STUDENT LIFE
Students at UPA participate in a wide range of extracurricular activities, including the performing arts, athletics, leadership, student clubs and volunteer projects. As a comprehensive high school, we pride ourselves on providing a variety of activities that allow students the opportunity to explore their personal interests and cultivate their unique talents.
Athletics
UPA is proud of our athletes! Please visit our external site for all things MVHS Athletics. You'll find everything from team sport pages, game stats, games calendar, pictures and athletics gear to support our teams. Students can join one of our many teams to compete in a variety of different sports throughout the year, including Basketball, Volleyball, and Track & Field.
More information can be found here
Performing Arts
BAND
We Are A Family That Performs Music Several Times Each Year!
We Travel! (Check out our DigitalArchives and UPA_Band on Instagram)
The School Provides A Select List Of Instruments
If you know nothing about music, we train you from the beginning!
DRAMA
UPA Theatre offers a dynamic and comprehensive theatre program designed to engage students at every level of experience. Our curriculum includes two introductory 7th–8th Grade Drama classes that build foundational performance skills, a High School Acting course for students seeking more in-depth training, and a Technical Theatre course focused on the artistry and innovation behind the scenes.
Beyond the classroom, UPA Theatre features a year-long after-school Improv Group coached by two local improvisers, providing students with ongoing opportunities to sharpen their creativity, collaboration, and quick-thinking skills.
Each year, UPA proudly produces three mainstage productions: a Murder Mystery Dinner, a Fall Play, and a Spring Musical. These productions are open to all students in grades 7–12 and offer meaningful opportunities both onstage and behind the scenes.
UPA Theatre is committed to creating a well-rounded theatrical experience, engaging more than 100 students annually through classes, after-school productions, technical crew, and additional opportunities such as student playwriting and directing.
Our primary goal is to cultivate a supportive and inclusive environment where students feel safe to express themselves, take creative risks, and grow with confidence—while having fun along the way
Technical Theatre
Ever wonder how the magic of theatre comes to life beyond the spotlight? In Technical Theatre, you'll step into the world behind the curtain and discover how shows are built from the ground up. This hands-on, project-based course introduces you to the exciting and essential areas of stagecraft—scenery, props, lighting, sound, costumes, makeup, and stage management.
You'll not only learn the tools and techniques used in theatre production but also get the chance to design, build, and create for UPA theatre productions. Whether you're into art, engineering, fashion, or just love solving creative challenges, there’s a place for you on the crew!
Throughout the course, you’ll explore how all the behind-the-scenes elements come together to create a one-of-a-kind performance.
What You’ll Learn:
Design & Build: Explore your creative side by designing and producing functional elements like sets, props, lighting, soundscapes, costumes, and makeup for a theatrical production.
Tool Safety & Skills: Learn how to safely and effectively use theatre tools, equipment, and materials—and become confident working in a scene shop or backstage.
Teamwork & Collaboration: Work as part of a technical crew to bring a show to life, applying your skills in real-world theatre scenarios.
Plan & Lead: Discover the organizational side of theatre by creating production schedules, stage management plans, and promotional strategies, and learn how the business side of a show runs smoothly.
Bonus Perks:
Get hands-on experience with lights, soundboards, costumes, and more.
Collaborate with peers to produce original designs or support school shows.
Build skills that apply to careers in design, tech, entertainment, and event planning.
Student Activities
ASB
The Associated Student Body (ASB) program at UPA gives students a voice in shaping their campus experience while building leadership skills. Made up of elected and appointed student leaders, ASB plans school events like rallies, dances, and spirit weeks, manages student funds, and supports clubs and activities. Through collaboration, service, and event planning, ASB helps students develop responsibility, teamwork, and pride in their school community.
More information can be found here
JOURNALISM
We produce UPA’s student newsmagazine, Aquila, 3 times a year and publish online content monthly! It takes a team of writers, photographers, graphic artists and page designers to produce our publication. Students can join the Journalism class if they are interested in helping write for the school.
YEARBOOK
The Yearbook Committee documents and celebrates the UPA community by creating a comprehensive annual publication that captures the spirit, achievements, and memorable moments of each school year. Our highly organized, high school student-led team manages every aspect of yearbook production—from photography and photo editing to graphic design, layout, writing, and interviews. Meeting weekly on Wednesdays after school, the Yearbook Committee works year-round with dedication and precision to produce a professionally crafted keepsake that honors the diverse experiences and achievements of the entire UPA community.
SENIOR ACTIVITIES & GRADUATION
As UPA students enter senior year, Seminar focuses on helping seniors apply for college and prepare for life outside our school. We focus on class bonding, celebration, and gaining the necessary knowledge and skills they need to successful in whatever comes next. We have time honored traditions like Decision Day, where students openly commit to where they are intending to go to college next year, and a class wide Senior Trip in May as their final farewell to the peers some have known for 6 years.
CLUBS
Graduation at UPA is first and foremost about celebrating the unique skills and abilities of that specific senior class. Our graduation ceremony is filled with student speeches and musical performances meant to honor the spirit of the class as they close their final chapter in their time spent at UPA.
More information on clubs can be viewed here
UNIVERSITY PREPARATORY ACADEMY
2315 Canoas Garden Avenue
San Jose, CA 95125
408.723.1839
