[1] The first University Preparatory Academy middle school opened its doors in Detroit in the fall of 2000 with 112 6th graders.

Other charters operating in the city have not had as much luck, and Ross will be tasked with making sure all DPS-chartered schools perform well.

[4] Dan Rather stated in the 2011 program "A National Disgrace" that the test scores in the U Prep school system "are much closer to the Michigan state average" and "many points higher" compared to test scores from Detroit Public Schools (DPS) campuses.

University Prep Science & Math Elementary School – Sidney D. Miller Campus serves as a cornerstone of the UPSM district.

The middle school, constructed with significant support from the Thompson Educational Foundation, featured two floors of classrooms and a basement with a cafeteria and gymnasium.

Founded in 2010, University Prep Science & Math High School served around 1 student, the majority of whom were from Detroit.

The Thompson Foundation donated $1 million to University Prep Science & Math High School to support its mission and enhance its educational programs.

New University Prep Science & Math High School to open on E. Riverfront Work began on the renovation of the Albert Kahn-designed Franklin Furniture building in the East Riverfront district to become University Prep Science & Math High School.

The University Prep Art & Design (UPAD) district was founded to provide a specialized, art-infused education.