About University Academy
Why Choose University Academy?
University Academy is a TEA A-rated university charter school that offers a unique, student-centered experience built on excellence, innovation, and opportunity. As the official lab school for the University of Texas at Tyler’s College of Education & Psychology, we are shaping tomorrow’s leaders through cutting-edge teaching and deep community partnerships.
University Academy prepares students not just for college, but for life. We invite your family to discover the difference.
Emphasis on inquiry learning and project-based learning (PBL) to build real-world problem-solving skills that spark curiosity and creativity.
Master teachers who are experts in their content and instructional methods, and are focused on nurturing each child's potential. UA has a strong commitment to character development and individual growth.
Field trips and hands-on experiences that bring learning to life, encourage social growth and imagination.
100% free tuition K-12.
Free dual credit courses through UT Tyler starting in 9th grade.
STEM-focused education across all grade levels, with access to Project Lead the Way (PLTW) Engineering and Biomedical Science Pathways in high school.
Close-knit, nurturing community that puts students first.
Statement of Purpose: The UT Tyler University Academy is a public university charter laboratory STEM Academy authorized to provide K-12 educational programming.
Vision: The UT Tyler University Academy seeks to be a national model for STEM education innovation as a STEM Academy and University Laboratory School.
Mission: The UT Tyler University Academy prepares students to be STEM College Ready with a focus on 21st Century skills.
STEM Academy: The UTTUA specializes in STEM Education and offers a STEM Endorsement with an Engineering focus, a Public Service Endorsement with a Biomedical focus and a Multidisciplinary Endorsement. All students are expected to graduate on the Distinguished Academic Plan and complete 15-42+ hours of university credit. Students need to be Algebra ready by 8th grade and meet the Texas Success Initiative (TSI) assessment by the beginning of the sophomore year of high school to maximize the number of university credits earned while enrolled in high school. Students can receive additional support to meet TSI requirements.
Laboratory School: The UTTUA serves as a laboratory school for the UT Tyler College of Education and Psychology. UTTUA administrators and faculty work closely with UT Tyler Educator Preparation Programs. The UT Tyler UTeach STEM teacher preparation program (MS/HS) is integrated into the academy. UTeach students complete their Project Based Instruction coursework and complete significant clinical hours at UA, with some UTeach students having the opportunity to complete their Apprentice Teaching at UTTUA. In addition, students preparing to become elementary teachers, special educators, reading specialists, school administrators, and counselors are also heavily involved at UTTUA. The goals of the lab school include:
- Conduct high-quality research on STEM teaching and learning.
- Develop innovations through research-based enhancements to current practice.
- Collaborate with researchers at other institutions, nationally and internationally, to conduct investigations into STEM learning.
- Strengthen teacher preparation and professional development by connecting the
- Lab School closely to pre-service and inservice training.
- Disseminate research results.
- Serve the UT System as a Core Research Facility for STEM Education.
University Charter Schools: According to Texas Education Code University charters:
- Must include innovative teaching methods - UTTUA utilizes Project and Problem-based Instruction (PBL), incorporating blended learning and technology enhanced teaching methods.
- Must be implemented under the direct supervision of a member of the teaching or research faculty of the public senior college or university - UTTUA curriculum is supervised by Dr. Michael Odell, Professor of STEM Education in the School of Education.
- Must be designed to meet specific goals described in the charter, including improving student performance, and each aspect of the program must be directed toward the attainment of the goals - UTTUA is designed to develop STEM College and Career Ready students.
- Must be measured using specific, objective standards set forth in the charter, including assessment methods and a time frame - UTTUA is data-driven. The curriculum is aligned to the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) as well as the Texas College and Career Readiness Standards (CCRS), and UTTUA utilizes assessments that objectively measure achievement, student growth, college readiness, and 21st Century Skills needed in the work-place.
- Financial operations of the university charter school must be supervised by the business office of the public university - UTTUA financial operations are handled by the Office of Business Affairs and the Office of Research and Technology Transfer at UT Tyler. An independent audit is conducted annually.