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 (2026)
- 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
<Â鶹¹û¶³´«Ã½ class='so-dt-title' id="overview">School Overview <Â鶹¹û¶³´«Ã½ class='so-dt-title' id="school-rankings">School Rankings <Â鶹¹û¶³´«Ã½ class='so-dt-title' id='faq'>Frequently Asked Questions
University Academy-lower's student population of 605 students has stayed relatively flat 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
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
<Â鶹¹û¶³´«Ã½ class='so-dt-title' id="school-notes">School Notes- School Mascot: Gryphon
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 ReviewsReview University Academy-lower. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
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Review University Academy-lower. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
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