University Preparatory High School

915 South Mooney Boulevard

School District

Tulare County Office Of Education
Grade

9-12
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:30
Type

charter

School Map for Tulare County Office Of Education 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 other on October 26, 2021

This school is very disorganized and the students quality of education matches any Visalia public high school. Basic. The only perk is that students can take college courses but they are limited to what they can take and it has to be approved by the self proclaimed head teacher. The teachers when I attended asked students to write reviews. You can see that any positive reviews listed below are from the same date-aka the same class period the students were told to write reviews. I truly regret having my high school experience through UPHS and wish I had gone through regular high schools like my brother.Steer clear and give your kids a real high school experience.
Submitted by other on December 30, 2020

The lead teacher is horrible and very controlling. She only allows students to take certain college courses and prohibits early graduation - both of which aren't rules of the school. Go somewhere else if your student wants to work ahead. As for bullying, the teachers are helpful but little to nothing is done by administration. However, strong English and Music department
Submitted by other on May 18, 2015

This school started as a great opportunity but then turned horrible. Instead of high school classes they force college classes on us claiming it is to advance our learning. We all know that's a lie. It's strictly budgetary. If you are a staff member's child you are in luck! You get further in this school than anyone else. Discipline is not handled well UNLESS it is about academics. This school is turning into a communist state. When you stand up for things you believe in they tell you good job and that they are proud of you but then say "you need to stop." The education has been poor as is getting lower. If you don't do what the staff say, they will tell you this isn't the school for you. They want you to do what THEY want.
Submitted by other on May 13, 2015

UPHS is like a country filled with corrupt politicians. You are blindfolded to think everything is done for your wellbeing... However, when can staff members who are biased and power-seeking wish for your wellbeing? It is as crazy as it sounds. Staff is never permanent! You are only re-hired based on your relationship with the administration. In other words, you must "kiss-up" to them. The good teachers are let go, and the average ones are kept. You are restricted as a student. You are not permitted to take classes you choose to take, but expected to succeed beyond the average high schoolers. That is not possible. Students are disencouraged, rather than being encouraged and motivated. Students that "kiss-up" or have certain advantages than other students are treated superior than other students. Parents are certainly fooled and think everything is done for the best of their child, but let me tell you.... that is not true!
Submitted by parent on March 21, 2014

With all the drama in public schools and the extra activities to focus on only about 10% of the kids go to college. Half these kids do not complete 1year. In UPHS 100% of the 2013 graduating class went on to college. They are prepared for college study habits. The school is mandated to insure all required classes are taught . plus after 4 years of high school the kids also have 1 year of college credit. Also UPHS has a no tollerance policy. If kids behave in a manner of bad behavior or lack of motivation to complete assignments. They are sent back to public schools. This school is about academics
Submitted by parent on September 15, 2013

If you want your child to be prepared for a four-year university, think twice. After attending this school, my child actually dropped two bands in math and one in science in standardized testing. Because the curriculum was not in the correct sequence, and with ineffective teaching, my child, who was once advanced in math is now tagged for conditional acceptance at the university level.
Submitted by parent on September 11, 2013

Just overall amazing school. They provide opportunities that would be quite difficult to even come across in the typical public schools in the area.
Submitted by student on September 11, 2013

My school is a great school, with great opportunities no other high school offers. It gives you a step ahead in life by preparing you for college. This small, family school is great for any student. There is no fight and barley any bullying. Everyone is treated with respect and accepted in this school. I would rather come here to this small and prestigious school, than a normal high school with delinquents, violence, and non caring teachers.
Submitted by student on September 11, 2013

My school is cool. We are the best in the west. This school is cool in every way.
Submitted by student on September 11, 2013

Overall my experience at the school has been great. It is clearly not a typical school, however that is a blessing in disguise. It leaves plenty of room for students to grow and become leaders. Due to the small population it is incredibly easy to become involved and be closely connected with your peers and staff. The only downfall to the school is that because it is a relatively new school they are still smoothing out the bumps. However, since my freshman year it has drastically changed for the better in every aspect. When I first arrived there was less than 4 clubs, no sports, and no more than 115 students. Now that I am a senior there are various clubs and activities, a functioning sports programs, and wonderful staff. I could not be happier with the school, it has definitely prepared me for life.
Submitted by student on September 11, 2013

University Prep is a High School where all students are included and safe. Kids come here to get ahead of other students, any student who feels like UPHS is not an amazing school simply was not able to deal with the amount of work that we have, in order to make us better
Submitted by other on September 11, 2013

The school's location on the college campus is great, even though switching form college classes to high school classes is difficult. The English teachers, math teachers, pe teacher, and history teachers are amazing. The language courses could be improved by offering a class BESIDES Spanish or college classes. The science courses could really be improved, along with the teacher.
Submitted by parent on August 02, 2013

Steer clear. Different teachers every year. The good ones move on, and the ones hired to replace them are inexperienced and sometimes not even credentialed. Hard to get a straight story out of the staff that stays - about anything. Story changes depending on what they think you want to hear. I will not send my child back there.
Submitted by parent on August 02, 2013

Not true at all of my family's experience with this school. Not that many parents at meetings. Principal has favorites and school is not like how he describes in interviews. Teachers come and go all year.
Submitted by parent on July 09, 2013

University Preparatory High School has best Staff/teacher involvement. The parents that are involved are always there to help out at school and at most/ all functions. The Principal is 100% committed to all the students.