Charter schools operate from three basic principles:
Accountability: Charter schools are held accountable for how well they educate children in a safe and responsible environment, not for compliance with district and state regulations. They are judged on how well they meet the student achievement goals established by their charter, and how well they manage the fiscal and operational responsibilities entrusted to them. Charter schools must operate lawfully and responsibly, with the highest regard for equity and excellence. If they fail to deliver, they are closed.
Choice: On one hand, parents, teachers, community groups, organizations, or individuals interested in creating additional educational opportunities for children can start charter schools. Local and state school boards, colleges and universities, and other community agencies can sponsor them. On the other hand, students choose to attend, and teachers choose to teach at charter schools.
Autonomy: Charter schools are freed from the traditional bureaucracy and regulations that some feel divert a school's energy and resources toward compliance rather than excellence. Instead of jumping through procedural hoops and over paperwork hurdles, charter school educators can focus on setting and reaching high academic standards for their students.
The public lottery for an over-subscribed first and/or second enrollment period will be held in March. Applicants are invited to attend but it is not mandatory.
As permitted by state and federal charter law, the Charter School has adopted and maintained policies granting admission preference in the following order:
There are several ways to become familiar with the school including tours, and shadowing opportunities. Some 6th graders are invited to a math review camp in August; all 6th graders have a testing day and a social in the spring. Ninth graders will be invited to Link Crew activities in August. All students attend the Arena Day in August to pick up their class schedules, sign up for activities, and purchase items such as PE clothes, yearbooks, and student body cards. School pictures are also taken on Arena Day. Information about the activities for your student will be sent to you.
Parents are encouraged to visit the school website and download U-Prep App for the most recent events, sports, tryouts, and auditions. We encourage families who have a student entering U-Prep in August to attend school events prior to starting school.