'A' for Excellence

University Academy Earns Top State Rating With Distinctions

Publication Date: 01/30/2020

The University Academy, UT Tyler’s STEM-focused K-12 charter school district, has earned an A rating from the Texas Education Agency for academic excellence.

As part of TEA’s 2019 accountability ratings, the district also achieved 12 distinctions across its three campuses, located in Tyler, Longview and Palestine.

“These achievements celebrate the work of our teachers, administrators, staff and students,’’ Dr. Jo Ann Simmons, district superintendent, said. “Our model of instruction provides students an opportunity to explore learning through collaboration and innovation. Students learn to develop an appreciation for knowledge, while questioning and discovering.’’

TEA provides A–F ratings to its public school districts, charters and schools based on factors such as student achievement, student progress, efforts to close achievement gaps and postsecondary readiness. Campuses also earn distinctions in subject matter, improvement and top 25 percent performance.

University Academy campuses received the following distinctions:

Longview – English language arts/reading, comparative academic growth and postsecondary readiness.   

Palestine – English language arts/reading, math, science, social science, comparative academic growth, postsecondary readiness and comparative closing the gaps.

Tyler – Science and social studies.

The University Academy is operated by the UT Tyler College of Education and Psychology and enrolls more than 750 students districtwide. Specializing in STEM education, the school district employs project-based learning, an innovative teaching method designed to deepen student learning and build 21st century skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, collaboration and communication.

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