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UPA Ellen Thompson
About Us
University Preparatory Academy Elementary – Ellen Thompson Campus in Detroit offers a safe, state-of-the-art facility with smaller classes. We provide hands-on, culturally responsive education through Expeditionary and Project-Based Learning, prioritizing scholars' social-emotional well-being.
meet the principal
957 Holden St Detroit, MI 48202 | (313) 874-9800 • (313) 874-9817
Network News & Announcements
![University Prep Schools Announces Participation in Meet Up & Eat Up Summer Food Service Program]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1751413544/uprepschoolscom/arluunzcnmrlxiiytw9e/Post_MeetUpEatUp_800x582px.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1751413544/uprepschoolscom/arluunzcnmrlxiiytw9e/Post_MeetUpEatUp_800x582px.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1751413544/uprepschoolscom/arluunzcnmrlxiiytw9e/Post_MeetUpEatUp_800x582px.png","width":800}])
Free Summer Meals at U Prep! From June 23 to July 22, U Prep is offering free breakfast (9–9:30 AM) and lunch (11:30 AM–12:15 PM) to all kids 18 and under. No sign-up needed! No meals on July 3–4. Open to the public—come eat with us this summer!
![UPAD Scholars Shine at Night of the Arts!]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1748324004/uprepschoolscom/zizisbdl8bncmn0uvvec/Post_NOTA2025students_800x582px.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1748324004/uprepschoolscom/zizisbdl8bncmn0uvvec/Post_NOTA2025students_800x582px.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1748324004/uprepschoolscom/zizisbdl8bncmn0uvvec/Post_NOTA2025students_800x582px.jpg","width":800}])
Over 1,000 stunning pieces by UPAD scholars lit up the Night of the Arts! 🌟🎨
See the photos + full recap here
![A student and his family gather around the open hood of a wrapped car, inspecting the vehicle and taking pictures during the Wrap Battle showcase.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1748326297/uprepschoolscom/llodxjtaqhllfcpky56g/Post_WrapBattle_800x582px12.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1748326297/uprepschoolscom/llodxjtaqhllfcpky56g/Post_WrapBattle_800x582px12.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1748326297/uprepschoolscom/llodxjtaqhllfcpky56g/Post_WrapBattle_800x582px12.jpg","width":800}])
UPAD scholars took part in the Wrap Battle, turning their creativity into custom vehicle designs at the Henry Ford Museum.
Big thanks to Foxxtecca, Taste of Tech, and AAAA for helping our scholars dream beyond the classroom.
![Empowering the Future: UPA & UPAD Scholars Attend Girls of Color Summit]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1748324949/uprepschoolscom/nyo7fxpkg5n5fzbbsuto/Post_GirlsofColor_800x582px1.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1748324949/uprepschoolscom/nyo7fxpkg5n5fzbbsuto/Post_GirlsofColor_800x582px1.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1748324949/uprepschoolscom/nyo7fxpkg5n5fzbbsuto/Post_GirlsofColor_800x582px1.jpg","width":800}])
UPA & UPAD scholars attended the GVSU Girls of Color Summit, gaining powerful tools to grow as leaders and dreamers.
![Lightbox sign reading “Black History Month” on a background of red, black, yellow, and green stripes, with the University Prep Schools logo and name in the bottom left corner.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1748321148/uprepschoolscom/anbe7et8hbka7qak0lxr/Post_BlackHM2025_800x582px.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1748321148/uprepschoolscom/anbe7et8hbka7qak0lxr/Post_BlackHM2025_800x582px.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1748321148/uprepschoolscom/anbe7et8hbka7qak0lxr/Post_BlackHM2025_800x582px.jpg","width":800}])
Throughout February, U Prep Schools celebrated Black History Month with engaging, student-led events across all campuses—honoring the past, celebrating the present, and inspiring the future. From tech conferences and talent showcases to wax museums and cultural fests, each school highlighted the impact of Black excellence while empowering scholars to see themselves as part of that ongoing legacy.
![A college fair scene where a University of Michigan representative speaks with a U Prep scholar, offering guidance and resources at a booth]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1736912772/uprepschoolscom/dbuqaihwwrwdzawcxodj/Post_CollegeCareer_800x582px1.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1736912772/uprepschoolscom/dbuqaihwwrwdzawcxodj/Post_CollegeCareer_800x582px1.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1736912772/uprepschoolscom/dbuqaihwwrwdzawcxodj/Post_CollegeCareer_800x582px1.jpg","width":800}])
U Prep Schools empower scholars to thrive in college, STEAM careers, and creative industries. Through hands-on workshops, early career exploration, and personalized guidance, students gain the confidence and skills to succeed in life beyond the classroom.
News & Events
- Announcements
- Network News
- UPA News
- UPSM News
Free Summer Meals at U Prep! From June 23 to July 22, U Prep is offering free breakfast (9–9:30 AM) and lunch (11:30 AM–12:15 PM) to all kids 18 and under. No sign-up needed! No meals on July 3–4. Open to the public—come eat with us this summer!
- UPAD News
Over 1,000 stunning pieces by UPAD scholars lit up the Night of the Arts! 🌟🎨
See the photos + full recap here
- UPAD News
UPAD scholars took part in the Wrap Battle, turning their creativity into custom vehicle designs at the Henry Ford Museum.
Big thanks to Foxxtecca, Taste of Tech, and AAAA for helping our scholars dream beyond the classroom.
- UPA News
- UPAD News
UPA & UPAD scholars attended the GVSU Girls of Color Summit, gaining powerful tools to grow as leaders and dreamers.
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