Young men thrive at UPrep. Students receive personalized attention in small class sizes. We empower our students to make choices about their own education and gain experiences and confidence that will prepare them for life after high school.
Our academic program is standards based and rigorous. We support our students fully in their relentless pursuit of graduation.
Curriculum & Instruction
At UPrep, we are dedicated to ensuring our students graduate. We are proud of our 96% graduation rate, where nearly 80% of our students go on to enroll in colleges and universities. All our graduates are prepared for college or career.
We keep our class sizes small and focus on each student’s success—meeting the needs of all students as they prepare for a Regent’s diploma. UPrep welcomes applications from students with special learning needs, disabilities and English Language Learners.
UPrep’s program is reflected in 10 Key Design Elements, which characterize the school’s model and serve as the cornerstones of our quality instructional program. These provide Rochester families with an innovative and viable educational option that improves student achievement for young men.
Key Design Elements
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All-male student environment
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Curricular content, instructional resources, and pedagogical strategies designed specifically to engage and address the learning styles and needs of male learners
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College and career preparatory focus
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Daily advisory through grade level managers, counselors, social workers, and academic support staff
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Inquiry- and self-discovery based instruction to promote higher-order and critical thinking skills
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Student-centered, data-driven individualized instruction rounded in Constructivist Theories and principles of inquiry-based learning
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Safe, disciplined, and nurturing school culture focused on high expectations, personal responsibility for learning and respect for all
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Continuous fostering of reflection, positive relationships, and productive work habits
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Summer programs for incoming student orientation, academic remediation, and high school credit recovery
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Ongoing professional development for teachers beginning with pre-service training and continuing throughout the year with weekly meetings and daily coaching
Instruction
UPrep’s instructional model is standards-based, student-centered and focuses on reflection, self-discovery, and active learning to promote critical thinking skills and deeper understanding of content. Our model is rigorous and we maintain an unwavering commitment to graduating young men with the necessary skills, knowledge, dispositions, and perseverance to attain success as they continue in their education, enter the workforce, and assume the challenges of adult citizenship in their community, nation, and the world.
Research-based best practices are employed to engage students, invigorate classrooms, and support inquiry-based learning for students and teachers. The school promotes high expectations for the development of character and culture, leadership capacity, and school improvement. Continuous relationship building fosters responsibility for learning, perseverance, compassion for others, collaboration and healthy competition, and service to the community.
All instruction is planned and implemented using a consistent, research-based instructional framework across all grades and subject areas.
Professional Development
Teachers are supported by professional development and training sessions focused on lesson planning and instructional preparations. Teachers submit weekly lesson plans prior to the start of each week for review and feedback. Through this process, instructional leaders are able to offer support to assist in the delivery of quality instruction. Since all teachers use this one consistent model, students understand the components and expectations for learning and misconceptions are eliminated before they can become barriers to success.
Parent Involvement & Communication
Parent support is valued and communication with families is a key factor in student success. Parents are invited to grade-level orientation meetings to learn about each coming year and meet faculty and staff. Academic progress is reported regularly, and students receive progress reports in 5-week intervals. Teachers are required to notify parents in advance of these reports when a student is struggling. Many teachers send weekly reports. Parent-teacher meetings are held to determine how the school and family can work together to support students.
UPrep also invites parents to events celebrating student achievement—including honor roll celebrations, community art shows featuring student artwork, school band performances, sporting events and banquets, and speeches made by students in our public speaking class.
Open-door Policy
UPrep maintains an open-door policy and invites parents to meet with the school at any time, including any morning before school without need for an appointment.
Students Who Need Extra Help
Faculty and staff are committed to the success of all students. Teachers are available after school on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays to provide additional instruction or tutoring. If this schedule doesn’t work with your family, we will make every effort to help your child succeed.
Grade-Level Managers
To maximize student learning, teachers are supported by Grade Level Managers who support student character development and cultivate success in students both in and out of school. Grade Level Managers help build strong, mutually respectful relationships with students and families and serve as positive role models for our students.
Technology
Classrooms are equipped with Smartboards and Internet access and the school has laptop access for students to conduct online research. Students take computer tech classes and become experienced in Microsoft Office products, website design and other computer applications.
Safety Plan 2019/2020
Lunch Menu
Sports and Extra-Curricular Activities
UPrep knows the importance of sports and extracurricular activities to enrich student development in positive ways. We offer:
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Modified, JV and Varsity Football, Basketball, Baseball, Lacrosse, Soccer, Track and Field
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Arts/Performing Arts
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Music/Band
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Chess Club
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Masterminds
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Math Club
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Public Speaking and Poetry Slam Events
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After School Tutoring Sessions
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College Campus Visits
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College Club facilitated by St John Fisher College
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Field Studies