Click on a name below to read what current parents and parents of University High School alumni have to say about the school.
 

Lili Arabshahi
 
Bruce and Sue Ashmore
 
Jeff Chamberlain
 
Mary Dieter
 
Lawrence G. Falender, DDS
 
Tom Frank
 
Mike McCarty and Karen Gentleman
 
Cynthia Moore
 
Bob Newell and Jan Ramer
 
Lori Rangel-Hernandez
 
Charles Phillips
 
Evelyn Sim
 
Bill and Linda Strickland
 

I am very happy with the quality of the faculty at University High School, with the course content and the the extent of the faculty's knowledge. I am delighted with the attention given to my son and pleased with the regular feedback University provides.
        Lili Arabashani
 
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My husband and I originally made the decision to switch to private education because we felt that our daughter was becoming increasingly introverted in a large public school. She achieved good grades but was miserable.
 
University High School has given her an inner belief in her abilities and therefore in herself. The school encourages the students to participate in decisions – decisions concerning both themselves and the school – and we feel this prepared her well for both college life and being part of the community in which she will eventually live.
        Bruce and Sue Ashmore
 
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When I arrived home from work and saw again the sad face of my young teen, I knew I had to do something. Gone was the merriment from his eyes and the energy in his step. School was beating down my young scholar. Although his grades were perfectly acceptable, he dreaded school days. I saw him slipping into an abyss. Drastic measures were needed. Our family chose University High School because of the many opportunities it offered. In two years, our son has played on two high school athletic teams, taken a leadership role in student government, starred in five theatrical productions, published material in the school’s literary magazine, volunteered at community service events, sung in eight choral concerts and led several community meetings. Contrast this to the schools before University where he did not participate in anything. The lethargy is gone. The joy of learning is back and I get chills listening to my son analyze The Iliad or discuss the Crusades at the dinner table.
        Jeff Chamberlain
 
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Our daughter could have gone to any high school and done fine. But we wanted more than that for her. We were intrigued by the concepts behind the creation of University High School, and one day of shadowing sealed her decision to attend. All three of us are thrilled with the one-on-one interaction between student and teacher; the unusual opportunities offered by the January Term; the personalized, intensive college placement program; and the collegiality of the entire University family. We are pleased that, in addition to top-notch academics, she can pursue both violin and athletics. But the mentoring program, more than any other feature at University, is worth every dime of tuition. This personal relationship with an adult who truly cares about her has, in just a year, made an enormous difference in her life, helping hone a seriousness of purpose and drive. We couldn't be happier with the results.
        Mary Dieter
 
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Our son began high school at Carmel High School. It is supposed to be the best in the state. He was involved in the marching band and, although the instructors were outstanding and it was a wonderful experience, we were not totally impressed with his academic progress. My wife and I went to a University High School open house and left with the same thought – this is the place for our son. Yes, we were concerned initially about the small size and the “trailers,” but more important was the dynamic educators and administrators we met. They presented an environment of nurturing and their strong commitment to their students’ future was apparent. The mentoring program and the college counseling were the icing on the cake. Our son enrolled for the second semester of his sophomore year and we are planning on our daughter attending UHS as well.
 
Our son, who has never had a problem making friends, embraced the school as well. He competes on the golf and tennis teams and manages the basketball team – opportunities that would not have been available at Carmel High School. He developed a strong sense of community and has a school full of friends.
        Lawrence G. Falender, DDS
 
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I knew this was a special place when I drove up to drop my eighth-grade son off for the admission test and the director of admission came to my car and welcomed my son by name. She had never met him in a one-on-one situation but somehow she knew who he was. This is the rule rather than the exception. From the personal, detailed acceptance letter, to the informal discussions with the faculty about my son, to the insightful caring assessments from his mentor, the faculty knows my son and demonstrates they care about and for him. If you think personal, caring, involved faculty will help your child to grow, develop, and learn, this is a place to get that.
        Tom Frank
 
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My daughter graduated from University High School in June 2005. Her four years there transformed a bright young lady into a serious student. We are convinced that this would not have occurred at another high school, and it is only through the efforts of a deeply committed faculty and staff that she now was ready to attend a top-caliber college.
 
The faculty at University effectively taught our daughter at an honors/AP level and held her accountable for her work on a daily basis. As a result, her study skills were far superior to those of her two older brothers. University’s culture prizes academic excellence, whereas in other high schools the more important “badges” are social or athletic.
 
Our daughter’s two mentors both had an extraordinary knowledge of who she was as an individual and how to encourage and support her. I literally cried in one meeting when her mentor accurately and lovingly described my complex child. Whatever travails occur in high school – and there were some, even in this superior setting – she always knew that there was someone there to listen to her and to help her.
 
The headmaster at University knows each of the students and spends time talking to them about their big-picture goals, as well as immediate successes such as last night’s volleyball game. Although my daughter occasionally rolled her eyes about being waylaid in the hallway by her headmaster, I know that she was honored to be taken so seriously by such an important role model.
 
The athletic program at University has a special place in our hearts, because it developed our daughter’s leadership skills. She has tremendous pride in being the captain of the volleyball team all four of her years, an experience she would never have had in a larger program.
        Mike McCarty and Karen Gentleman
 
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This is the right place for my daughter. It is a supportive, yet challenging environment that offers her opportunities to expand intellectually, socially, emotionally and physically. There are no other schools like it.
        Cynthia Moore
 
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We first became aware of University High School when we would drive along 116th Street from our house in Carmel to Zionsville every day. We watched over the months as the muddy parking lot grew into some trailers and we noticed a few students moving among the trailers. When a sign went up indicating that this was University High School we laughed, and poked a little fun, but we continued to watch as construction began on the first permanent structure. At that time, our daughter was a freshman in a local high school. One day we saw a sign for an open house. I suggested that we check it out and our daughter stared at me in horror. I went anyway, without her. At that very first meeting in a mobile classroom when the head of school, Chuck Webster, spoke about the mission and core values of this school, I knew that this was where I wanted my children to receive their high school education. “To expand the hearts and minds of students and to nurture excellence” – it was clear to me that the faculty and staff believed in this mission with their hearts and souls.
 
The next hurdle was convincing our daughter that University High School was a good idea for her. She agreed to apply if we promised that we would not force her to go. When director of admission Nancy Webster called to tell us that our daughter had been accepted, Bob and I were elated. Our daughter was dubious, but agreed to try University High School for one semester. She joined the sophomore class in 2001 and, after the first month, she loved it. We watched our daughter grow from a shy, very quiet student into a confident, responsible, hardworking young woman. We credit the teachers, staff and philosophy of University for helping bring out the very best in our daughter.
 
When our son began expressing interest in University, we were pleased. We discussed the pros and cons with him, and one of our concerns was music: we were just not sure that University High School had a large enough music program to offer him what he needed. We talked with Nancy Webster about this concern, and I remember so clearly Nancy telling us that larger high schools may offer more opportunities to play a wide variety of music, but at University High School our son will be composing music his freshman year! There was no decision to make at that point! Our son LOVES being a student at University High School. He joined the newspaper staff, plays in the pep band and is motivated to get homework done – a new phenomenon in our house!
 
We feel strongly that our children are receiving the very best high school education offered in Indianapolis. It is a bit of a financial strain on the household, but we all agree that the benefits far outweigh the costs. Our children are blessed with enthusiastic and dedicated teachers and administrators, who honestly believe in the mission statement and core values of University High School. Not only are they obtaining a wonderful academic experience, they also are learning to be responsible, contributing, happy young adults. We cannot thank you enough.
        Bob Newell and Jan Ramer
 
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My son had a very difficult four years before attending University High School. He attended International School through the sixth grade, when his father died in an accident. He moved to a public school system and remained there through his first semester freshman year. Second semester freshman year, he attended a Catholic high school. He returned to the public school for his first semester sophomore year and then moved to a boarding school in California. All of this was an attempt by me to find the right atmosphere to nurture Jon and to help him grow in a positive way. It was extremely frustrating and sad to deal with so many “educators” to no avail.
 
When I approached Nancy Webster, the director of admission, it appeared on paper that my son was not a good risk. Nancy, however, was able to see my son as a good person who wanted to do better. She immediately told me he was worth any risk and that she could see that he had what it takes to succeed at University High School.
 
My son started at the school and, while he initially struggled with some classes, he began to gain confidence and his scores improved. He is now an extremely different student. The teachers went beyond the call of duty to help him. Most important, he likes and respects them. What a delightful change!
 
Also exciting for my son was his chance to play basketball at the high school level. His dedication and commitment to the basketball program continues to amaze me daily; the confidence, strength, leadership and friendships he made from basketball have been life-changing. Only at University High School would he have had this opportunity.
 
We are so grateful to all the administrators, staff and coaches. Our overall experience at University has been short but has truly changed the course of my son’s life. He is now on track to graduate and continue on to college. Mostly he is a happy, pleasant, strong young man. I can happily and whole-heartedly recommend University High School to any parent committed to providing the best education and environment for his or her child!
        Lori Rangel-Hernandez
 
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My daughter’s four years at University High School were very rewarding. The close-knit community provided a nurturing environment of security, trust, learning and achievement. The small class sizes and dedicated teachers and staff enhanced the learning experience. It is impossible to hide, to go unnoticed or to become just a statistic. The teachers really care about the students and don’t mind contributing additional time/help outside the classroom when needed.
 
Students are encouraged to pursue their dreams and be responsible in developing their academic path. Participation in extracurricular activities allowed my daughter opportunities of self-discovery and self-assurance that she probably would not have experienced at a larger school. Participating in choir and musicals, singing the national anthem, playing sports (tennis and volleyball) and having some reports/articles published come to mind.
 
One January Term was especially significant for my daughter. She was able to establish an internship with Dr. Campbell, an OBGYN at St. Vincent Hospital. This allowed her to experience situations to which normally only medical students are exposed, and piqued her interest in medicine. I believe it was instrumental in solidifying her desire to become a doctor.
 
The mentorship program also was beneficial to my daughter. Having a one-on-one relationship with another adult in an academic setting was positive. To learn first-hand about another culture directly from someone from Argentina was important in her decision to pursue a program of Latin American studies in college. Plus, having someone else to regularly discuss concerns with (academic as well as non-academic) was helpful.
 
My experience is that University High School strives mightily to develop well-rounded, critically thinking young adults. By offering challenging courses of study, several extracurricular activities and internships by truly concerned teachers, staff and parents/friends of the school, students are able to participate and become engaged in many things. Being able to take advantage of a variety of opportunities is unique. I have no doubt that my daughter’s graduation from University High School has continued her unquenchable thirst for knowledge and prepared her well for college, the future and her place in the world.
        Charles Phillips
 
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When I think about my daughter’s time at University, my mind wanders to earlier years. These were years where she would come to me with frustrations over her schoolwork. I would always be the one to help her because she was afraid to approach her teachers. Since she has been at University, however, I realize that my daughter has stopped approaching me regularly for help. This school consists of teachers who are willing to be there for the students no matter what. If the student has a desire to learn, the teacher support to reach that goal is unlimited.
 
Individual attention is important. The school has an excellent college-counseling program, which begins freshman year and provides individual attention. This unique process allows students to begin the college process earlier. My daughter receives individual attention from her mentor; I am glad that my daughter has a guide who I know influences her greatly. This school is smaller than most other schools, and the family environment provided by students and faculty members is incredible. Freshmen are friends with seniors and students are friends with their teachers. University High School is indeed small, but the individuals who compose the school have very big hearts.
        Evelyn Sim
 
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Our relationship with University High School began before a building existed; however, beginning with our initial inquiry, we were intrigued with the vision of a school where students' thoughts and ideas are seriously considered; where students are challenged to be responsible for and participate in their own education; and where faculty and students commit to defined core values. In addition, the opportunity for students to have a faculty mentor during a time of intense mental, emotional and physical development is unique. We actually questioned if implementation of the vision was possible, but University High School consistently lives up to the commitments made to students and parents.
 
The foundation at University High School is an educational philosophy based on believing students have valuable contributions and are accountable for their own learning and character. This philosophy permeates every decision and engages the students in the process of maintaining the learning environment. Not just an acrylic wall hanging, the core values are viable guideposts for the University High School community. Students experience the benefits of studying and interacting in a community committed to a set of values. One needs only to walk into the building, visit a classroom or attend a community meeting to see the core values in action.
 
While the possibilities for the 115-acre campus are exciting, the heart of the institution resides in the faculty. A student described a math teacher this way: "He answers our questions before we ask." What an experience for a student! Creative assignments motivate students to stretch beyond memorization to integration and synthesis of ideas and concepts. One of the most important roles for the faculty is as a mentor. Student and mentor set goals, monitor progress and explore opportunities to focus on a core value. Our son's mentor made a significant contribution to his life. Another unique feature at University High School is the parent-teacher conference led by the student, a very different conference than one led by the teacher. The student gains a much better understanding of himself and develops the ability to self-evaluate, and parents gain a better understanding of their child. The faculty seeks out the student’s strengths and facilitates the student in maximizing them. While the emphasis is on student development, the faculty response to parents is prompt and inclusive. In summary, the faculty cares about each student.
 
For us, the emphasis at University High School on the student developing critical thinking skills, respecting others, gaining the confidence to take risks and personal assessment is as important as the outstanding academic experience. We believe University High School offers a superior educational alternative for students and parents; it certainly has for us.
        Bill and Linda Strickland
 
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