Doug Lemov and his “Teach Like a Champion” team invited U Prep to share our turnaround story from the perspective of our leaders. Writing on his blog, this five-part series pulls back the curtain on each effort that went into converting the lowest performing school in DPS into being ranked in the 91st percentile.
As a result of University Prep’s track record of performance and deep commitment to children and families living in historically marginalized communities, U Prep was awarded a 3.7 million dollar grant by the Department of Education to support growth and expansion efforts.
The 74 million, a national blog focused on covering critical news in the education space ran a story on University Prep’s transformative turnaround work. “It’s an important reminder that when you have a team of teachers and leaders that work very thoughtfully, and with skill and love, of the remarkable things they can accomplish,” said the superintendent, whose district encompasses 199 schools and 92,000 students.
Following the 2016-17 school year, U Prep – Steele St. had the highest math growth in the state (out of 1,500 schools) and the eighth highest English Language Arts (ELA) growth. On the Denver Public Schools School Performance Framework (SPF) the school went from the lowest rating to the highest rating after one year of U Prep operating the campus.
This Denver Post article illuminates the challenges across our state’s educational system while highlighting the impact U Prep is having to change that reality saying, “The key to cutting into Colorado’s stubborn achievement gap between white, more-affluent students and their minority, less-affluent peers could reside in a public charter school in northeast Denver.”
Quality education is not a given. It takes committed, consistent work to teach the next generation and set them up for futures filled with opportunity. It also requires adequate funding,
In today’s world, deciding where to send your child to school goes beyond proximity. Parents are considering everything from the location and environment to the curriculum and teaching methods. While
The #1 school I wanted to go to is Howard, an HBCU, and that is where I’m headed! I plan to go to school to be a Neonatal Nurse. The U Prep values enthusiasm and perseverance have stuck with me the most. You have to be enthusiastic and excited to go to school and learn new things, and persevere to get through hard classes. U Prep is such a good school – it really set me up for the better. If I went to another elementary school I don’t think I’d be where I am now.
After High School graduation I plan on attending an HBCU like Xavier University of Louisiana. I want to major in biochemistry to pursue a career in Forensic Toxicology. U Prep is a place where you can be yourself and connect with others that may or may not come from similar backgrounds. At the end of the day, whether you see it or not, you are in a welcoming environment and a place that wants you to succeed.
My plans after high school include going to Regis University, and going into their nursing program. From there I hope to obtain my Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or Masters of Science in Nursing (MSN) and someday become a travel nurse. U Prep taught me about the importance of education, and that everyone can make a difference in this world. I truly believe that everything I do has a purpose, and U Prep taught me that I can do anything.
After high school I’ll be attending CU Denver, pursuing a degree in business and entrepreneurship with plans on later becoming a successful business owner…. U Prep taught me skills that stuck with me throughout my years of schooling which helped me get where I am headed today. I’ll never forget winning the PREP stick for the first time and my grandma being there to celebrate my achievement with me.
I plan to go to Metro State University of Denver. While I’m there, I plan to go through the cadet program to become a firefighter. I am also considering a minor in Business Management to explore a possible career route with real estate in the future. The PREP values stick with me every day: professionalism (now pride), responsibility, enthusiasm, and perseverance.