University Preparatory School is a public charter school of the Shasta Union High School District. It was granted a charter in March 2004 with the goal of creating an alternative educational experience for secondary students in Shasta County and contiguous counties. U-Prep was born of the stakeholders’ common goal to make a classical, college prep public school uniquely available to north state students. Its purpose is twofold: first to provide a small, comprehensive high school alternative for area students and second to support the academic mission of the school and prepare students for an academically rigorous high school experience with its middle school curriculum. University Preparatory School delivers on the following Four Promises, all of which reflect the school mission:

• 1) U-Prep prepares students for university-level admissions through offering a challenging academic program. Students may design a course trajectory, 6th grade through 12th grade, unique to their abilities and skill sets which allows them to excel at a rate commensurate with their interests and goals. Junior high students have access to high school courses. All high school students are immersed in college preparatory courses (Honors, Advanced Placement, Dual Enrollment).
• 2) U-Prep provides academic and relational supports within a close-knit community of faculty and advisors. As a small school, faculty are able to build caring and supportive working relationships with students. All U-Prep faculty serve as coaches and/or advisors to school programs, which enable them to build rapport with students outside of the classroom. Academic support programs include a Tutorial/Advisory period for students in 6th through 12th grades, Study Hall courses for junior high and high school, BRIDGE courses for junior high students, and Math Support courses for junior high and high school students. Students may access faculty during Friday Office Hours for individualized assistance. Senior students meet weekly with their counselor in Senior Transition, a course designed to address their post-secondary plans. Three school counselors are on staff to assist students in achieving their goals.

• 3) We strive to build positive working relationships with students and families. Providing a small school, family-like environment strongly connected to our parents and community is essential to the ongoing support and development of each student. With strong relationships intact, young adults have the freedom to discover and enjoy the process of reaching their fullest potential. Research overwhelmingly supports the power of schools, families, and community groups working together to support student learning. Results show that students tend to do better in school, stay in school longer, and like school more when this partnership exists. Additionally, volunteering in one of the Booster or school organizations is a wonderful way to contribute to your child’s school. Staying in touch with school happenings is made user-friendly through the U-Prep Panthers school app, the school website, the U-Prep Marquee, the Panther Pride monthly newsletter, teacher websites, and School Messenger all-call phone system. Fall and spring Academic Conferences allow a team approach to addressing student progress.
• 4) U-Prep empowers students to develop their unlimited potential through offering new challenges, and engagement in leadership opportunities, the visual and performing arts programs, athletics, and rigorous academics. As a student-centered learning community, students have the opportunity to explore their interests and develop or contribute to new courses, programs, clubs, and/or school initiatives. Many of those currently in place are manifestations of student contribution and collaboration with staff.

University Preparatory School’s middle school curriculum includes Latin in 7th and 8th grade. The high school curriculum is comprised of AP, Honors and CP courses. World Language courses offered at U-Prep include: Mandarin, Spanish, French, and Latin. Advanced Placement course offerings include: AP Physics 1, AP Physics 2, AP Biology, AP Environmental Science, AP Computer Science Principles, AP Calculus AB, AP Calculus BC, AP Statistics, AP Human Geography, AP World History, AP US History, AP Microeconomics, AP American Government, AP English Language & Composition, AP English Literature and Composition, AP Latin, and AP Studio Art (Drawing, 2D and 3D). On-campus dual enrolled course offerings include: Precalculus College Algebra, College Physics 2A, College Physics 2B, College Composition, College Literature and Composition, and Principles of Economics. Students also participate in Advisory and Tutorial class.

School Accreditation, Awards and Recognition

U-Prep has completed three cycles of accreditation from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). Following each term, the school was awarded the highest level of accreditation.

U-Prep continues to receive recognition from The Washington Post, (Most Challenging High Schools, ranked #264 nationally), U.S. News and World Report (Best High Schools – Gold Medal, ranked #255 nationally), and the Campaign for Business and Education Excellence (Scholar Schools Honor Roll). U-Prep students have received recognition through their performance on the National Latin Exam, and College Board Advanced Placement, PSAT, SAT exams, among other individual awards and recognitions.

For a historical perspective on the world class education that U-Prep was set up to accomplish, click here.

University Preparatory School has a comprehensive School Safety Plan. The plan is reviewed annually with the School Safety Committee and practiced regularly to ensure the safety of all students and staff should an emergency arise. 100% of the U-Prep school staff have received training in ALICE (Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter, Evacuate) safety practices. Training is ongoing with staff and students. The U-Prep campus hosts two security personnel and is served by a Redding Police Department School Resource Officer.