Hard Work and Clear Expectations:
At University Park, expectations for behavior and “what it means to be a University Park student” are made clear to students and constantly reinforced by adults and peers. Academics are the first priority at UPCS and that message is sent out and constantly reinforced to students and families.
The entire school community works hard to fulfill the school's mission. There is no time to waste in preparing every student for college.
No Tolerance for Disrespect or Misbehavior: UPCS has established clear standards of behavior for all students, based on the norms of a college campus or professional environment. There is no tolerance for disrespect of any kind, particularly making fun of other students. There is no street talk permitted and never any fighting or bullying.
In fact, there is very little discipline in the traditional sense at UPCS. Students are focused and engaged in learning when they are at the school. They appreciate the calm environment of the school. It is a rare place of safety and comfort in a dangerous neighborhood.
Informational Meeting for Students and Parents: After each incoming class is selected in the lottery, students and their parents attend an informational meeting with the principal and faculty. They are introduced to their teachers and the school promise that they will graduate prepared for college is made to them. (Translators are present for families who do not speak English.) At the same time, the expectations of the school are made clear. Students must be in school every day. They will have to work hard, completing an average of two hours of homework per night. The standards of behavior are high, and the school rules are explained to them.
Building Good Habits in Middle School: The enculturation process in the middle school years teaches students the academic habits and behavioral standards that are expected at the school. Any actions or behaviors that distract students from learning do not belong in the school. Faculty older students together are vigilant about upholding standards of the school and modeling the desired behaviors to younger students.
Engaging Instruction Motivates Students to Succeed: Instruction is so engaging at UPCS that students do not need to act out. They love learning and they love their teachers. Students and teachers develop deep personal relationships. This keeps students coming to school every day and motivates them to work hard. One junior explained, “The teachers are like our family. In the same way you don’t want to disappoint your mom, we don’t want to disappoint our teachers.”
Success Takes Hard Work: There are no substitutes for hard work on the road to college preparedness. Students typically complete two to three hours of homework each night, often in addition to fulfilling work and child care responsibilities for their families. Teachers are fully committed to success of their students. About the faculty one teacher said "we are dedicated teachers who work as much as we can to get students to achieve what we know they can."
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