VISION AND GOALS

History

The vision of UPA was borne out of the belief that every child has the right to an excellent education. Starting with three (3) retired educators with over 100 years of cumulative public school experience in teaching and administration at the school and district level, and a financial manager, we dedicated 2 1/2 years to planning the design and implementation of UPA with an opening date of August 2007. The Santa Clara County Office of Education approved UPA in December 2006. Our founding team's development efforts have been praised by state officials, school district leaders, educators, students, parents, and community members of San Jose.

Mission

UPA's mission is to prepare a diverse population of 7th - 12th-grade students in Santa Clara County to enter and excel in the best colleges and universities in the nation. 

Mission in Practice

UPA seeks those students who may be under-supported, overlooked, or under-challenged in a large school environment, and would thrive in a highly intensive, supportive, and interpersonal environment. UPA's overall vision is to provide a rigorous curriculum that allows students to achieve their highest potential. High student academic achievement is an utmost priority in UPA's mission. To that aim, UPA offers an intensive college preparatory curriculum in a small school environment, integrating academics, performing arts, and technology throughout the curriculum as tools to actualize the unique skills and talents of each student. UPA is a high-quality, dynamic school that provides students with a new version of the Three R's: (1) “r”igorous academic coursework; (2) meaningful “r”elationships with teachers who can help students meet high standards; and (3) “r”elevant learning opportunities that inspire inside and outside the classroom.

Values

• Responsibility: Contribute to personal and whole-school success.

• Growth Mindset: Foster personal resiliency, perseverance, and inquiry. 

• Community: Cultivate a safe, respectful, and supportive environment for the entire community. 

• Learning: Commit to being a lifelong learner.

• Integrity: Demonstrate ethical and honest behavior in all academic and social environments.

• Collaboration: Work together toward common outcomes.

Student Learning Outcomes

UPA students will:

• Demonstrate strong written and verbal communication skills.

• Develop strong collaborative and leadership skills. 

• Demonstrate personal social responsibility to the community.

• Participate in the visual and performing arts.

• Demonstrate digital literacy and responsibility.

• Develop strong analytical and creative abilities.

• Develop an understanding and respect for diversity.