University Prep

8000 25th Avenue Northeast

Seattle, WA 98115

17 Reviews

School District
Grade

6-12
Type

private

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Reviews

Submitted by parent on August 17, 2022

We have two children at UPrep. UPrep has offered our family the best of all worlds: rigorous, college-prep academics; a thoughtful focus on social-emotional skills; and an incredibly diverse array of extra-curricular offerings. UPrep's 'no-cut' athletic program has worked well for our intensely competitive older child as well as our more socially oriented but athletically curious younger child. We have also been impressed by their music, drama and global and outdoor education programs. These programs have added a lot of richness to our children's educational experience. But what has continued to blow us away is the thoughtfulness around curriculum design and the excellent teachers and leadership! Educators at UPrep are truly invested in your child succeeding! They bring incredible subject matter expertise and continuously work to provide engaging, hands-on projects in which students can apply what they've learned. Our kids have debated climate change through the eyes of real-world constituency groups in Canada; practiced their newfound language skills by planning a vacation to a Spanish-speaking country of their choice; and learned about the continued fight for social justice in this country by traveling to Alabama and speaking with civil rights leaders in person. We've also appreciated the carefully crafted, scaffolded supports around organization and self-advocacy skills, especially in middle school, and the level of responsiveness to questions and concerns as they arise. Overall, we could not recommend UPrep more highly.
Submitted by parent on February 04, 2022

We have two daughters at UPrep; 6th grade and 9th grade. Excellent, focused curriculum with amazing social emotional support where a team of faculty follow a set group of students all through their class levels at the middle and then again at the high school level. This allows the long exposure to guide the growth and experiences of the students. UPrep's recent inclusion of intensives is a great process for building skills for the emerging AI driven economy. Learning to think wholistically and deeply is hard to teach. The focus on academics is still there, but the intensives bring back what we used to call a practical/theory-based education. I am an alum of Overlake, Bush and the UW. It was a hard decision to choose UPrep, but It is the very best education for young minds in the Seattle area. Kudos to the dedicated staff.
Submitted by parent on September 21, 2021

UPrep has been such a great place for our family. Our sons began in 6th grade and while they are very different students, they each found great friends and lots of ways to engage and learn at UPrep. UPrep’s fantastic teachers have created a culture where kids feel free to experiment with new things. Academics are both rigorous and collaborative so it feels really positive rather than overly competitive. The school embraces cutting edge curriculum like their intensives program where kids spend 3 weeks focusing completely on one area of study. The athletics program has an inclusive no-cut policy. The parent/guardian community is welcoming and we have enjoyed volunteering and making lots of lasting friendships. Finally, the outstanding college counseling office expertly guided our son successfully through the college search process! So clearly we love UPrep and highly recommend it!
Submitted by parent on July 08, 2021

I currently have a rising Junior boy who has been at UPrep since 6th grade and an incoming 6th grade girl for the Fall of 2021. I can't say enough good things about this school and my experience there. The level of academic rigor and excellence is matched only by the intentional kindness and compassion of the community as a whole - students, teachers, staff and parent/guardians - and I feel very sincere in recommending this school for anyone considering it. I could go on and on about how my son has thrived and grown there socially, academically and as a human being. The teachers are excellent, the communications are excellent, the opportunities for a student to expand their knowledge, skills, personalities and interests never cease to amaze me. I love being part of the community and I love knowing that my children are being given every tool available to them to grown into adults and to thrive after high school and into college as a strong, caring, aware, mindful, intentional, confident, and intellectually curious individual ready to take on the world. I am happy to answer any questions you might have! Contact me!!!
Submitted by parent on July 04, 2021

Our two kids have been at UPrep since 6th grade. We have been completely happy and satisfied with our experience. The culture of kindness guides everyone from students to administrators. It encourages kids to excel academically, but to also become kind, aware, well-rounded individuals. The teachers are excellent, accessible and create relationships with students based on mutual respect. There is a strong sense of community and belonging. An expectation of independence, along with small classes and constant support from many people, gives our kids what they need to learn to their own potential. Both kids have discovered activities and interests that they will take into their lives thanks to a rich curriculum with many choices. Other standout experiences that make UPrep unique are the no-cut sports policy and the intensives program which has allowed our kids to get off campus to have memorable and important learning experiences. Finally, as we enter their senior and junior year, I must mention the absolutely outstanding college counseling office. I am sure that their knowledge, guidance, communication and support will ensure that our kids find just the right college. I am also confident that UPrep has prepared them to successfully thrive in the next step of their education.
Submitted by parent on May 28, 2021

Our daughter started in 6th grade and is finishing up middle school, heading into 9th grade. We have been so impressed by UPrep. The administrators (we love Susie Wu!) and teachers have all taken the time to get to know our daughter and us. The move from elementary school to 6th grade was thoughtful and seamless. 8th grade has been an increase in rigor and homework in preparation for the high school years. The small classes work wonderfully for our daughter and she's become a confident learner. Getting involved as a parent has allowed us to be even more invested in the school. Parent Council is active and engaging and provides lots of programming for parents by both grade level and for the community as a whole.
Submitted by parent on May 08, 2021

Our two kids attended U Prep from sixth grade through high school, and each of them had a very good experience. Overall, the school's strong academics, small classes, and supportive community made it an excellent place for our kids.The small classes create an environment that both allows quick learners to thrive and ensures that struggling students get help early. Same for the advisory system, which establishes a helpful relationship between each student and one teacher or staff member over a series of years. We were reluctant private school applicants, but the learning difficulties that challenged our boys in elementary school led us to look into what U Prep then called its Language Training program, which involved one-on-one tutoring for reading and writing skills in 6th and 7th grades. U Prep's approach made a huge difference for both of our kids.Sports were a big part of our kids' experience at U Prep, and the ultimate frisbee and track & field coaches, especially, are top-notch. As I wrote earlier, academics are very strong. Homework seemed manageable and extracurriculars are plentiful, especially for a school its size. We also appreciate that the school isn't afraid to experiment a bit; the new intensive classes in the winter and spring offer a change of pace, and allow different kinds of educational experiences. Of course, when you experiment, not everything works, or works the first time, but it's good to see that the school is willing to try new things.The college counseling program is also tremendous from start to finish; they get to know the students really well, and break down the process into very manageable steps for both parents and students. The team has developed a five-star reputation with college admissions reps, and seems to have a knack for matching kids with colleges that fit well.Last thing to note is that U Prep was only feasible for our family due to its generous financial aid program, so that's a huge plus.
Submitted by parent on September 25, 2020

We have had a great experience at University Prep. This is our 4th year at UPrep, and in that time we’ve been impressed in many areas. From a curriculum standpoint, the administration and teachers are innovative, both in use of technology as well as creating a new type of intensive course that allows students to immerse themselves into a subject and engage creatively with coursework. We’ve been amazed at how our children are inspired to learn and try new things through their club and after school sports and activity programs like debate. And we’ve been grateful to the commitment the school has shown to inclusion, especially in their DIESEL programming, as well as leading by example, with a focus on diversity and excellence in their new administrative leadership. I can’t recommend UPrep highly enough.
Submitted by parent on September 24, 2020

With two completely different style learners in our house, finding our family's best fit was a hurtle without them in two separate schools. UPrep has exceeded our expectations. The faculty and staff all know my children and family. The teachers who care about your child's success has been overwhelming. From becoming new member of the community, feeling right at home from the start, to now looking for colleges with a high schooler, our family has utilized every aspect of the school expertise, compassion, and experience to take my children to the next stage in their lives. They are ready independent, strong, compassionate members of society.
Submitted by parent on April 02, 2020

Our family experience with University Prep has been very positive. The high quality of educators and administrators have offered to our children an amazing academic program and the socioemotional support appropriate for their teen years. I have been impressed with the content of the curriculum and the great variety of engaging courses that students can take. The approach is experiential and presents many different options in arts and athletic opportunities. The local, national, and global educational opportunities are incredible as students learn and explore cultures while developing critical thinking and understanding of diversity and social justice issues. UPrep commitment and approach to equity and inclusion fits our family values. Finally, the level of community building and the thoughtful communication to parents makes the experience at UPrep welcoming to families. We love this school!
Submitted by other on July 08, 2019

As an alum of University Prep who graduated 23 years ago, my review is based on my experience looking back at my time at the school. I can say it was one of the best experiences I had. I made life long friends, had a happy high school experience, got opportunities to do things that I never would have at a larger public school (i.e. played sports, participated in musicals and dramas, traveled to different countries through programs offered...etc.). Although the school has gotten bigger and changed in many ways, the culture and teachers I experienced remains true today as it did more than 20-years ago. If you have the opportunity to attend Uprep I would highly recommend it!
Submitted by other on June 12, 2019

I graduated from UPrep 7 years ago and was there for both middle and high school. I had a wonderful time at the school and felt that it was a very inclusive and friendly environment. It is easy to get involved in the school's athletic or arts programs as they are a no-cut school. With such small class sizes, the teachers are focused on making sure that every student succeeds, no matter their learning style. I have made lifelong friends from University Prep (both fellow students and teachers) and still talk to them on a daily basis. UPrep's community is unmatched, and that is what makes it such an amazing school. The school does a great job of keeping connected after graduation as well-- whether it be through all-alumni events (Mariners games, happy hours, picnics, etc.), invitations to join their alumni board, or through connecting alumni in similar industries. In terms of academics, I felt very prepared to start college with the education I received there. I would send my future children to UPrep in a heartbeat!
Submitted by parent on March 30, 2018

Our daughter is in the 6th grade and our experience has been nothing but wonderful. Thank you UPrep!
Submitted by other on November 26, 2016

Fabulously engaged teachers, a superb advising system, and supportive community make for what we feel is the best school around!
Submitted by parent on September 27, 2015

The school is academically challenging and the teachers are well trained and thoughtful about what they teach. The school community is supportive. We have been very pleased with both middle and high school.
Submitted by parent on August 06, 2014

kids jumping on the tables, teachers not fully committed, check out how many kids become national merit finalists...
Submitted by parent on March 29, 2013

Outstanding education for college prep and for life. Challenging classes each with rigor, interesting presentation, and with relevance to our changing world. The school community is tight and the teachers are deeply caring about students and families. I cannot think of a better place to be a student.