University Preparatory Academy
University Preparatory Academy (UPA) is a charter school located in San Jose, California, United States. Its charter was approved by the Santa Clara Board of Trustees. UPA opened in the fall of 2007 as a middle and high school, offering grades 7–12th. As of 2020, approximately 650 students attend UPA with a 21:1 student-teacher ratio. In 2020, UPA was ranked the 120th best high school in the nation and the 13th best in California by "U.S. News & World Report". Background. UPA was founded as University Preparatory Academy in 2007. Graduation standards are more rigorous than at  other high schools, requiring more AP units than is mandated by California laws. UPA's campus is located near downtown San Jose in the Willow Glen area. It shares its campus with the Cathedral of Faith, and features its own outdoors amphitheater. Clubs. University Preparatory Academy has a number of clubs, founded and funded mostly by students and widely ranging in theme. Athletics. The UPA Golden Eagles field 12 teams in 4 sports, with both middle school and varsity teams. The Golden Eagles compete in the Private School Athletic League of the CIF Central Coast Section. Theatre and Dance Department . Each year UPA hosts two drama productions (a fall play and spring musical) and a fall dance showcase every spring by the students in dance classes at the school. Students can audition to perform in the theatre productions or apply to be on technical crews or part of the band for musicals. Below is a list of some of UPA's previous shows. Events. University Preparatory Academy holds schoolwide events. Such events include: