University Preparatory Academy

UPA Ellen Thompson Elementary School Student

UPA Ellen Thompson Elementary School Students

University Preparatory Academy Elementary – Ellen Thompson Campus is located in the heart of the City of Detroit! Our scholars are educated in a safe state-of-the-art facility with smaller class sizes, within a resource-rich learning community. At U Prep Schools, the needs of our scholars come first, and each is seen and heard. Our innovative approach to teaching and learning is grounded in our commitment to offer a hands-on Culturally Responsive Education to every scholar, rooted in Expeditionary and Project Based Learning, and a primary focus on every scholar’s social-emotional well being.

With a collective mindset, we lead Restoratively, which results in the development of a community, and a high level of school pride throughout our network. What sets us apart are our unique Career Pathways that serve as an introduction and preparation for scholars’ post-secondary plans. Year after year, we successfully fulfill the mission of the Detroit 90/90 Promise.

As an added bonus all campuses offer competitive sports, and after-school programming to enhance the overall educational experience.

The work we do is driven by our vision, and it is through that lens that we educate, mold, and nurture every scholar.

University Preparatory Academy Elementary – Ellen Thompson Campus is an innovative community founded on integrity that builds proud and resilient critical thinkers.

Click here for a personal message from School Director, Mrs. Kyra White.

REGISTRATION PACKETAFTER SCHOOL PROGRAMSSCHOOL/DISTRICT DOCUMENTSPARENT ENGAGEMENTDETROIT 90/90 PROMISEMERCHANDISE STOREVIRTUAL OPEN HOUSE VIDEOSCHOOL CALENDAR

U Prep Schools remains committed to providing unique learning experiences beyond the classroom, to ignite the gifts, talents and genius within. We seek to develop and sustain partnerships with like-missioned organizations that reinforce our network’s efforts toward improved student outcomes to develop the whole child.

We offer a variety of afterschool programs such as chess club, swim, culinary, and anime. Many of our after-school experiences are offered at no cost to our families. Please contact the SOM at your child’s school for more information about the after-school programs available at your favorite U Prep School.

To view and download our handbook, code of conduct, and other important school documents click here.

U Prep Schools engages families throughout the school year. We invite you to stay connected to your scholar’s teacher, their school leadership team, and the overall school community during monthly parent meetings and other family engagement events and opportunities. Connect with your scholar’s school today by joining their parent/family organization. Reach out to your school operations manager to obtain more information.

View Parent Engagement Events

In a city with a history of having low high school graduation rates, the founders of U Prep Schools wanted to make a difference in the lives of children and in the delivery of education in Detroit.

As one of the oldest and largest charter schools in the city, U Prep Schools was founded based on the belief that measurable outcomes will guide us in the work that we do.

Aligning with the schools’ mission of ensuring that students are prepared for college and to achieve success in life, the founders, board, school leaders, and faculty made a promise that 90% of the students served will graduate and be accepted to a college of their choice. This promise, known as the Detroit 90/90 Promise has been consistently measured and achieved for the past 20 years.

Known as innovators in urban education, the Detroit 90/90 Promise is U Prep’s oldest and most distinctive defining difference.