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ASU Prep Academy Network

About ASU Preparatory Academy

ASU Preparatory is a tuition-free college preparatory school that serves students in grades K-12. We are chartered by Arizona State University with the goal of helping each student Prep for college. Prep for careers. Prep for life.

Teacher helping two middle school students with a hands-on learning activity at ASU Prep Academy.

At ASU Prep:

  • We are a college-preparatory school aligned with the AZ College and Career Ready standards.
  • Family involvement is the key to our success.
  • Digital learning is integrated into our coursework to help students be savvy online learners.
  • When ready, students are able to take free Arizona State University courses for credit and explore college majors and disciplines in an effort to reduce the time and cost to their first degree.
  • Our high school graduation requirements are aligned with ASU’s admission requirements and exceed state requirements.
  • We have a comprehensive program that includes sports and extra-curricular activities to support students beyond the school day.
  • The ASU Prep list of NCAA courses reflects those courses reviewed by the NCAA Eligibility Center. The NCAA does not endorse, certify, officially recognize or accredit high schools. The parent/guardian of a prospective student-athlete should ensure that programs are in compliance with NCAA bylaws.
High schooler working on a computer at the ASU Prep Academy Polytechnic campus

Our History

Founded in 2008, ASU Preparatory Academy originally operated as University Public Schools, Inc. (UPSI), which opened its first campus in Mesa, Arizona. ASU Prep opened its downtown Phoenix location just one year later, in collaboration with the Phoenix Elementary School District, and began moving its Mesa location to ASU’s Polytechnic campus that same year.

In 2016, a third location opened in Casa Grande, Arizona, in collaboration with Barça Residency Academy. In 2017, ASU Prep launched ASU Prep Digital, built on the same college preparatory framework with class offerings all online for part–time or full–time students anywhere in the world. In 2018, ASU Prep announced its merger with Phoenix Collegiate Academy, beginning operations as the ASU Prep South Phoenix Primary/Intermediate and High School campuses. The newest ASU Prep location, ASU Prep Pilgrim Rest, opened August 2022 for grades PreK-6.

Accreditation & Certification

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ASU Preparatory Academy programs (onsite/online courses) are accredited by Cognia.

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ASU Prep Poly STEM Academy and ASU Prep Poly STEM High School are STEM-certified schools.

University Preparatory Curriculum

ASU Preparatory Academy is a university preparatory school aligned with the AZ College and Career Ready standards focused on critical thinking skills and deep learning experiences. Our rigorous curriculum helps students develop critical thinking and learning skills that prepare them for success in college. Programs are designed to be challenging. Students learn the key concepts of each subject by examining them in depth, and at their own pace. Each area is flexible so that teachers can use relevant examples like local context and culture.

Students have to demonstrate core understanding of a subject and be able to think critically. Exams are used to recognize, reward and encourage this learning.

When ready, students are able to take Arizona State University courses for credit at no cost to them. The ability to take university courses before graduating high school allows ASU Prep students to explore their future college majors, and earn university credit, reducing their time and cost toward their future degrees.

For more in the ASU Prep curriculum and education environment, please click here.

“The teachers here challenge you, and I consider this a very good thing. They’re always informed on what they’re teaching, rather than just reading out of the book. They care about what they’re doing, and it shows.”
ASU Preparatory Academy Student, High School Senior Review posted on education search website

Classroom experience

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An Individualized Learning Plan (ILP) is developed for each student in consultation with parents/guardians and families. This plan includes a list of learning outcomes the student is expected to achieve, a visual indicator of progress and an agenda for quarterly personal conferences with the student’s teachers and parents/guardians. The final level of achievement on each learning outcome is part of the student’s 10-week report card.
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Students learn in an inclusive environment that is personalized to their needs.
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Students engage in personalized, project-based learning experiences that prepare them for college and careers.
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Students can explore college majors and career disciplines through personalized academic apprenticeships with ASU faculty and community organizations.
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Students develop leadership skills, public speaking skills, and civic responsibility through project ventures and university experiences.
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After demonstrating readiness, students have the opportunity to take ASU courses for credit (at no cost to them) while supported by ASU Prep faculty.
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Students use technology for completing coursework.

“ASU Prep has amazing teachers who really care and make a difference with every student!”

ASU Preparatory Academy Parent, Facebook Review

ASU Prep Digital teacher working on computer.