GRAND RAPIDS UNIVERSITY PREPARATORY ACADEMY

Grand Rapids University Preparatory Academy is a Title I public high school that is part of the Grand Rapids Public Schools school district, located in Grand Rapids, MI with about 432 students offering grade levels from 6th Grade to 12th Grade. A Title I school provides supplemental financial assistance to school districts for children from low-income families. Its purpose is to provide all children significant opportunity to receive a fair, equitable, and high-quality education. With about 27 teachers, Grand Rapids University Preparatory Academy has a student/teacher ratio of about 16:1. The national average for public schools is about 15:1. A lower student/teacher ratio is a key factor that determines how much a teacher can devote his/her time to each individual student thus improving, or reducing (in the event of a higher student/teacher ratio) the attention each student is given for their educational needs.

Grand Rapids University Preparatory Academy (often referred to as UPrep) is a unique public secondary school located in downtown Grand Rapids, Michigan. Part of the Grand Rapids Public Schools district, the academy is specifically designed to provide a rigorous, college-preparatory curriculum for students in grades 6–12. Its educational model emphasizes "Exhibition-Based Learning," where students demonstrate their mastery of subject matter through public presentations, research projects, and real-world applications rather than traditional standardized testing alone.

The school is defined by its strong partnership with local higher education institutions and community organizations, which helps create a culture of post-secondary readiness. With a focus on small class sizes and a personalized advisory system, UPrep aims to foster close relationships between students and faculty. By integrating humanities, STEM, and service learning, the academy strives to cultivate critical thinkers and socially responsible leaders who are prepared to navigate the academic and professional demands of college and beyond.

For more information, contact Grand Rapids University Preparatory Academy at (616) 819-1010 or visit the school personally to speak with a faculty or administrative member about any specific questions you may have.