Academic Program at UPCS

At UPCS, the powerful academic program and deep partnership with Clark, combined with a culture of success and strong organizational practices, have enabled all students to succeed . Beginning in the seventh grade, UPCS uses the middle school years as an academic "boot camp" to ensure that all students enter their high school years able to access a rigorous all-honors curriculum beginning in grade nine and take college and AP courses in grades eleven and twelve.

Grade 7-12 Model: UPCS’ grade 7-12 model enables the school to increase the basic skills of incoming students in middle school before they reach the challenge of high school level content. This extended grade structure ensures that all students will be ready for college by graduation. Middle school students face the challenge of a truly college-preparatory course of study at an age when they are still forming their academic identities and developing the habits that will lead to success.

Accelerated Advancement in Middle School: The middle school program takes a longitudinal approach to student achievement ensuring that all are ready to participate in the all-honors level high school program when they enter ninth grade. The middle school program focuses on literacy in all classes, simultaneously developing students’ basic skills and the higher order analytical skills of each discipline. Students enter UPCS an average of three years behind in reading and math. Teachers loop with students to ensure that no time is lost between grades.

More Time for Learning: UPCS’ original design called for 90-minute learning blocks and an eight hour school day. These longer periods are necessary for teachers to effectively differentiate instruction in their classes. This design allows for an "intellectual tranquility," as students have the time to grapple with and grasp difficult concepts. In 2003, budget cuts forced the school to shorten its day to the traditional six and a half hours. Classes are now a mix of 60-minute and 90-minute blocks.

The August Academy, an academic summer orientation program for incoming seventh graders effectively extends the school year for new UPCS students by a month. Before and after-school homework centers offer additional academic time for students as well.

In their Own Words

"We don't have tracking because, to me, that is a sign that 'some of you are going to make it before the others.'" -Donna Rodrigues, UPCS Founding Principal

Untracked, Honors-Level Classes for All: There is no tracking at UPCS. Beginning in the ninth grade, all students pursue a rigorous college-preparatory program consisting of all honors or AP-level classes. To make this powerful design work, courses in the middle grades focus developing the skills needed to succeed in this challenging curriculum. At the same time, teachers differentiate their instruction in each course to meet the needs of each individual student.

Full Immersion Model for English Language Learners and Special Education Students: UPCS has no pull out classes. UPCS uses a full-immersion model for its English language learners, with English speakers taking an active role in helping their peers to learn English. Special education students are included in regular classes for as much time as possible. The school has a full-time special education teacher who works individually with special needs students and partners with classroom teachers to make the necessary accommodations for the school’s special education population.

Small Class Sizes and Limited Elective Opportunities: By offering a common curriculum with few electives, the school is able to deploy its teaching resources more efficiently than the typical high school, keeping class sizes low (typically 18-22). All students have identical schedules until junior year, and AP classes are typically offered as a differentiated strand within the honors classes. With few electives and no non-teaching staff (with the exception of a guidance counselor), UPCS is able to keep class sizes low using the same per pupil expenditure as all other high schools in the district.

College Course Opportunities in High School: Students at UPCS have the opportunity to participate in college level work while still in high school. During the early grades, Clark professors come to the school to teach workshops and mini-seminars, exposing students to college faculty and the college culture. In 11^th and 12^th grade, students can take courses for credit at Clark, tuition free. Through this partnership students develop an understanding of college-level expectations before matriculating.