What is University-Model Schooling?

Grace Preparatory School of Stafford is modeled after a successful University-Model School, Grace Preparatory Academy, in Arlington, TX. University-Model Schooling (UMS) is an educational alternative which combines a university type of schedule and learning techniques with parental involvement.

University-model education takes the best aspects of traditional public and private schools, as well as home schools, and molds them into one model. UMS uses a university-style schedule adapted to the elementary, junior, and senior high levels. Professional teachers teaching in their areas of expertise conduct central classroom instruction. Elementary students attend classes on Tuesday and Thursday while secondary students go to school on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Students spend alternate days at home where parents continue their instruction or monitor student progress. Teachers provide parents with detailed instructions for days spent at home.

UMS caters to a wide variety of student needs by allowing a range of enrollment opportunities. A student may choose to take only one or two classes, or may opt to take a full academic load. Much like courses listed in a college catalog, each course description contains information about the course, prerequisites, and parental involvement for that class. Tuition is paid per course, per semester.

Though off-campus parental roles are clearly defined and required in the model, UMS should not be equated with home schooling or home schooling cooperatives. Nor should UMS be understood as traditional classroom education that has simply reduced classroom time (i.e. a Mon/Wed/Fri. classroom agenda). Its significance lies in its ability to effectively partner parents with highly qualified teachers to gain better academic results, especially among average students. This partnership is facilitated by using a university-type schedule and administrative system, while requiring a strong work ethic. The UMS model has proved to be one of the best preparations for students planning on attending college.

Full-time students who successfully complete all the requirements for graduation will be issued a diploma at graduation. Although GPS cannot issue diplomas to students who are primarily schooled at home, GPS does work as a great resource for homeschoolers because they may take courses to supplement their homeschooling efforts.

For more information about UMS, contact the National Association of University-Model Schools.

The mark of UNIVERSITY-MODEL SCHOOL is a Certification Trademark which is registered with the United States Patent and Trademark Office. A Certification Trademark can only be used by educational institutions that meet certain standards set by the certifier so only a school that is certified by the National Association of University-Model Schools (NAUMS) can truthfully call itself a UNIVERSITY-MODEL SCHOOL.

It is important to the trademark that only those that are certified use this trademark. Accordingly, NAUMS relies upon certified schools to assist in policing this effort to ensure the quality that the public is entitled to when they encounter a certified UNIVERSITY-MODEL SCHOOL. Because the Certification Trademark is registered with the United States Patent and Trademark Office, efforts should be made to ensure that the use of the federal registration symbol accompanies the mark, for example, UNIVERSITY-MODEL SCHOOL.

Any questions related to the proper use of the trademark or to report any misuse of the trademark by others should be directed to Barbara Freeman, NAUMS Executive Director, at 817-375-0800.

For a complete list of existing University-Model Schools please go to: http://www.naums.net The status of each school regarding the UMS certification process is listed beside each school name.

University-Model Schooling® "Is It For My Family?"

UMS is not for you if...

• you believe the professional educator is in charge of your child's education.
• you don't desire to be an active parent mentor to your child.
• you equate sending kids to school with giving them an education.¹
• you don't want to spend more time with your children.
• your family situation does not allow a parent or acting parent to be available to your child while studying at home.
• you believe that once a child is attending school they need you less.

UMS is for your family if...

• you believe you are your child's first and most important teacher.
• you believe that, as the parent, you are in charge of your child's education.
• you want to spend more time with your children.
• you believe that parents are to travel the journey called education with their children and you consider it a joy and privilege to do so.
• you have a need and desire to partner with gifted and professional teachers in a character-based academic environment, appealing to student's hearts as well as their minds.²
• you desire to intentionally position yourself toward your child and his/her educational needs, putting their needs over your own.
• you believe schools are poor substitutes for parents.³

The most important change in education in the last fifty years has not occurred in schools; it has occurred in the minds of parents who no longer take responsibility for their children's education.
Right from Wrong: What You Need to Know to Help Youth Make Right Choices, Josh McDowell and Bob Hostetler, p. 41

University-Model schools are successfully accessing the most powerful known single influence for reforming education in America: meaningfully involved parents!
Character Driven College Preparation: Parents & Teachers in Partnership Through University-Model Schooling, Dr. John Turner, Jr., p.13