Union Prep Academy at Indian Trail
General Information
About
The Union Prep Academy at Indian Trail (UPA) is a tuition‑free public charter school situated in Indian Trail, North Carolina. It serves grades K–11 (with some reporting spanning through grade 10 or 12) and operates under the governance of the Union County Charter Education Association in partnership with the charter‑management organisation Charter Schools USA. UPA’s mission is to provide a rigorous academic environment enhanced with personalized learning plans that enable students to apply concepts and principles within a dynamic academic community.
The school emphasises the idea that “kindness meets knowledge” and strives to unleash each student’s potential by building strong minds and good hearts. The educational model leans into individualized supports, structured volunteer‑based engagement with families, and clear behavioural expectations for all students. With a student body size around 1,180 and a student‑teacher ratio approximately 20:1, UPA seeks to balance the benefits of a sizable charter school with the responsiveness of targeted academic programming.
Contact Information
Address: 2324 Younts Road, Indian Trail, North Carolina 28079
Phone: (704) 893‑3607
Fax: (704) 893‑3608
Email / Main Contact: (Not publicly listed as a single email contact)
School Facts
| Founding Year | School Type | Grades Served | Motto / Mission |
|---|---|---|---|
| (Exact founding year not publicly specified) | Public charter school (tuition‑free) | K–11 (some data through grade 10) | “Strong minds, good hearts” + personalized rigorous learning environment |
Union Prep Academy at Indian Trail Rankings
| Ranking Source | Category | Rank / Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Niche (K‑12 school ratings) | Overall Grade (K‑12) | B (3.71/5) |
| Niche | Diversity rating | A |
| Niche | Best Charter High Schools in North Carolina | #35 of 85 |
| Niche | Best Charter Middle Schools in North Carolina | #69 of 161 |
| Niche | Best Charter Elementary Schools in North Carolina | #70 of 159 |
Union Prep Academy at Indian Trail Academics
Union Prep Academy at Indian Trail Faculties / Departments
- Lower School (Grades K–5)
- Middle School (Grades 6–8)
- Upper School (Grades 9–11)
- Student Support Services (academic interventions, gifted/talented)
- After‑school Enrichment / Clubs & Activities
- Athletics & Physical Education
Union Prep Academy at Indian Trail Courses and Programs / Majors
Since UPA is a K–11 institution, it does not offer “majors” in the university sense; however, key programs include:
- Personalized Learning Plans for each student based on periodic assessments
- Gifted/Talented / AIG (Academically or Intellectually Gifted) programming
- Structured curriculum in core subjects: mathematics, language arts, science, social studies
- Extracurricular programs including clubs, athletics, volunteer parent‑engagement programs
- Uniform policy with approved vendor to support school culture and student focus
Online Learning
UPA’s primary mode of instruction is in‑person at its Indian Trail campus; while digital tools such as PowerSchool for parent monitoring are used to support student progress and parent engagement, the school does not promote a full online‑only curriculum.
Average Test Scores
| Test | Score (Most Recent) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| SAT | Not publicly reported | UPA is K–11, so college‑entry tests not widely applicable |
| ACT | Not publicly reported | Same as above |
| State proficiency (NC) | ~65% in math, ~63% in reading | Data from Niche on proficiency |
Retention and Graduation Rates
Specific retained‑year‑to‑year data and graduation rates for grades 11/12 at UPA are not publicly detailed. Because the school serves through grade 11 and is still growing toward full K‑12, comprehensive graduation statistics are not consistently reported. However, the school’s focus on individualized student planning and academic rigor suggests a strategic effort to support students through to completion of upper grades.
Union Prep Academy at Indian Trail Admissions
GPA Range and SAT / ACT Range
As UPA serves K–11 students, admissions are not based on college‑style GPA ranges or SAT/ACT scores. Admissions are based on seat availability in the charter setting, student and family commitment to the school model, and often an application or lottery process typical for charter schools.
Union Prep Academy at Indian Trail Acceptance Rate
| Year or Data Snapshot | Acceptance Rate |
|---|---|
| Most recent available data | Not publicly published |
Union Prep Academy at Indian Trail Application Requirements
Prospective families seeking admission to UPA for a given school year typically must submit a charter school application including student information, previous academic history (for older applicants), and attend an information session or tour of the school to understand its mission and policies. The school expects parental involvement (such as volunteer hours) and adherence to the uniform and behavioural standards. The process often includes a lottery if applications exceed seats, as is common for charter schools. Families should review the annual Parent‑Student Handbook for required commitments and deadlines.
Application Process
- Attend school information session or tour
- Submit completed application form for preferred grade level
- Participate in lottery or selection process (if applicable)
- Receive acceptance notification
- Complete enrollment paperwork including uniform orders, volunteer commitment agreements
- Attend orientation or new‑student meeting
Union Prep Academy at Indian Trail Application Deadlines / Important Dates
| Stage | Typical Date / Deadline | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Lottery application window | Varies annually | Check school office for current year timing |
| New student orientation | Late summer | Prior to start of classes |
| Volunteer hour commitment submission | Throughout school year | Parents typically required to complete set hours |
Essay Prompt
As a K–11 charter school, UPA does not typically require an essay prompt in the way that colleges do. However, older applicants (middle or upper‑school levels) might be asked to provide a brief statement of interest or readiness and attend a student‑visit day or interview to assess fit with the school’s mission.
Union Prep Academy at Indian Trail Scholarships
Because UPA is a tuition‑free public charter school, “scholarships” in the traditional sense are not applicable for the standard program. However, students may qualify for free or reduced‑price lunch programs, and the school emphasises equitable access regardless of family background.
Union Prep Academy at Indian Trail Tuition and Fees
| Category | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition | $0 | As a public charter school, UPA is tuition‑free for eligible students in the state of North Carolina |
Student Profile and Demographics
Student Demographics
According to the National Center for Education Statistics for 2023‑2024, UPA enrolls approximately 1,181 students. Gender breakdown: 615 male, 566 female. Racial/ethnic distribution: Asian ‑ 46 students; Black/African American ‑ 229 students; Hispanic/Latino ‑ 237 students; White ‑ 558 students; Two or More Races ‑ 104 students; American Indian/Alaska Native ‑ 6 students.
Low‑Income Students / Students with Disabilities
About 469 students were eligible for free lunch and 34 for reduced‑price lunch in the 2023‑2024 year, indicating a significant portion of the student population qualifies under income‑based assistance programs. Information specifically about students with disabilities is not prominently publicly detailed, though school policies emphasize equitable support for all learners.
Student Body
| Category | Value |
|---|---|
| Total Students | ~1,181 |
| Student‑Teacher Ratio | ~19.8:1 |
| International Students | Not specifically reported (predominantly local/regional enrollment) |
University Diversity
Union Prep Academy at Indian Trail demonstrates a commendable level of racial and ethnic diversity for a school in its region. With roughly half of the student body composed of White students and the remainder drawn from Black, Hispanic, Asian and multiracial groups, UPA fosters a multicultural environment across all grade levels. This diversity enriches classroom dialogue, peer collaboration and community perspectives. The school’s commitment to equity is further reflected in its policies welcoming all students regardless of background, learning style or family situation. Parents and community volunteers actively engage with the school, supporting programs that strengthen the inclusive culture and encourage cross‑cultural understanding. The result is a school climate that emphasizes both high academic expectations and collective responsibility for student growth in a diverse setting.
Average Earnings
Because Union Prep Academy at Indian Trail serves K–11 students, direct post‑graduation earning data is not applicable in the same way as a college. However, the emphasis on strong academic foundations, individualized learning plans and readiness for college or career pathways suggests the school positions its graduates to pursue meaningful education and employment opportunities. The presence of gifted and advanced programming, alongside structured supports for learners, indicates a pathway toward higher educational attainment, which in turn is often associated with stronger long‑term earnings potential.
Union Prep Academy at Indian Trail Faculty and Staff
Teachers and Staff
UPA maintains a staff structure including classroom teachers for each grade level, specialized teachers for gifted/talented programs, student support personnel, after‑school/club staff, and administrative leadership (principal and assistant principals). The 2022‑23 Parent‑Student Handbook outlines the important roles faculty and staff play in establishing a safe and high‑performance learning environment. The school reports a staffing ratio consistent with charter school norms, and the student‑teacher ratio is approximately 20:1.
Faculty Profiles
Faculty at UPA are expected to embrace the school’s mission of rigorous academics combined with individualized support and positive behavioural culture. Teachers engage in strategies such as personalized learning plans, data‑driven instruction and continuous professional development to support student growth. The Parent‑Student Handbook emphasises that faculty and staff will “lead UPA in a way that places student and adult learning at the center of all decisions,” reinforcing a culture of continuous improvement and strong instructional leadership. While specific individual faculty awards or research credentials are not publicly detailed, the school’s governance through Charter Schools USA suggests an organisational commitment to educator training, curriculum alignment and operational support.
Union Prep Academy at Indian Trail Campus and Student Life
Campus Life / Housing
As a day charter school, Union Prep Academy at Indian Trail does not offer residential housing. The campus is located in a suburban large‑area locale in Indian Trail, North Carolina, providing students with structured daily schedules and after‑school care. According to the 2025‑26 handbook, school hours for grades K–5 are 8:25 a.m. until 3:25 p.m., and for grades 6–12 7:45 a.m. until 2:45 p.m. Before‑school care begins as early as 6:30 a.m., and after‑school care runs to 6:00 p.m. Student life includes uniform‑wear expectations, structured drop‑off and pick‑up procedures, themed activities, clubs and community volunteer participation.
Transportation
The campus at 2324 Younts Road is accessible by car via the suburban road network in Union County. Given the suburban environment, most students are likely transported by family vehicle or school car‑rider programs, rather than major public transit systems. The school’s handbook contains detailed drop‑off and pick‑up traffic flow procedures to ensure safe and efficient transport. Within campus, mobility is designed for the K–11 grade structure; classrooms, administrative offices, cafeteria, support services and play/recess areas are located on or adjacent to the main building, facilitating efficient transitions, supervision, and student movement throughout the day.