On the Path to University

College-Prep

University Prep Public Schools, College Prep Curriculum

Excellence. Growth. Opportunity.

University Prep Public Schools, College Prep Curriculum

Excellence. Growth. Opportunity.

Dedicated Educators

Partnered with the United Federation of Teachers

Teachers play a big part in preparing students for college, so we strive to find, hire, and retain the best teachers in New York. This commitment is the cornerstone of our success. Dedicated University Prep teachers prepare students for the expectations of higher education and the stamina and confidence required to succeed.

Academic Goals

Our students have a college-going mindset! From AP classes and internships to leadership opportunities and peer tutoring, we're preparing them to learn and lead at a collegiate level. Students begin working with a guidance counselor from the start to find the right college and career path so they are consistently and actively working toward their goals.

Collaboration & Communication

Teachers are the connection between students and the administration. We prioritize collaborating with teachers and using that partnership to strengthen the school. Staff members serve on the board of trustees and are part of all aspects of school governance. University Prep knows that setting the standard through teacher leadership benefits our students' learning experiences. We're all here for the same goal: teaching and empowering scholars. 

Collaboration & Communication

Teachers are the connection between students and the administration. We prioritize collaborating with teachers and strengthening the school through that partnership. Staff members serve on the board of trustees and are part of all aspects of school governance. University Prep knows that setting the standard through teacher leadership benefits our students' learning experiences. We're all here for the same goal: teaching and empowering scholars. 

School Leaders

University Prep Public Schools, School Leaders, Executive Director

Andrea d' Amato

Executive Director

Ms. d’Amato is both UP's former high school principal and the one who established UP's middle school. As a big believer in distributed leadership, she encourages staff members to take responsibility for common goals. She strongly believes that every child can learn at high academic levels.

University Prep Public Schools, School Leaders, Chief Operating Officer

Mayreni Arias

Chief Operating Officer

Ms. Arias is a Bronx native who is passionate about education. As the Chief Operating Officer for University Prep, she ensures that our schools are operating at their highest level by establishing efficient systems and creating operational excellence through innovation.

University Prep Public Schools, School Leaders, UP High School Principal

Andrew Ayers

The mission and continued success of University Prep is of the utmost importance to Mr. Ayers. He was honored to join the administration in 2017 and hopes to ensure that UP students become college graduates. Mr. Ayers is a firm supporter in guiding students so they can establish balance in their daily routine. 

University Prep Public Schools, School Leaders, UP Middle School Principal

David Patterson

Mr. Patterson has experience teaching both middle and high school English, as well as the TESOL MA program at Hunter. He's served as a leadership coach for the CUNY Children’s First Network and was the director of curriculum for the GO Project, an academic and enrichment program for K-8 NYC residents.

University Prep Public Schools, School Leaders, Executive Director

Andrea d' Amato

Executive
Director

Ms. d’Amato believes in distributed leadership, where each staff member participates in decision-making and takes responsibility for common goals. Her core educational philosophy is the belief that every child can learn and achieve at high academic levels.

University Prep Public Schools, School Leaders, Chief Operating Officers

Mayreni

Arias

Chief Operating Officer

Ms. Arias is a Bronx native of Dominican descent who is passionate about education. As the Chief Operating Officer for University Prep, she ensures that our schools are operating at their highest level by establishing and utilizing efficient and effective systems.

University Prep Public Schools, School Leaders, UP High School Principal

Andrew

Ayers

The mission and continued success of University Prep is of the utmost importance to Mr. Ayers. He was honored to join the administration in 2017 and privileged to later become the high school’s principal. He hopes to ensure that UP students become college graduates.

University Prep Public Schools, School Leaders, UP Middle School Principal

David Patterson

Mr. Patterson joined University Prep in 2018. Before that he was a school leader at Gramercy Arts High School in Manhattan. He taught middle school English and ENL and high school English at Middle School 256-Manhattan and Quest to Learn in Manhattan.