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 237 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 13:1 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 33% (majority Black).
Quick Facts (2026)
- School Type: Charter School
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 237 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 13:1
- Minority Enrollment: 97%
- 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 237 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 18 teachers has declined by 14% over five school years.
School Type
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
237 students
Total Classroom Teachers
18 teachers
Year Founded
2000
Colors
Navy and Gold
Average Class Size
15 students
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 0.12, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.52. 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
13:1
12:1
American Indian
1%
n/a
Hispanic
2%
9%
Black
94%
15%
White
3%
67%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
≥90%
90%
Eligible for Free Lunch
100%
43%
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
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?
237 students attend University Academy-upper.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
94% of University Academy-upper students are Black, 3% of students are White, 2% of students are Hispanic, and 1% of students are American Indian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of University Academy-upper?
University Academy-upper has a student ration of 13:1, which is higher than 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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