There’s a simple reason we call all of our University Prep (U Prep) students scholars: That’s what they are—and we want them to believe it, too. We know that the path to a successful college experience and a life of opportunity starts in kindergarten. Which means scholars need to start developing college habits from the first day they walk through our doors.  

Early childhood is a critical time for cognitive, emotional, social, and physical development. Children’s brains are developing rapidly during this period. The approach we take with our young scholars helps set a strong foundation—and builds healthy habits—for their future learning. 

We believe that demography is not destiny: All students are capable of high levels of learning, regardless of their zip codes, socioeconomic status, or background. Below, we explore how U Prep builds college habits among our youngest students. 

Creating a College-Bound Mindset

From the moment our scholars enter the classroom, we work on developing a college-bound mindset. That means taking kindergartners on college campus tours. And adapting Halloween into Career Day, when students dress up as the professions they want to pursue later in life. We also instill scholar core values from day one: pride, responsibility, enthusiasm, and perseverance. At every step, we engage parents so they can walk the college path alongside their children. 

Building Strong Academic Foundations

Post-secondary education requires academic excellence. Learning is the foundation of everything we do at U Prep. Our teachers are dedicated and enthusiastic; we provide them with ongoing professional development and coaching so they can be at their best every single day. They provide our scholars with support and encouragement so they can successfully work through our dynamic and challenging college-prep curriculum. And we get results: U Prep consistently outperforms the community in reading, writing, and math proficiency. 

Fostering a Love of Learning

One of the most important college habits we aim to cultivate in students is a genuine love of learning. We do this by making school both rigorous and fun. We engage students through  a variety of proven teaching methods and pay attention to different learning styles. We also encourage curiosity and exploration, fostering an environment where students get into the habit of asking questions and thinking critically in the search for answers. 

Developing Essential Life Skills

We’re not just preparing scholars for college—we’re preparing them to pursue whatever their dreams are. So, it’s important that they begin to develop other skills that will be crucial throughout their lives, such as time management, organization, self-discipline, and teamwork. These helpful habits will help students successfully navigate both academic and social environments and build the strong and confident characters they need to thrive. 

Encouraging Extracurricular Activities

Participation in extracurricular activities supports the development of well-rounded students. These activities encourage students to develop and practice their teamwork, social interactions, leadership capabilities, and problem-solving skills.

Early Exposure to College and Career Options

It’s never too early to start thinking about the future. Beginning in kindergarten, our classrooms take annual field trips to college campuses. Guest speakers and hands-on experiences teach them about a range of career paths and provide them with an understanding of the skills and education they’ll need to pursue whatever route they choose. We know it’s important to expose our scholars to various college and career possibilities, so they can see themselves in these spaces one day. .

Set Your Child on the Path of Success At U Prep

Building college habits starts in kindergarten.U Prep is committed to providing students with the tools and support they need to succeed in their post-secondary journeys and live a life of opportunity, starting from the first day they step foot on one of our campuses

If you’re interested in learning more about U Prep and how we can help your child build a strong foundation for their college journey, we encourage you to book a school tour. We can’t wait to welcome you and your family into our community.