep Art & Design High School, every student is an artist. Every student is a scholar. And under the leadership of Principal Lauryn Hood Smith, every student is known.

That's not an accident — it's a philosophy.

"Our mission is to provide equitable, rigorous, and responsive instruction, rooted in art and design, within a safe and supportive environment where all students can thrive," says Smith. "Our work is grounded in artistry, clarity, excellence, and unity." 

Art as the Foundation

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.

At UPAD High School, art and design aren't electives — they are the lens through which scholars engage with the world. This year, seniors are completing their Senior Art Capstone, a graduation project where students harness their creativity to promote social change. These aren't just art projects. They are statements. Visions. Evidence that young people can use their gifts to move the world forward.

At the same time, Smith and her team launched a new Crew curriculum — a structured approach to making sure every single student is seen, supported, and connected. In a high school environment, that kind of intentional community-building can be the difference between a student who thrives and one who slips through the cracks. At UPAD HS, no one slips through.

Partners in the Work

Principal Smith is a firm believer that great schools are built with families, not just for them. Parent partnerships are woven into the fabric of UPAD HS — from Decision Day celebrations to Open Houses that invite families into the creative world their students are building. As 11th graders buckle down for spring state assessments, that partnership matters more than ever.

"Thank you to our families and staff for your continued support in helping our students stay confident, prepared, and ready to succeed," she shares.

Lauryn Hood Smith leads with vision, builds with intention, and inspires every scholar who walks through the doors of UPAD High School to believe that their creativity is their power.

That's what leadership looks like. That's a leader who inspires U.

See UPAD High School for Yourself

We are enrolling scholars for the 2026–2027 school year. Come experience the UPAD difference at our upcoming Open House and see why families choose University Prep Art & Design.