FAQs

Why does University Prep emphasize use of projects instead of textbooks?
We all see improvements because our teachers don’t just teach the smartest students. - Britney Ewing, Class of 2007

Having every student in class read the same textbook chapter on the same day assumes every student possesses the same skill level and interests. The kids who are ready to learn faster are bored. The ones who need more help to catch up are left behind. Projects allow each student to start at his or her own skill level. Each student must master the same skills. But project learning makes it possible for each student to get there on her or his own path.

How do we know a child is learning if there are no report cards or grades?
We teach our parents stuff at our exhibitions. Between that and our narratives, they know what we’re doing. - Ada Osuoha, Class of 2008

Every parent and child knows what needs to be mastered by the end of each grade and to graduate high school. A score card is provided to help track each Essential Skill as it is mastered. Each student gives a Public Exhibition of her work each trimester quarter for her parents, Advisor and others. In addition, advisors write detailed quarterly narratives describing how learning is progressing for each student and what needs to be improved. Finally, each student maintains a portfolio that contains samples of his or her best work.  

How do we know University Prep’s project-based learning works?
Some people just understand better by doing things first-hand than by sitting and listening. - Andre Brooks, Class of 2007

Similar schools like the MET school in Providence and Central Park East in Harlem have been using project-based learning for years and consistently graduating 90% of their urban students from high school and sending 90% of those graduates on to college. The proof is in the pudding.

Will University Prep graduates be able to get into college?
University Prep is preparing us well. We have to learn to keep track of our work ourselves, and to be comfortable speaking in front of audiences. - Alyssa Nimmons, Class of 2008

The Board of Directors and staff of University Prep have worked closely with a number of Michigan universities and community colleges in putting together the school’s individualized, project-based curriculum. Several colleges already have agreed to accept University prep students for early college admission based on their learning portfolios at the end of 8th grade! In addition, in the winter of 2006 1/3 of the 11th graders will be taking classes at Henry Ford Community College, while still others are dual enrolled at Wayne State University.  In June, 2007 UPA graduated its first class of Seniors.  Ninety-five percent of the students graduated, and 91% of them went on to some form of post-secondary education.  The class of 2008 is well positioned to maintain this same high standard.