Upper School
Entering the Upper School marks a transition to quite a different experience from that of the Middle School years. We introduce ninth graders to a challenging college preparatory curriculum by laying a foundation of academic skills that will serve them well throughout their high school years and beyond. They also explore community service opportunities, cementing the volunteer relationships that they established in the Middle School. They learn to work as leaders in student government, Honor Board, and even trustee-level committees. Some test the competitive waters of varsity athletics.
As our students progress through Upper School, their curricular opportunities increase in variety and deepen in complexity. But so do our expectations of personal responsibility. We exhort students to take charge of their education, to own their choices, and to make wise decisions. Our task is to provide them with the vocabulary and framework to do so.
University Prep graduates are ready for the college adventure, armed with knowledge, skills, confidence, and kindness.
Social Life
Age-appropriate social activities are scheduled throughout
the school year. Students often select their own events, which include such
activities as attending athletic events, bowling and dances. These school
activities occur either on or off campus and are chaperoned by faculty and
parent volunteers. Many of our dances are held in conjunction with nearby
independent schools. In addition, students may invite friends from other
schools to attend University Prep dances.
American Field Service (AFS)
University Prep is an active participant in the AFS international student
exchange program. The school hosts two international students each year and may
send students to year- and semester-long programs in several of the forty AFS
countries.
Amnesty
International
Amnesty U Prep is made up of students and faculty who are interested in
lobbying for human rights. The group receives notices about human rights
violations from Amnesty International and then writes letters urging the
release of political prisoners and an end to human rights violations.
Anime Club
Students
meet weekly during lunch to view and discuss Japanese animation and manga (comic-book style stories), usually in the
original Japanese. Outside activities
have included additional viewing parties and a trip to a local annual anime convention.
Art for a Cause
Art for a Cause was created to promote interest in art
while contributing to the community. During the year, we will put together
auction baskets of our arts and crafts. We will make and sell holiday cards with
the profits going to Children’s Hospital. The money from other projects such as
candle making, stenciling, jewelry, and print carving will be donated to nonprofit
organizations. The goal is for participants to have fun and expand their boundaries
beyond U Prep through art.
Associated Student Body (ASB)
The US Associated Student Body provides a forum for student voices to be heard
formally on campus issues. ASB promotes positive communication among students,
faculty, and the administration. Through class meetings and activity planning,
ASB develops and enhances students’ leadership skills.
Bluegrass Group
The Bluegrass group was started by a couple of University Prep teachers who play guitar, fiddle and banjo. The group invites all interested parties to get together at lunch and after school once a week to play, sing and listen to old-time music.
Breakdance Club
Breakdance and Hip Hop are the focus, and students meet twice a week to learn and perfect stylized choreography. The routines combine top rocks, footwork, power moves and freezes into dynamic performance pieces that are shared with the U Prep community at assemblies and other events.
Chess Club
Chess club is an after-school program that allows students to socialize,
sharpen their chess techniques, discuss strategy, and participate in chess
matches against other schools in the Seattle area.
Club X
Club X is a place where students can bring their concerns
about University Prep and make plans to do something about them. Students
discuss things that they wish worked differently at school and then bring in
relevant adults to start a community dialogue.
Creative Arts Society
Creative Arts Society was formed to help acquaint students with the arts scene
in and around
Engineering Club
The Engineering Club was created by students who want to have fun while engaging in real world applications of math and science. The club sponsors competitions that encourage creativity and collaboration among its members.
English Honor Society
The English Honor Society was started by students who enjoy English. They meet once a week at lunch to discuss what they have read or written. Members also attend plays and movies together.
Friday Night Ski Club
Weather permitting, student members from all grades go to
Gay/Straight
The University Prep Gay/Straight Alliance (GSA) is an association of
individuals who meet to discuss matters pertaining to sexual diversity. All
members of the University Prep community are welcome to attend any GSA meeting.
Our mission is to ensure a dignified and nurturing educational environment and
experience of equality for all persons without regard to background.
Key Club
University Prep’s Key Club is part of the largest high school community
service organization in the world. Recent projects include a coffee sale in
association with Pura Vida Coffee to raise funds to help rebuild a school and
library in
The Language Honor Societies honor students for academic achievement in Chinese, French, Japanese, and Spanish, depending upon each society's national eligibility requirements.
Language Clubs
Language Clubs are open to all Upper School students who are interested in participating in linguistic and cultural activities outside of their language classes. Specific activities and format vary depending upon student interest.
Mock Trial Club
Mock Trial is a program designed to provide students with an
operational understanding of the law, legal issues, and the judicial process by
preparing for and participating in a trial. Participants develop useful
questioning, critical thinking, and oral advocacy skills and compete against
other schools around the area via under the auspices of a YMCA program.
Multicultural Student
MSA is committed to bringing together
members of our community to talk about issues of multiculturalism on campus.
National
Honor Society
The Evergreen Chapter of the National Honor Society recognizes students who
exhibit the principles of leadership, scholarship, character and service.
Members organize and run community service activities including blood drives, a
Thanksgiving pie bake for the Union Gospel Mission, clothing drives for a
U-district young adult shelter and after-school tutoring at BF Day elementary
school in
Nork Club
The Nork Club gets its name from a combination of nerd + dork. Its student organizers do fun science things, talk about science, and go on outings.
Opera Club
Students in Opera Club learn about operas by discussing
plots, history and productions, and by listening to the music during twice
monthly meetings. The club attends Seattle Opera productions four or five times
a year. Students who have no experience with opera are just as welcome as those
who have already developed an interest.
Projectile Club
Members of this club meet every Wednesday to build rockets, eventually launching them from Sixty Acres Park in
RAK was founded in 2006 by a group of students who wanted to
spread joy and compassion throughout the U Prep community. It promotes kindness
in our everyday lives, whether it be holding the door for a classmate or just
saying hi to someone you have never met. Some of the ways the club encourages
RAK participation is through the National Random Acts of Kindness Week and
special announcements at assembly.
Step Club
The goals of Step Club are to: 1) foster a sense of
community and teamwork among all four grades in the Upper School, as well as
faculty; 2) expose Step Club members to a new way of moving; 3) learn new steps
and cheers to build Puma spirit; and 4) to have lots and lots of fun! Step Club
meets weekly.
Student Ambassadors
Student Ambassadors host prospective students by educating
them about classes and after school activities; give guided tours; and share
positive experiences and knowledge about University Prep. Participants must
attend training sessions and be available on visit days from October to
February.
Tailgate Club
Tailgate is a club devoted to building Puma spirit on and
off the field. On home game days, members gather to grill and share food and go
on to cheer their classmates.
Women in Science
In monthly meetings, this club brings together Upper School girls with a desire
to learn more about science opportunities and to experience science in settings
away from school. The club brings in speakers, makes trips to lectures, labs,
and museums, and holds discussions.