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 (2026)
- 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
<Â鶹¹û¶³´«Ã½ class="so-dt-title" id="top-rankings">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
<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
University Academy-upper's student population of 209 students has declined by 7% over five school years.
The teacher population of 17 teachers has declined by 19% 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
Average Class Size
15 students
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
<Â鶹¹û¶³´«Ã½ class='so-dt-title' id='faq'>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.
School ReviewsReview University Academy-upper. 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
Review University Academy-upper. 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
Â鶹¹û¶³´«Ã½ Articles
Zero Tolerance Policies in Public Schools Today
An updated look at zero tolerance policies in public schools, including current trends, costs, legal concerns, and what parents need to know now.
The Pros and Cons of Tracking in Schools Today
Explore the advantages and drawbacks of academic tracking in today’s public schools, including equity, outcomes, and what parents should consider.
Budgeting Hidden Costs of Public Schooling in 2026
Learn how families budget for school lunch, after-school care, and activities, the hidden costs of public schooling in 2026.
