Seven-Year Program

University Prep offers an integrated program in which education for Middle School and Upper School have different approaches and emphases, yet both divisions are viewed  as a whole—unified by the principles of academic excellence and social responsibility. The seven-year program encourages relationships to form among both peers and younger and older students.

Although academic pursuits play a critical function in Middle School, we acknowledge the central role of socialization in these formative years. University Prep fosters and supports this fundamental need, and we ensure that each Middle School student’s voice is heard and respected within the context of our seven-year program. Various activities allow young students to see what the future holds and to interact with older adolescents as positive and supportive role models.

Middle School grade-level teams meet regularly to ensure that each student’s needs are being met. Communication is always flowing freely within departments, across disciplines, and between teachers and parents. In addition to broad liberal arts subjects such as history, science, math, and arts, middle schoolers are also taught research strategies, organization techniques, and collaboration skills.

In the Upper School, students begin to make the transition to college and beyond. As students progress through the Upper School, the faculty and staff encourages them to shoulder greater personal responsibility. Increasing curricular choice, a strong student government, and a faculty-student Honor Board all provide opportunities for adolescents to grow in self-advocacy, confidence, and leadership.

The school’s intimate size means that students continue to have the support and guidance they need to adjust to the demands of the wider world. As juniors and seniors look to college, they have a full-time counselor to help with their decisions. The advisor system, small classes, and organizations foster ongoing relationships with teachers who often become lifetime mentors.