University Preparatory School

2409 Arapahoe Street

School District

Denver County 1
Grade

K-5
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:13
Type

charter

School Map for Denver County 1 School District

GreatSchools Rating

The school rating calculation is based on four ratings: the Student Progress Rating or Academic Progress Rating, College Readiness Rating, Equity Rating, and Test Score Rating each designed to show different facets of school success. Learn more about GreatSchools Ratings

Reviews

Submitted by parent on November 01, 2016

I have loved this school since day one. I now have two U Prep scholars
Submitted by parent on May 24, 2016

This school does not care about kids social-emotional wellbeing! No free thought, no joy, no play!
Submitted by parent on April 15, 2016

I could not be more pleased to find an inner city school for my daughter with these standards. The values that are taught at UPREP are now instilled in my daughter forever! The staff here are amazing! Elda in the office was always there to help or answer questions, and I'd have to say the best principal I have ever experienced in school period. Mr.Singer has really made quite an extensive and strategic curriculum to keep scholars and parents both focused and involved, but having a good time while doing so. Mr. Baker, the assistant principal has great energy and it shows on the children's faces throughout the school when he's present! As for my daughter's kindergarten teachers Mrs. Louvado/ Mr. Tanner, they could not have been any better or more caring and involved! Overall great school and would suggest it to anyone in Denver who wants their kids to be in a well run school.
Submitted by parent on April 08, 2015

College starts in kindergarten! This is one of many amazing mottos that University Prep lives by. However, out of all of their incredible sayings, this one stood out the most. This motto captivated me as a parent because it epitomizes University Preps educational values. It shows that they care for the future by helping scholars prepare for the future. I have a seven-year-old daughter that is in currently in second grade and she has attended this school since kindergarten. When I ask her what college she wants to go to, she quickly rattles off several prestigious college names and shows that she is looking forward to her educational career. Another thing I like about this school is that they realize that they cannot do it alone. They know that in order for these young minds to get the most out of their education, they need a great support system from their parents. From the top down, the staff at this school is filled with leaders. I have thoroughly enjoyed every teacher my daughter has had an opportunity to learn from. I wholeheartedly recommend this school to any parent that values their child's education. Professionalism Responsibility Enthusiasm Perseverance
Submitted by parent on December 11, 2014

I would not recommend this school to any family or future scholar.This school discriminates people that have low class. We recently went for a tour with Elda and the father was present but not acknowledge as a human being. The disciplinary tactics are very strict and children seem like they are in a military school. We are very disappointed with the unwelcome atmostphere . Midle class and low class families are not welcome.
Submitted by parent on October 26, 2014

It's amazing what can happen when passionate energetic teachers are supported by a inspiring and supportive principle that cares about his faculty as much as his students. Taken together this chemistry equals something rarely seen in a public school system.
Submitted by parent on October 25, 2014

First of all the comment with 5 stars below said everything I wanted to say, so thank you and I agree with you 100%! UP treats every kid the same, not only parents with $! They do encourage and hold parents to a standard that includes them in their child's education. It's a commitment that a parent must make. UP is "different" but only because Mr. Singer and the staff he chose are about making a difference in the DPS area. Their commitment to our scholars exceeds my expectations and I thank them from the bottom of my heart for all of their hard work. Every scholar in UP is given the opportunity to grow their brain and they're shaping them for what's to come after school, like college for example. Yes, maybe some noticed that a scholar was given a remote control car vs a stuffed animal, but what I've noticed is how my children have developed and advanced educationally and socially! My children who attend UP are proud scholars and love putting on their uniform daily!! I could go on and on with my comment but overall I believe UP is a school that's driven for success and the staff works extremely hard to accomplish their mission/vision! Keep up the great work UP!
Submitted by other on October 25, 2014

I am the grandmother who visited UPrep, in the for an few hours in a kindergarten class. As I entered the room, I was shown a seat in the back of the room with no interruption to the class. The teacher did not stop teaching, and the children gave me only a passing interest and went back to the lesson. I was impressed with the level of class participation, the lessons, in math, were all about counting money, and the writing lesson was about being creative with words. The best part of the whole visit was the way the teachers lead the class in recognizing all efforts. The teachers, would quietly instruct the class to make comments such as " way to go" or "good try," and always with the students name. I was in love with the school from then on and brag about UPrep every chance I get.
Submitted by parent on October 24, 2014

It took me a while to come around, but now I'm a huge fan of University Prep. U Prep on the surface seems to be mostly about discipline and rigorous academic work. There's that, but what I've found it's really about, at least in my son (7) and daughter's (5) case, is having pride in yourself and what you can accomplish, believing that you can achieve great things with hard work and perseverance, and feeling like you're a part of a team and community. "Scholars" wear uniforms and are expected to be disciplined in their behavior which is monitored throughout the day. There are LOTS of tests and assessments. My son, however, loves getting the chance to "show what he knows." A U prep phrase to give scholars encouragement. U Prep teachers are amazing. They work incredibly hard. They are devoted to the kids and are singularly obsessed with making our children the best they can be. The staff is awesome and David Singer, the Founder and Head of School, is a rock star - full of charisma and passion for what U Prep is trying to accomplish. Anyway, both my kids loves school, love their teachers and are doing great academically. To me, that's all that matters.
Submitted by other on August 18, 2014

I would not reccomed this school as a teacher. The office staff picks and chooses which families to show kindness or even show any degree of kindness or understanding to. They show preference to families with money when voicing concerns. Also, I've seen disproportion in the "awards" given to male students compared to female. I.e. remote controlled car vs. a stuffed animal. You have got to be kidding me. While in theory the idea is commendable, it seems in action that this school needs to look at the way they treat families before boasting about "All students deserve an exceptional education regardless of zip code, race, or socioeconomic status."