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Culture of College at UPCS
The partnership with Clark University has the power to make the abstract concept of “college” real for students. As early as seventh grade, students are on campus regularly and come to see the University campus as an extension of the school. The norms of behavior and interactions between students and adults are modeled after those seen on the campus.
Preparing All Students for College: From the first day students enter the University Park Campus School, teachers begin to talk with them about college. The school promises students that they will graduate prepared for college. This singular focus on college readiness permeates every aspect of the school’s culture and academic program.
Preparation for college is celebrated and publicly recognized. All college acceptances are announced over the intercom and posted on a bulletin board outside the guidance office. Students are encouraged to take an academically rigorous program and participate in extracurricular activities to support their college applications.
Interactions and Mentorship from College Students: UPCS and Clark students regularly interact. Every year, five to seven student teachers are placed at UPCS, and a similar number of undergraduates complete their work-study requirements at UPCS as tutors. Every UPCS upperclassman is paired with a mentor who exposes them to the nuances of campus culture. Faculty at the school, many of whom graduated from Clark University, talk with students about their college experiences. As UPCS students get to know college students, the culture and experience of college no longer feels intimidating to them.
Spending Time on Campus: UPCS students regularly spend time on the Clark campus, which is treated as an extension of the school. Special events such as graduation, an annual oratory contest, school dances, basketball games, and even the informational meeting for incoming students are regularly held on campus. Students frequent the campus to use the library, gym, and other specialized facilities that the University offers. Younger students attend a campus-based summer camp in which older students serve as the counselors. As students spend more time on a college campus, they develop a comfort level and sense of belonging. It is not uncommon to walk though the campus on a sunny afternoon and see UPCS students playing games or hanging out on the lawns.
College Course Taking for Students: Younger students at UPCS take mini-seminars with college professors, giving them a sense of college instruction and course work at an early age. A favorite course is the annual Shakespeare seminar for 8th graders. Also, juniors and seniors may enroll in Clark undergraduate courses. As they share their experiences with their younger peers, the culture and expectations of college permeates all courses at UPCS.
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| Student Perceptions of Culture of College: |
| "This school has a promise ... everyone will go to college." - Seventh grader |
| "Taking college courses helps me understand what it will be like when I get there next year." - Senior, after taking four semesters of college math |
| "The Clark campus feels like part of our school." - Freshman | | |
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