The Panther learning environment is based on an administration, faculty, staff, and parent community committed to nurturing student learning and academic and interpersonal achievement. Features include:
U-Prep faculty and staff take on multiple roles including coach, performing arts director, mentor, advisor, club sponsor, and tutor. Teachers meet in grade-level and common curricular teams to discuss student needs, coordinate curriculum and instruction, and plan activities, trips and events. Grade 6-11 students meet weekly in Advisory classes designed to assist students with transition to junior high, high school and college, help students acquire organizational and study skills, and support students in making positive choices in their interpersonal interactions. Seniors meet weekly in a Senior Transition class to complete college applications, apply for scholarships and financial aid, and acquire the practical skills need for college and beyond.
All junior high students study Latin in 7th and 8th grade to improve their vocabulary and grammar skills, provide a foundation for future world language study, and boost their analytical skills. Beginning in 9th grade, all English and history curriculum is Advanced Placement or Honors level. The high school graduation requirements include all of the UC/CSU recommended courses (a-g). U-Prep offers transferable college classes each year through Dual Enrollment agreements with Shasta College.
The school-wide progressive plan focuses on supporting student learning and fostering social responsibility. Programs such as Peer Mentoring, Link Crew and WEB, and Big Brothers/Big Sisters encourage connections across ages and promote a strong sense of community. U-Prep’s comprehensive school safety plan is reviewed by the Safety Committee annually; fire drills are practiced monthly and lockdown drills at least twice annually. U-Prep is 100% trained in Active Shooter Civilian Response Training as provided by the ALICE Training Institute. Administrators, campus safety staff, and school counselors supervise the campus before and after school, at sports and other extra-curricular events. Social issues, such as bullying, are systematically addressed through Advisory curriculum, counseling and administrative services.
Through leadership classes, Advisory and school projects, service clubs, Leadership High School, and Senior Service students have an opportunity to participate in experiences that strengthen their understanding of and experience with community issues and leaders. U-Prep families maintain strong bonds with the school through booster organizations, the Educational Foundation, Sober Grad efforts, and engagement in grade-level activities (e.g. Ancient Civilization Day, Medieval Day, Westward Days, Patrick’s Point trip, college trips, AP Retreat, Ashland Sophomore Trip, Senior Trip) and other school events (e.g. Arena Day, Career Day)
Success within a course is defined by a student’s ability to demonstrate mastery on assessments. Monitoring of student progress occurs on an ongoing and regular basis in each class; teachers use research-based best practices in assessing progress, adjusting instruction, and responding to student needs. Frequent checks-for-understanding, analysis of student performance on course assignments and assessments, and external assessments are used as sources of ongoing academic programmatic improvements.
Because one of the most fundamental characteristics of the new millennium is ever-accelerating change, it is essential that students not only learn, but learn how to learn. The educational program of U-Prep has been designed to help students become critical thinkers, motivated learners and problem solvers. Students are taught a challenging math, science, history and language arts curriculum designed to equip them with the knowledge and skills they need for postsecondary success. This core curriculum is supplemented by a body of advanced academic classes, elective classes and enrichment experiences, including class trips that involve cross-curricular learning, hands on experiences, and opportunities to visit public and private universities and colleges.
In addition to its commitment to academic excellence, U-Prep assists students in valuing and attaining specific skills and personal attributes; these include intellectual curiosity, creative thinking, analytical ability, technological competence, self-confidence, empathic action, and awareness of oneself as a member of a community, a diverse society, and an interconnected world. U-Prep challenges students to explore ideas, collect and organize information, think critically, and apply knowledge to real world situations. Students become self-motivated, curious and life-long learners.
There are several unique features to U-Prep’s High School Program, including:
With 23 different athletic teams students in our small school setting have ample opportunity to develop themselves as competitors. Several extra-curricular programs serve to develop leadership while fostering a sense of personal responsibility and citizenship.
Course Requirements (Students must pass courses in these subjects and earn 260 credits in order to graduate) |
|
---|---|
English | 4 years (40 credits) |
Mathematics | 3 years (30 credits) |
Science | 2 years; life and physical lab science (20 credits) |
Social Science | 4 years (40 credits) |
Physical Education | 2 years (20 credits) |
Visual / Performing Arts | 1 year (10 credits) |
Foreign Language | 2 years (after 8th grade – 20 credits) |
9th/10th ASAP | 2 years (9th, 10th; 10 credits per year – 20 credits) |
11th ASAP | 1 year (**11th grade; 10 credits per year – 10 credits) |
Senior Transition | 1 year (12th grade; 10 credits) |
Performance Requirements: (Skills satisfied in other classes) | |
Health | Satisfied by Biology/Freshman P.E. |
Computer Proficiency | Must pass a competency test or take an approved computer course |
ASAP | **Junior students who have not achieved a 3.0 GPA with no F’s at the last grading period (quarter, semester) are required to fully participate in ASAP. Participating students will have their status reevaluated each quarter to determine continuance. |
Electives: | 40 credits |
TOTAL CREDITS REQUIRED: | 260 credits |
U-Prep High School conducts graduation exercises for students who meet School Board requirements and State requirements. Only students who wish to participate in the program are obliged to do so; however, all students who participate must conform to school regulations. Participating in the graduation ceremony is a privilege, not a right. All participants must be clothed in the issued caps and gowns. A cap and gown will be provided to any student who does not wish to purchase their own. Due to limited seating, each graduate is issued a limited number of tickets for guest attendance.
NOTE: Seven periods offered per day (plus ASAP or Senior Transition) through the senior year. Five units of credit per semester are earned when a student passes one class (with the exception of ASAP). All graduates must demonstrate a minimum competency in reading, writing, and mathematics by school approved standards to measure proficiency. Credit requirements must be met prior to graduation to participate in graduation exercises.
University Preparatory School was selected from over 1,000 schools worldwide that will participate in the new Pre-AP Program next school year. Pre-AP is designed to give all students the opportunity to learn the foundational knowledge and skills they need to be successful in Advanced Placement and other college-level coursework. The College Board selected University Preparatory School as a partner who is committed to college readiness for all students.
Participation in challenging coursework helps prepare students for success in high school and beyond. However, less than 50% of U.S. high school students are ready for college. And more than 300,000 high school students aren’t taking AP courses and exams that they’ve demonstrated the potential to succeed on, based on their scores on an SAT Suite assessment. With this data in mind – along with feedback from teachers who’ve said they’d like to help shape a curriculum that prepares students before they enter an AP class – the College Board has developed the Pre- AP Program.
Pre-AP courses are open to all students. The Pre-AP Program objectives are to:
University Preparatory School will receive an official Pre-AP designation for each course and the chance to bring engaging coursework to all their students. This designation signals consistent, high standards in focused courses that help build, strengthen, and reinforce student’s content knowledge and skills. The designated 9th grade courses (Pre-AP Biology, Pre-AP English, Pre-AP Visual Art) provide teachers and students with instructional resources, classroom-based assessments, high-quality professional learning, and focused practice.
“We applaud the educators and administrators at University Preparatory School who have worked to clear a path for all of their students,” said Auditi Chakravarty, Vice President of SpringBoard and Pre-AP Programs. “They are fostering a culture in their schools and classrooms that allows all students to learn the foundational knowledge and skills they need to be successful.”
Each Pre-AP course has been developed by committees of expert educators, including middle school, high school, and college faculty. These development committees work with the College Board to design effective instructional resources that emphasize and prioritize the content and skills that matter most for later high school coursework and college and career readiness. Pre-AP will continue to evolve through educator involvement, and University Preparatory School will be a critical partner. Throughout the initial cohort experience, Pre-AP course teachers will be encouraged to share feedback that will help shape the program in years to come.
More information on the College Board Pre-AP Program can be found at pre-ap.collegeboard.org/
The Advanced Placement (AP) Program is sponsored by College Board and is a cooperative educational endeavor between secondary schools and colleges and universities. According to College Board, 85% of selective colleges and universities report that a student’s AP experience favorably impacts admission decisions (“Competitive advantage in college admissions”). AP curriculum exposes high school students to college-level material through involvement in an AP course, and gives students the opportunity to show subject-matter mastery by taking an AP Exam. Colleges and universities may then grant credit, placement, or both to students who have done so. A university generally grants credit for all College Board Advanced Placement Tests on which a student scores 3 or higher. The credit may be subject credit, graduation credit or credit toward general education or breadth requirements, as determined by evaluators at each campus. By earning credit or advancement in high school, students are saving time and money that would otherwise be spent on college.
U-Prep offers the following AP courses: AP Human Geography, AP Modern World History, AP US History, AP Microeconomics, AP American Government and Politics, AP English Language, AP English Literature, AP Biology, AP Environmental Science, AP Physics 1, AP Physics 2, AP Calculus AB, AP Calculus BC, AP Statistics, AP Computer Science Principles, AP Latin, AP Psychology, AP Studio Art, and AP Spanish.
During the 2017-2018 school year, U-Prep administered 426 exams within a high school of approximately 500 9th through 12th grade students. 71% of students passed their exams, which is exceptional.
The U-Prep academic program maximizes access to college-level coursework through its robust Advanced Placement program and dual enrollment opportunities. U-Prep graduation requirements require all juniors and seniors to take AP English IV (Literature and Composition), AP English III (Language and Composition), AP U.S. Government and Politics/AP Microeconomics, and AP U.S. History. All freshmen are required to take AP Human Geography. For a full list of AP course offerings, please see the Course Guide. Demonstrated mastery of the course curriculum occurs through participation in the respective AP exam and application of AP scores for college credit varies by college and university. Students have an additional mechanism to secure college credit through Shasta College dual enrollment courses offered during the regular school day at U-Prep. Both pathways, AP and community college dual enrollment, open doors for completion of general education curriculum before high school graduation. There is no-cost associated with participation in dual enrollment courses. Students must earn a C or better to secure college credit.
The Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) is a general education program that California Community Colleges created to fulfill lower-division general education requirements at a California State University or University of California campus. The dual enrollment courses offered at U-Prep are specifically IGETC-identified courses. Dual enrollment of IGETC courses complements Advanced Placement coursework inasmuch as both experiences immerse students in college-level curriculum, which better prepares them for a successful and sustainable transition to a university-level program. Note that completion of IGETC is not a CSU/UC admission requirement nor does completion of IGETC guarantee admission to the campus or program of choice.
High school students may participate in other Shasta College programs. However, students may not take a college course in place of a course offered at U-Prep (i.e. History 17B at Shasta College may not replace AP US History) with the exception of taking a college course to improve an existing grade/course or taking a math/language course to achieve at-grade-level status for the following school year. Interested students should see their counselor. Concurrent enrollment forms are available in the Student Services Center.
Dual Enrollment Courses Offered at U-Prep
The following Shasta College Dual Enrollment courses are taught by U-Prep teachers and embedded within U-Prep equivalent course offerings:
Four years of English are required for graduation as students who plan to attend a university must have four years of college preparatory English. All English courses include work in the areas of reading, writing, grammar, vocabulary, and spelling. Click here for a listing of English courses.
Four years of Social Science are required for graduation; all students must complete one semester of Geography and Culture, one year of Modern World History, one year of U.S. History, one semester of American Government, and one semester of Economics. Click here for a listing of Social Science courses.
The cumulative and sequential nature of mathematics is such that a student must be certain that he/she is well prepared before taking any given course. The Mathematical Practice Standards apply throughout each course and, together with the content standards, prescribe that students experience mathematics as a coherent, useful, and logical subject that makes use of their ability to make sense of problem situations. Students are recommended for math courses in accordance with the policies and procedures outlined in the adopted U-Prep Mathematics Placement Policy. Thirty (30) units of mathematics are required for graduation. Students must complete two advanced courses in mathematics for graduation. It is highly recommended that seniors take a math class. Studies correlate college success with math taken the senior year. Click here for a listing of math courses.
This is a lab-oriented department designed to give students experience interpreting data and applying scientific principles. Through a variety of methods such as labs, problem based situations, and guided inquiry, students are given a solid foundation in the sciences. Traditionally, more than 95% of U-Prep seniors take three or four science courses during high school program. At least one year of a biological science must be taken as well as one year of a physical science (Chemistry or Physics). Click here for a listing of science courses.
Two years during grades 9-12 of foreign language are required; three or four years are strongly recommended. All Spanish, French, and Mandarin courses use materials and methods that are in alignment with the Standards for Foreign Language Learning (American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages). The primary national standard is Communication in Languages other than English and it recognizes three modes:
Instruction focuses on the Communication standard as it encompasses all other standards. The overarching methodology of teaching is Comprehensible Input, which leads to students’ acquiring proficiency in the foreign language. Click here for a list of World Language course offerings.
Students must take one year of the Visual or Performing Arts (VAPA) for graduation. Click here for a listing of courses in Visual Arts, Performing Arts – Instrumental Music and Choral, and Performing Arts – Dance. Dance may be taken in lieu of PE in Grades 6, 7, 8, 10, 11, 12. The fall musical and spring play are theatric experiences offered in addition to VAPA courses.
All freshman take P.E. and participate in the Fitness Gram Physical Fitness Test. A second year of P.E. is required. For the second year PE requirement (beginning the sophomore year), student-athletes who participate in two school sports (they do not have to be consecutive) during August – June calendar year may receive a semester (5 credits) of Physical Education credit. Student-athletes who participate in three school sports during the August – June calendar year may receive a year (10 credits) of Physical Education credit. In order to secure the Physical Education credit for graduation purposes, a student-athlete must complete the Petition for P.E. Waiver/Credit form and submit it to the Student Support Services office by the last day of the school year in which the credit is being requested. Students in the dance program fulfill the second year P.E. requirement, 10th through 12th grade. Click here for a listing of P.E. courses.
Click here for a list of additional elective courses not listed under other prior departments.
…it may truly be said that the classical languages are a solid basis for most, and an ornament to all the sciences.
-- Thomas JeffersonAs late as the seventeenth century, the savants and artists of all Europe were so closely united by the bond of a common ideal that cooperation between them was scarcely affected by political events. This unity was further strengthened by the general use of the Latin language.
-- Albert EinsteinThe National Latin Exam, sponsored by the American Classical League and the National Junior Classical League, is administered at U-Prep as a means to promote the study of Latin and provide every student the opportunity to attain scholarly achievement with respect to their studies. Students do not compete against one another on a comparative basis. Rather, they are evaluated on their own merit. Each exam is a 40-question, multiple-choice test with a time limit of 45 minutes, offered to students on multiple levels. Students enrolled in the following Latin courses will take the respective exams:
U-Prep Course | Latin Exam |
---|---|
Latin 1 | Introduction to Latin |
Latin II | Latin 1 |
Latin III | Latin II |
Latin IV/V (Honors/AP) | Latin III/IV Prose |
AWARDS/RECOGNITION: Students are recognized by the ACL and NJC for designated levels of achievement on the NLE. Awards include: Gold Summa Cum Laude, Silver Maxima Cum Laude, Magna Cum Laude, Cum Laude, Blue Certificate of Merit, Ribbon and Perfect Certificate of Achievement, Ribbon and Certificate of Achievement, and Certificate.
U-Prep’s Latin Club participates in the annual California Junior Classical League Ludi, among other events and activities. The club serves to promote a more comprehensive knowledge of Classical life, history, and literature while promoting friendship and camaraderie among students of the Classics.
The Visial & Performing Arts department of University Preparatory School exemplifies the school’s vision of excellence in all aspects of a child’s education. Our programs are a source of pride for the entire school population. Both competitive and student friendly, the U-Prep Fine Arts programs provide opportunities by which our students become culturally literate and aware of artistic influences in their world.
Read moreThe purpose of ASAP is to strengthen connectedness between adults and students as a means to foster academic achievement and success within a close-knit, supportive school culture. ASAP meets Monday through Thursday during Period 8. Period 8 is not held on Friday and students are dismissed at 2:45 PM. In lieu of Period 8, faculty host Friday Office Hours to provide individualized attention to students seeking support. Students in 9th-11th grades are required to enroll in ASAP. Based on criteria, junior students may be exempt from Tutorial; please refer to the High School Graduation Requirements.
The goals and areas of focus for ASAP are as follows:
The high school counselor meets regularly with all seniors throughout their capstone year at U-Prep. Direct support with the post-secondary transition is provided through classroom visits. Seniors are immersed in ongoing education and assistance with the college application process, financial aid, scholarships, letters of recommendation, and much more. Also, under the guidance of the school counselor, seniors begin the process of creating their Senior Exit Presentation, a project that correlates with the U-Prep’s Student Learning Outcomes (SLO). In the spring, Senior Exit presentations are evaluated by a panel comprised of staff and community members. Successful completion of the Senior Exit Presentations is a graduation requirement.
Class trips and traditions enhance U-Prep’s safe, supportive, and rigorous academic environment. Through shared experiences, trips and traditions, students build memories and make curricular connections that contribute to scholarly academic and behavioral outcomes. This page provides a glimpse into some of the cultural and traditional activities that underpin the school’s culture of academic excellence.
Read moreIn addition to its commitment to academic excellence, U-Prep assists students in valuing and attaining specific skills and personal attributes; these include intellectual curiosity, creative thinking, analytical ability, technological competence, self-confidence, empathic action, and awareness of oneself as a member of a community, a diverse society, and an interconnected world. U-Prep challenges students to explore ideas, collect and organize information, think critically, and apply knowledge to real world situations. Travel opportunities are numerous and available to all students. These experiences serve to bring meaning to curriculum through broadening perspective and making connections with subject matter instruction and the real world. As a result, students become self-motivated, curious and life-long learners.
Read moreAcademic conferences are scheduled through the Student Support center during the months of October and February. Priority is given to students in greatest need based on report card performance. The Early Release Bell Schedule is followed on Academic Conference days. Appointments for these conferences are scheduled by the Registrar. Conferences are encouraged to minimize the possibility of failure by the student. Parents may wish to have their student complete weekly or monthly progress checks with teachers to monitor student progress. Arrangements for progress reports can be made by contacting the student's counselor. Parents are encouraged to contact teachers directly if they have questions about a student’s progress. Email addresses for faculty can be found on the University Prep website About Us – School Faculty section (www.uprep.net) and through the U-Prep Panthers School App. Parents may also monitor student progress through the online Aeries program.
From the start University Preparatory School was envisioned as a rigorous academic school. The name itself describes the mission and the goal for every student who comes through the doors of U-Prep. The purpose of the middle school is to prepare students for the academic work they will face in high school. It is why Latin is a part of the middle school experience. The study of Latin provides a foundation for future study of Romance languages, enhances vocabulary/language development, and teaches significant cognitive skills relevant to all academic studies. Additionally, middle school students are placed in mathematics and Latin classes based on ability; this allows them to take accelerated classes in math, science and world languages when they enter our high school.
All high school academic classes meet the A-G requirements and recommendations for admission to University of California (UC) and California State University (CSU) campuses. Because U-Prep offers a seven period day, high school students can meet all of their academic requirements without sacrificing their interests in fine arts and music and other elective courses. Graduates of U-Prep have been accepted into every UC and CSU as well as Ivy League colleges (Harvard, Stanford, Dartmouth) and other prestigious universities (M.I.T., Pepperdine, Washington and Lee). The reality for today’s students is that entering college is becoming more and more competitive. In order for students to have a high school experience that is well-rounded and excellent preparation for college, music, dance, art, athletics, student government, clubs, and leadership activities are components of the student’s experience. It is the activities available in concert with the academic opportunities that creates the positive, dynamic school environment that is U-Prep.
In the 21st century, post-secondary education is essential to prepare young people to be successful in a fast-changing and competitive global community. The U-Prep course of study prepares our students to be competitive applicants to universities and autonomous learners with the self-directed study skills necessary for college success. Junior high school students take Latin to enhance their vocabularies, develop critical thinking skills, and advance their knowledge of grammar and usage. High school honors and Advanced Placement academic classes expose students to college level scholarship. Tutorials support academic achievement and encourage critical thinking. In Advisories students create portfolios that demonstrate their acquisition of leadership, communication, and citizenship skills. We offer students the opportunity to become proficient in at least one other language as well as the chance to develop a life-long avocation in one of the arts through our extensive, music, drama, dance, and art programs. In physical education and life science classes, students learn to apply nutrition and fitness information in preparation for a lifetime of healthy choices.
For a complete overview of U-Prep curriculum, please read U-Prep Course Guide.
U-Prep’s successful learning environment is based on an administration, faculty, staff, and parent community committed to nurturing student learning and academic and interpersonal achievement. Multiple sources of data are used to monitor, evaluate, and inform student and program development. Interested families are encouraged to review U-Prep student learning outcome data and contrast the information with community schools when making decisions regarding school choice.
Performance Categories: Blue (Highest), Green, Yellow, Orange, Red (Lowest)
Performance Categories: Met, Not Met, Not Met for 2+ Years