University Prep Schools Celebrates National School Principals Day 2026

Today is National School Principals Day, and University Prep Schools has ten remarkable reasons to celebrate. Across UPA, UPAD, and UPSM in Detroit, Michigan, our principals are the people who keep everything running — and more importantly, keep every scholar moving forward.

Who Are the Principals at University Prep Schools?

University Prep Schools is home to ten principals serving scholars from elementary through high school across three campuses in Detroit.

University Prep Academy Principals

University Prep Academy (UPA) serves scholars at four school levels, each led by a principal who sets the tone for teaching, learning, and culture every day.

Principal Shaura Robinson leads UPA Ellen Thompson with warmth and drive. Principal Robinson builds a culture where every student feels seen and every teacher feels supported. Principal Mayla Spruill at UPA Mark Murray brings energy and focus to everything she does — her school runs on high expectations and real relationships. Principal Kyra White keeps UPA Middle running with purpose and care, creating a space where young scholars grow with confidence. Principal Savannah Henning leads UPA High School with a passion that prepares scholars for college, career, and life after graduation.

University Prep Science & Math Principals

University Prep Science & Math (UPSM) is built on the belief that every Detroit scholar can become a scientist, engineer, or critical thinker — and that starts with strong school leadership.

Principal Bianca Morgan at UPSM Elementary lays the foundation, building a love of learning from the very first day a scholar walks through the door. Principal Shegarya Parker leads UPSM Middle with boldness and belief, pushing scholars to see what they are capable of. Principal Jerry Lawrence at UPSM High School raises the bar every year, helping students reach higher and dream bigger.

University Prep Art & Design Principals

At University Prep Art & Design (UPAD), creativity and academic excellence go hand in hand — and the principals there make sure that combination shows up in every classroom.

Principal Shanay Gilchrist leads UPAD Elementary with a spirit that lights up every room she enters. Principal Shannon Byrne at UPAD Middle creates space for scholars to explore who they are through art, design, and rigorous academics. Principal Lauryn Smith leads UPAD High School with vision, grit, and grace — preparing students to make their mark on the world.

What Makes a Great School Principal?

A great principal is the first one in and the last one out. They know every student's name. They back their teachers. They solve problems before anyone else notices them. They carry the school's mission in everything they do — even when the days are long and the work is hard.

Great principals build great school cultures. Great school cultures produce great outcomes for students. That's the chain that starts with the person leading the building.

Why School Principals Matter for Student Success

Research consistently shows that school leadership is one of the strongest predictors of student achievement. Principals shape school climate, support teacher development, and create the conditions where learning happens. At University Prep Schools, our principals are not just administrators — they are instructional leaders who know their scholars, their staff, and their communities deeply.

Thank You to Our UPrep Principals

To Principal Robinson, Principal Spruill, Principal White, Principal Henning, Principal Morgan, Principal Parker, Principal Lawrence, Principal Gilchrist, Principal Byrne, and Principal Smith — thank you. Thank you for your leadership. Thank you for your love for this work. Thank you for showing our scholars what it looks like to show up fully, every single day.

Happy National School Principals Day. You deserve every bit of this recognition.

Learn More About University Prep Schools

Are you looking for a school where strong leadership, great teachers, and high expectations come together for your child? University Prep Schools has campuses across Detroit serving scholars from elementary through high school.

Explore enrollment at UPrep and find the right campus for your scholar.

University Prep Schools (UPA, UPAD & UPSM) is a network of public charter schools serving Detroit scholars from elementary through high school. Our mission is to prepare every student for college, career, and life.