University Academy is a Pre-Kindergarten through 12th grade college-preparatory charter public school in Kansas City, Missouri, United States. University Academy serves approximately 1,100 students in pre-kindergarten through 12th grade who reside in the Kansas City Missouri Schools District.
Serving 609 students in grades Prekindergarten-5, University Academy-lower ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in Missouri for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 27% (which is lower than the Missouri state average of 40%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 23% (which is lower than the Missouri state average of 43%).
The student-teacher ratio of 16:1 is higher than the Missouri state level of 12:1.
Minority enrollment is 97% of the student body (majority Black), which is higher than the Missouri state average of 33% (majority Black).
Quick Facts (2026)
- School Type: Charter School
- Grades: Prekindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 609 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 16:1
- Minority Enrollment: 97%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in MO
- Math Proficiency: 27% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 23% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 10-14% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MO Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
University Academy-lower ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Missouri for:
Category
Attribute
Percent Eligible For Free Lunch
School Overview
University Academy-lower's student population of 609 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 39 teachers has declined by 7% over five school years.
School Type
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-5
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
609 students
Total Classroom Teachers
39 teachers
School Calendar
School Rankings
University Academy-lower ranks within the bottom 50% of all 2,076 schools in Missouri (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of University Academy-lower is 0.12, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.52. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#1725 out of 2076 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
27%
40%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
23%
43%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
10-14%
38%
Student-Teacher Ratio
16:1
12:1
American Indian
1%
n/a
Asian
n/a
2%
Hispanic
2%
9%
Black
94%
15%
White
3%
67%
Hawaiian
n/a
1%
Two or more races
n/a
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Eligible for Free Lunch
100%
43%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (21-22)
9%
5%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MO Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Gryphon
Frequently Asked Questions
What is University Academy-lower's ranking?
University Academy-lower is ranked #1725 out of 2,076 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Missouri.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
27% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 40% MO state average), while 23% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 43% MO state average).
How many students attend University Academy-lower?
609 students attend University Academy-lower.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
94% of University Academy-lower students are Black, 3% of students are White, 2% of students are Hispanic, and 1% of students are American Indian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of University Academy-lower?
University Academy-lower has a student ration of 16:1, which is higher than the Missouri state average of 12:1.
What grades does University Academy-lower offer ?
University Academy-lower offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-5 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is University Academy-lower part of?
University Academy-lower is part of University Academy School District.
In what neighborhood is University Academy-lower located?
University Academy-lower is located in the South Kansas City neighborhood of Kansas City, MO. There are 12 other public schools located in South Kansas City.
School Reviews
Review University Academy-lower. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
Recent Articles
AI Report Cards: Should Schools Evaluate AI Use?
Explore whether schools should assess student AI use, the benefits, risks, and what responsible AI report cards could look like in 2026.
The Parent’s Guide to School Cell Phone Bans in 2026
Learn how school cell phone bans work in 2026, why districts are adopting them, and what parents should expect.
Parental Involvement in Public Schools: 2026 Update
Explore the latest 2026 trends, research, and strategies shaping parental involvement in public schools and student success.
