University High School: About University

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

General

What is your spiritual foundation?
We are a non-sectarian school guided by six core values:

Commitment to excellence
Commitment to personal responsibility
Creativity
Stewardship
Diversity
Mutual respect, support and trust

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Only the most privileged children attend private schools. Is that true at University?

Our school is home to students and families of all types of backgrounds. You need only look at our school community to observe this. Each year, 15-30 percent of our students receive financial assistance from the school.

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Why should I consider private school?

Even a good public school has a much higher student/teacher ratio than University. The public schools have many activities but only the best of the best get to participate. Exceptional students get special attention at the public schools but the majority is treated as a generic crowd. At University, your student is known as an individual.

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How would you describe the diversity of your student population?

Typically, 20-25 percent of the student population is from a minority group. In addition, our students come from various socio-economic backgrounds and hometowns.

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Is University too small?

A study by the U.S. Department of Education, The Condition of Education 2002, suggests that small schools with small classes often lead to higher-achieving students. The report found that teachers can better communicate consistent goals to students and collaborate more effectively on raising student achievement in small learning environments and that students perform higher on standardized tests. Small means the teachers know your child and they get more personalized attention. Small means your student has the opportunity to participate in multiple sports and extracurricular activities. University has an extensive curriculum, including AP and regular courses in the arts and sciences. The January Term classes provide an opportunity for unusual studies largely unavailable anywhere else. We are small by design and proud of our student/faculty ratio, the lowest in town. Because of our size, we also are able to provide a more individualized level of college counseling. Instead of trying to think of what to write in college recommendations, Dr. Fadely, our college counselor, selects which aspects to emphasize because he knows so much about the students. Our intention as a school is to grow over time to having roughly 100 students in each grade, allowing us to maintain the benefits of being small.

Back to Top

My child wants to go to school with his friends.

Former New York Times Education Editor Loren Pope, says it best in his book Colleges That Change Lives. Although he is addressing the college years, the principles apply to high school as well:

Going where your friends go is a common mistake . . . Being afraid to leave one’s friends is also one of the worst blunders of adolescence. Most of them you’ll never see again, some you wouldn’t buy a used car from. Forget them. A whole new set of friends is waiting, and as certain as the sun rises you will have a new set in less than three weeks . . . The consequences of following the crowd . . . are blighted hopes, undeveloped abilities and unrealized potential.

Admission

How does University select the students it admits?

We evaluate applicants based on their academic abilities and their character. We consider a student’s maturity, attitude towards learning and behavior. We also seek evidence of independence, involvement and concern for others.

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What is required for admission?

High school transfer students must have a 3.0 GPA. All prospective students must attend an Open House and/or meet with the director of admission. Prospective students also must spend a day on campus as a shadow student. We schedule shadow visits throughout the year and students are welcome to shadow more than one time. All prospective students must take the ISEE exam, which is offered frequently throughout the year. Submit an application with the $50 application fee, provide a letter of recommendation from a current teacher and supply a current transcript to complete the admission process.

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May we sit in on a class?

With advance notice, we welcome visitors to the classroom. We want you to see our faculty and how they interact with the students.

Back to Top

Is there a standard score that you need to have on the entrance exam?

No. Standardized test scores are only a portion of the admission application and do not reflect a student’s ability to perform at high levels as a member of the University community.

Back to Top

Why test?

University High School uses testing to evaluate a student’s ability to perform inside and outside the classroom. We place equal value on the student’s campus interview, his/her record of achievement, teacher recommendations, written statements provided by the student/parents in the application, and the success of a shadow visit.

Back to Top

When will I receive a decision about admission?

Unlike other schools, University High School operates on a rolling admission basis. Our first acceptances usually occur in January but we continue to admit qualified students until the school year begins.

Back to Top

I like University High School but this is really my son/daughter’s decision.

Most of the decisions for private high school seem to be shared decisions between the parents and the students. It is good to allow the student to contribute to the decision. You want your student to feel good about the decision but you also want to make sure he or she is considering the right issues in making the decision. Parents often know their children better than they know themselves and should work with them to make sure they are going to a school that fits their personality and college aspirations.

Back to Top

Academics

What do you mean by college prep?

University High School has a challenging focus on the basics of English, math, science, history, foreign language and the arts. We have high academic standards and expect our students to do a great deal of writing, problem-solving and analytical thinking. To graduate, our students must master mathematics through Algebra II; take eight semesters of English; take six semesters of science; master a foreign language through the third-year course; take eight semesters of social studies; pass four semesters of fine and performing arts classes; and take three semesters of physical education/health (successful participation in a full season on an athletic team may substitute for up to two semesters). According to a study released in 2005 by Public Agenda and Achieve Inc., students who took more core academic courses were twice as likely as other high school graduates to be well-prepared for college.

At University High School, the process is as important as getting the right answer. We want students to understand how they got the answers and to analyze what the answer means.

Back to Top

Is there academic support for students with learning differences or special needs?

Yes, however each case is evaluated on an individual basis to determine the appropriate placement.

Back to Top

Why do you provide laptops to every student?

We want to ensure that our students are using the best tools of today to forward our established goals of learning. Laptops, like pencil and paper, are learning tools. Learning how to take best advantage of today’s technology (and learning its limitations) is critical to our students’ education.

Laptops will level the playing field for all students, whether they live in high-tech households with multiple computers or households with little or no computer equipment. Having a laptop available at all times allows students to use them spontaneously throughout the day in every class. The faculty integrates computer use into the daily curriculum and is able to assign work requiring computer use without concern about computer access at students’ homes. All students will be able to access files, school email and school software regardless of location. Collaboration on group projects is facilitated because, with equal availability, students can access the group’s information at any time.

Back to Top

Why do you put so much emphasis on college counseling?

Frank Sachs, president of the National Association for College Admission Counseling, put it this way: “Two years ago, an article in Journal of College Admission suggested, ‘College Counseling is Dead.’ During the past decade, support for counseling has declined, particularly in our public schools, where the financial challenges are greatest. Today, we see student-to-counselor ratios as high as 1,000 to one, with the national average around 500 to one. Yet, students still identify counselors as their No. 1 resource for information about the college admission process.”

Choosing a college is a critical decision because the choice will profoundly affect the student’s future. At University High School, we believe there are few rites of passage more challenging for students and families than the college search process. There are more than 3,000 colleges and universities in the United States. Narrowing down the list of schools to consider is critical. Because each student is unique, the optimum college is the college that best meets the needs, talents and interests of the student.

Our program at University seeks to demystify that process and to support and guide students and families in a sequential, structured way during their four years here. Our goal is to provide a personalized process through which we support students and families in finding colleges that are a good fit for the student.

Back to Top

What is Edline

Edline contains web pages with general school , athletics, and class information, and provides daily news the University community needs. Teachers for every class maintain an Edline site containing class-specific content such as homework assignments, test dates, major project timelines, and grades. Parents are informed via email of grade postings, announcements of school closings and time-senstive events.

Student Life

You don’t have as many extracurricular activities as other schools. Why not?

It is true that our size does not permit us to offer the variety that some other schools might, especially the large public schools. However, we still offer many activities, and University students have a better chance to participate in them than students at some other schools do. We have a no-cut policy for our sports teams, allowing every student the opportunity to participate in high school athletics and to learn the value of teamwork, fair play, sportsmanship, discipline and persistence. More than 75 percent of the student body participates in team sports. Also, most of the student population participates in multiple extracurricular activities. Because we are small, we can accommodate occasional conflicts with scheduling. We think it’s important for students to pursue multiple interests.

Back to Top

Is there a dress code?

Yes. Frayed, torn or tattered clothing and T-shirts with offensive language are not acceptable. Also unacceptable is clothing that is too short, reveals underwear or is too skimpy.

Back to Top

How does lunch work?

University High School students either bring a lunch from home or elect to participate in the lunch program. The lunch program contracts with area restaurants to bring food to the school. Past vendors include Subway, Chick-fil-a, Heavenly Ham, Panera, and Papa Johns.

Back to Top

May students have cars?

Students can use cars to travel to and from home to the school. We require students to have a University High School parking pass displayed prominently in the front window of the car. Students cannot leave campus or visit their cars during the school day.

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How much homework will my child have each night?

University High School students can expect to have thirty minutes of work for each major course, and an hour of work if the course is an advanced placement course.

Do I need to take physical education or participate on an athletic team?

The school requires that each student have three semesters of PE. Students may fulfill the requirement for two semesters by participating on a University High School team for two seasons.

Back to Top

What are the rules at University?

University has few rules but those we do have can be found in the Student Handbook. Click here for a copy.

Cost

What is your tuition?

For 2007/08, the tuition is $14,250. Many people think they cannot afford an independent school education. Those who find a way to send their children to University believe the benefits outweigh any personal sacrifice. We believe that an investment in University High School pays dividends over a lifetime. We will work with families to help them meet the costs associated with University High School to the extent that we are able.

Back to Top

Besides tuition, what other costs can I expect?

The only mandatory expense is purchase of textbooks. Students that participate in team sports incur a participation fee to cover the costs of uniforms. Some January Term classes have additional costs and if the student elects to participate in the lunch program, there will be a cost.

Back to Top

Facilities

Will the campus grow?

University expanded its facilities with the construction of the Richard M. Fairbanks Hall. This new building houses state-of-the-art science labs, art rooms, wireless connectivity, administrative offices, a student commons area and additional classrooms. Construction of additional sports fields will follow the construction of the Richard M. Fairbanks Hall.

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FAQ
		CONTACT US \| STAFF DIRECTORY \| PRESS ROOM \| FAQ \| CALENDAR \| SITE MAP \| EDLINE Frequently Asked Questions General What is your spiritual foundation? Only the most privileged children attend private schools. Is that true at University? Why should I consider private school? How would you describe the diversity of your student population? Is University too small? My child wants to go to school with his friends; isn’t this important? Admission How does University select the students it admits? What is required for admission? May we sit in on a class? Is there a standard score that you need to have on the entrance exam? Why do you require an admission test? When will I receive a decision about admission? I like University High School but this is really my son/daughter’s decision. Academics What do you mean by college prep? Is there academic support for students with learning differences or special needs? Why do you provide laptops to every student? Why do you put so much emphasis on college counseling? What is Edline? Student Life You don’t have as many extracurricular activities as other schools; why not? Is there a dress code? How does lunch work? May students have cars? How much homework will my child have each night? Do I need to take physical education or participate on an athletic team? What are the rules at University? Cost What is your tuition? Besides tuition, what other costs can I expect? Facilities Will the campus grow? General What is your spiritual foundation? We are a non-sectarian school guided by six core values: Commitment to excellence Commitment to personal responsibility Creativity Stewardship Diversity Mutual respect, support and trust Back to Top Only the most privileged children attend private schools. Is that true at University? Our school is home to students and families of all types of backgrounds. You need only look at our school community to observe this. Each year, 15-30 percent of our students receive financial assistance from the school. Back to Top Why should I consider private school? Even a good public school has a much higher student/teacher ratio than University. The public schools have many activities but only the best of the best get to participate. Exceptional students get special attention at the public schools but the majority is treated as a generic crowd. At University, your student is known as an individual. Back to Top How would you describe the diversity of your student population? Typically, 20-25 percent of the student population is from a minority group. In addition, our students come from various socio-economic backgrounds and hometowns. Back to Top Is University too small? A study by the U.S. Department of Education, The Condition of Education 2002, suggests that small schools with small classes often lead to higher-achieving students. The report found that teachers can better communicate consistent goals to students and collaborate more effectively on raising student achievement in small learning environments and that students perform higher on standardized tests. Small means the teachers know your child and they get more personalized attention. Small means your student has the opportunity to participate in multiple sports and extracurricular activities. University has an extensive curriculum, including AP and regular courses in the arts and sciences. The January Term classes provide an opportunity for unusual studies largely unavailable anywhere else. We are small by design and proud of our student/faculty ratio, the lowest in town. Because of our size, we also are able to provide a more individualized level of college counseling. Instead of trying to think of what to write in college recommendations, Dr. Fadely, our college counselor, selects which aspects to emphasize because he knows so much about the students. Our intention as a school is to grow over time to having roughly 100 students in each grade, allowing us to maintain the benefits of being small. Back to Top My child wants to go to school with his friends. Former New York Times Education Editor Loren Pope, says it best in his book *Colleges That Change Lives. Although he is addressing the college years, the principles apply to high school as well: Going where your friends go is a common mistake . . . Being afraid to leave one’s friends is also one of the worst blunders of adolescence. Most of them you’ll never see again, some you wouldn’t buy a used car from. Forget them. A whole new set of friends is waiting, and as certain as the sun rises you will have a new set in less than three weeks . . . The consequences of following the crowd . . . are blighted hopes, undeveloped abilities and unrealized potential. Back to Top Admission How does University select the students it admits?* We evaluate applicants based on their academic abilities and their character. We consider a student’s maturity, attitude towards learning and behavior. We also seek evidence of independence, involvement and concern for others. Back to Top What is required for admission? High school transfer students must have a 3.0 GPA. All prospective students must attend an Open House and/or meet with the director of admission. Prospective students also must spend a day on campus as a shadow student. We schedule shadow visits throughout the year and students are welcome to shadow more than one time. All prospective students must take the ISEE exam, which is offered frequently throughout the year. Submit an application with the $50 application fee, provide a letter of recommendation from a current teacher and supply a current transcript to complete the admission process. Back to Top May we sit in on a class? With advance notice, we welcome visitors to the classroom. We want you to see our faculty and how they interact with the students. Back to Top Is there a standard score that you need to have on the entrance exam? No. Standardized test scores are only a portion of the admission application and do not reflect a student’s ability to perform at high levels as a member of the University community. Back to Top Why test? University High School uses testing to evaluate a student’s ability to perform inside and outside the classroom. We place equal value on the student’s campus interview, his/her record of achievement, teacher recommendations, written statements provided by the student/parents in the application, and the success of a shadow visit. Back to Top When will I receive a decision about admission? Unlike other schools, University High School operates on a rolling admission basis. Our first acceptances usually occur in January but we continue to admit qualified students until the school year begins. Back to Top I like University High School but this is really my son/daughter’s decision. Most of the decisions for private high school seem to be shared decisions between the parents and the students. It is good to allow the student to contribute to the decision. You want your student to feel good about the decision but you also want to make sure he or she is considering the right issues in making the decision. Parents often know their children better than they know themselves and should work with them to make sure they are going to a school that fits their personality and college aspirations. Back to Top Academics What do you mean by college prep? University High School has a challenging focus on the basics of English, math, science, history, foreign language and the arts. We have high academic standards and expect our students to do a great deal of writing, problem-solving and analytical thinking. To graduate, our students must master mathematics through Algebra II; take eight semesters of English; take six semesters of science; master a foreign language through the third-year course; take eight semesters of social studies; pass four semesters of fine and performing arts classes; and take three semesters of physical education/health (successful participation in a full season on an athletic team may substitute for up to two semesters). According to a study released in 2005 by Public Agenda and Achieve Inc., students who took more core academic courses were twice as likely as other high school graduates to be well-prepared for college. At University High School, the process is as important as getting the right answer. We want students to understand how they got the answers and to analyze what the answer means. Back to Top Is there academic support for students with learning differences or special needs? Yes, however each case is evaluated on an individual basis to determine the appropriate placement. Back to Top Why do you provide laptops to every student? We want to ensure that our students are using the best tools of today to forward our established goals of learning. Laptops, like pencil and paper, are learning tools. Learning how to take best advantage of today’s technology (and learning its limitations) is critical to our students’ education. Laptops will level the playing field for all students, whether they live in high-tech households with multiple computers or households with little or no computer equipment. Having a laptop available at all times allows students to use them spontaneously throughout the day in every class. The faculty integrates computer use into the daily curriculum and is able to assign work requiring computer use without concern about computer access at students’ homes. All students will be able to access files, school email and school software regardless of location. Collaboration on group projects is facilitated because, with equal availability, students can access the group’s information at any time. Back to Top Why do you put so much emphasis on college counseling? Frank Sachs, president of the National Association for College Admission Counseling, put it this way: “Two years ago, an article in Journal of College Admission suggested, ‘College Counseling is Dead.’ During the past decade, support for counseling has declined, particularly in our public schools, where the financial challenges are greatest. Today, we see student-to-counselor ratios as high as 1,000 to one, with the national average around 500 to one. Yet, students still identify counselors as their No. 1 resource for information about the college admission process.” Choosing a college is a critical decision because the choice will profoundly affect the student’s future. At University High School, we believe there are few rites of passage more challenging for students and families than the college search process. There are more than 3,000 colleges and universities in the United States. Narrowing down the list of schools to consider is critical. Because each student is unique, the optimum college is the college that best meets the needs, talents and interests of the student. Our program at University seeks to demystify that process and to support and guide students and families in a sequential, structured way during their four years here. Our goal is to provide a personalized process through which we support students and families in finding colleges that are a good fit for the student. Back to Top What is Edline Edline contains web pages with general school , athletics, and class information, and provides daily news the University community needs. Teachers for every class maintain an Edline site containing class-specific content such as homework assignments, test dates, major project timelines, and grades. Parents are informed via email of grade postings, announcements of school closings and time-senstive events. Back to Top Student Life You don’t have as many extracurricular activities as other schools. Why not? It is true that our size does not permit us to offer the variety that some other schools might, especially the large public schools. However, we still offer many activities, and University students have a better chance to participate in them than students at some other schools do. We have a no-cut policy for our sports teams, allowing every student the opportunity to participate in high school athletics and to learn the value of teamwork, fair play, sportsmanship, discipline and persistence. More than 75 percent of the student body participates in team sports. Also, most of the student population participates in multiple extracurricular activities. Because we are small, we can accommodate occasional conflicts with scheduling. We think it’s important for students to pursue multiple interests. Back to Top Is there a dress code? Yes. Frayed, torn or tattered clothing and T-shirts with offensive language are not acceptable. Also unacceptable is clothing that is too short, reveals underwear or is too skimpy. Back to Top How does lunch work? University High School students either bring a lunch from home or elect to participate in the lunch program. The lunch program contracts with area restaurants to bring food to the school. Past vendors include Subway, Chick-fil-a, Heavenly Ham, Panera, and Papa Johns. Back to Top May students have cars? Students can use cars to travel to and from home to the school. We require students to have a University High School parking pass displayed prominently in the front window of the car. Students cannot leave campus or visit their cars during the school day. Back to Top How much homework will my child have each night? University High School students can expect to have thirty minutes of work for each major course, and an hour of work if the course is an advanced placement course. Do I need to take physical education or participate on an athletic team? The school requires that each student have three semesters of PE. Students may fulfill the requirement for two semesters by participating on a University High School team for two seasons. Back to Top What are the rules at University? University has few rules but those we do have can be found in the Student Handbook. Click here for a copy. Back to Top Cost What is your tuition? For 2007/08, the tuition is $14,250. Many people think they cannot afford an independent school education. Those who find a way to send their children to University believe the benefits outweigh any personal sacrifice. We believe that an investment in University High School pays dividends over a lifetime. We will work with families to help them meet the costs associated with University High School to the extent that we are able. Back to Top Besides tuition, what other costs can I expect? The only mandatory expense is purchase of textbooks. Students that participate in team sports incur a participation fee to cover the costs of uniforms. Some January Term classes have additional costs and if the student elects to participate in the lunch program, there will be a cost. Back to Top Facilities Will the campus grow? University expanded its facilities with the construction of the Richard M. Fairbanks Hall. This new building houses state-of-the-art science labs, art rooms, wireless connectivity, administrative offices, a student commons area and additional classrooms. Construction of additional sports fields will follow the construction of the Richard M. Fairbanks Hall. Back to Top