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 209 students in grades 9-12, University Academy-upper ranks in the top 20% of all schools in Missouri for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 50%, and reading proficiency is top 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 40-49% (which is approximately equal to the Missouri state average of 40%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 70-74% (which is higher than the Missouri state average of 43%).
The student-teacher ratio of 12:1 is equal to the Missouri state level of 12:1.
Minority enrollment is 99% 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: 9-12
- Enrollment: 209 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 12:1
- Minority Enrollment: 99%
- Graduation Rate: ≥90% (Top 50% in MO)
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 20%
- Math Proficiency: 40-49% (Top 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 70-74% (Top 5%)
- Science Proficiency: 40-49% (Top 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MO Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
University Academy-upper ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Missouri for:
Category
Attribute
Overall Rank
Reading/Language Arts Proficiency
Percent Eligible For Free Lunch
School Overview
University Academy-upper's student population of 209 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 17 teachers has declined by 5% over five school years.
School Type
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
209 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
17 teachers
Year Founded
2000
Last Day of School
Mon. May 25, 2026
School Rankings
University Academy-upper ranks within the top 20% of all 2,076 schools in Missouri (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of University Academy-upper is 0.08, 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
#352 out of 2076 schools
(Top 20%)
(Top 20%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
40-49%
40%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
70-74%
43%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
40-49%
38%
Student-Teacher Ratio
12:1
12:1
American Indian
1%
n/a
Asian
n/a
2%
Hispanic
2%
8%
Black
96%
15%
White
1%
68%
Hawaiian
n/a
1%
Two or more races
n/a
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
≥90%
90%
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
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is University Academy-upper's ranking?
University Academy-upper is ranked #352 out of 2,076 schools, which ranks it among the top 20% of public schools in Missouri.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
40-49% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 40% MO state average), while 70-74% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 43% MO state average).
What is the graduation rate of University Academy-upper?
The graduation rate of University Academy-upper is 90%, which is equal to the Missouri state average of 90%.
How many students attend University Academy-upper?
209 students attend University Academy-upper.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
96% of University Academy-upper students are Black, 2% of students are Hispanic, 1% of students are American Indian, and 1% of students are White.
What is the student-teacher ratio of University Academy-upper?
University Academy-upper has a student ration of 12:1, which is equal to the Missouri state average of 12:1.
What grades does University Academy-upper offer ?
University Academy-upper offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is University Academy-upper part of?
University Academy-upper is part of University Academy School District.
In what neighborhood is University Academy-upper located?
University Academy-upper is located in the South Kansas City neighborhood of Kansas City, MO. There are 12 other public schools located in South Kansas City.
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