University Academy is a Pre-Kindergarten through 12th grade college-preparatory charter public school in Kansas City, Missouri, United States. University Academy serves approximately 1,100 students in pre-kindergarten through 12th grade who reside in the Kansas City Missouri Schools District.
Serving 605 students in grades Prekindergarten-5, University Academy-lower ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in Missouri for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 27% (which is lower than the Missouri state average of 40%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 23% (which is lower than the Missouri state average of 43%).
The student-teacher ratio of 15:1 is higher than the Missouri state level of 12:1.
Minority enrollment is 97% of the student body (majority Black), which is higher than the Missouri state average of 32% (majority Black).
Quick Facts (2025-26)
- School Type: Charter School
- Grades: Prekindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 605 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 15:1
- Minority Enrollment: 97%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in MO
- Math Proficiency: 27% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 23% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 10-14% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MO Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
University Academy-lower ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Missouri for:
Category
Attribute
Percent Eligible For Free Lunch
School Overview
University Academy-lower's student population of 605 students has declined by 6% over five school years.
The teacher population of 40 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
School Type
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-5
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
605 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
40 teachers
School Calendar
School Mascot
Gryphon
School Rankings
University Academy-lower ranks within the bottom 50% of all 2,076 schools in Missouri (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of University Academy-lower is 0.10, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.51. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#1725 out of 2076 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
27%
40%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
23%
43%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
10-14%
38%
Student-Teacher Ratio
15:1
12:1
American Indian
1%
n/a
Asian
n/a
2%
Hispanic
1%
8%
Black
95%
15%
White
3%
68%
Hawaiian
n/a
1%
Two or more races
n/a
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Eligible for Free Lunch
100%
42%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (21-22)
9%
5%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MO Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Gryphon
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is University Academy-lower's ranking?
University Academy-lower is ranked #1725 out of 2,076 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Missouri.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
27% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 40% MO state average), while 23% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 43% MO state average).
How many students attend University Academy-lower?
605 students attend University Academy-lower.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
95% of University Academy-lower students are Black, 3% of students are White, 1% of students are American Indian, and 1% of students are Hispanic.
What is the student-teacher ratio of University Academy-lower?
University Academy-lower has a student ration of 15:1, which is higher than the Missouri state average of 12:1.
What grades does University Academy-lower offer ?
University Academy-lower offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-5 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is University Academy-lower part of?
University Academy-lower is part of University Academy School District.
In what neighborhood is University Academy-lower located?
University Academy-lower is located in the South Kansas City neighborhood of Kansas City, MO. There are 12 other public schools located in South Kansas City.
School Reviews
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