Unparalleled Preparatory Academy

Last Friday, we made history at Unparalleled Preparatory Academy by closing out our very first, last day of school.

Two years ago, Unparalleled Preparatory Academy existed as a dream built on faith, long nights, difficult decisions, unwavering belief, and the conviction that our children deserve more.

Today, that dream has seen hallways filled with laughter, classrooms filled with curiosity, families who trust us with their children, and visionary students who are beginning to see just how powerful their futures can be.

This first year stretched us, refined us, humbled us, and inspired us all at the same time. Building something from the ground up is never easy, but watching our students grow into confident thinkers, emerging leaders, and young people full of purpose has made every sacrifice worth it.

What I’m most proud of is not a number or milestone it’s the culture we are building. A place where students feel seen. A place where families feel valued. A place where possibility feels real.

To our staff: thank you for believing in a vision before there was proof.

To our families: thank you for trusting us with your greatest gifts.

To our visionaries: thank you for reminding us daily why this work matters.

Year One was about building the foundation.

Together, we accomplished so much in just one year:

Average MAP Growth
• Math: +11 points
• ELA: +7 points

Built a strong school culture and hosted 25+ family engagement events

Secured a new home for our mission

Launched career immersion and leadership opportunities designed to prepare scholars for life beyond high school

Now, we build the future! 🐘

With gratitude,
Shonqualla West-County
Founder & Superintendent

Give your middle schooler the opportunity to attend a school that they LOVE.

Apply Now: https://upaschools.org/admissions-26-27

UPA has had 100% attendance 3 out of 4 days this week, with just one absence total. Our average ADA is currently 94%, which we’re really proud of.

Our average attendance rate is above both the Region 13 average of 93.0% and the Texas state average of 93.6% in the most recent TEA reporting.

What makes this even more special is that we haven’t run any attendance incentives yet. Our visionaries show up because they want to be here. They experience love, learning, exploration, and care every day.

That’s the UPA promise.

Give your middle schooler the opportunity to attend a school that they LOVE.

Apply Now: https://upaschools.org/admissions-26-27

Have you ever wondered how to simulate a real tornado?
Or if putting lights on a soccer goal increases accuracy?

Our Visionaries have — and now they’ve built projects to find out!

Join us next Thursday Feb. 26th from 5:00–7:00 PM for the UPA STEM Fair & Pasta Night 🎉🍝

Come see creativity, curiosity, and innovation in action — and enjoy a fun evening with our school community while you’re at it!

We can’t wait to show you what our students have been working on.

RSVP here:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/stem-fair-pasta-night-tickets-1982474476526?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing&utm-source=cp&aff=ebdsshcopyurl

Bring a friend and share this post!

It’s National School Choice Week!

Come see us at Bob Bullock museum this morning from 11-2! Pick up some goodies, build a catapult, and learn more about the UPA difference and why our students LOVE where they go to school!

Everyone who comes to the Fair gets FREE entry to the museum today!

Hope to see you soon!

❄️ Weather Advisory ❄️
UPA Closed – Tuesday, January 27

At Unparalleled Preparatory Academy, the safety of our students, families, and team members comes first. Because of lingering ice on roadways and a forecasted hard freeze overnight, UPA will be closed on Tuesday, January 27.

While a two-hour delay was explored, current road conditions suggest that additional time would still not allow for safe travel across all areas. We plan to resume normal operations on Wednesday, January 28.

Thank you for your flexibility and continued support as we make decisions with safety in mind. Please stay warm and safe, and watch for any further updates.

UPA Administration

❄️ Weather Advisory ❄️

At Unparalleled Preparatory Academy, the safety of our students, families, and staff remains our highest priority. Due to hazardous cold and icy conditions, along with forecasts showing temperatures remaining below freezing through Monday afternoon, the UPA campus and all facilities will be closed on Monday, January 26. This decision was made in coordination with nearby school districts and local officials.

We encourage everyone to stay warm, remain safe, and limit travel until road conditions improve and it is safe to do so. We will continue to closely monitor the weather and will provide additional updates regarding school operations as needed.

Today, Unparalleled Preparatory Academy families, staff, and students came together to march alongside the Austin community in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

As a school founder, moments like this remind me why we started. We are building more than a school—we are building belief. Belief that every student, regardless of background or circumstance, deserves an education that challenges them to think deeply, dream boldly, and lead with integrity.

We are still at the very beginning. Still learning. Still growing. Still building. But our commitment is unwavering: to dream big so our students can dream even bigger—and to ensure those dreams are met with action, access, and accountability.

Grateful for our community, our families, and our educators who show up not just in classrooms, but in the world our students are preparing to shape.

Thank you, Dr. King, for reminding us that progress requires both VISION and the COURAGE to make it happen.