Address 2616 N MacArthur Academy
Irving, TX Phone (214) 513-1608 School District Universal Academy Grades Served PK-12 |
- Overview
- Test Scores
- Parent Reviews
School Rating
This gives an overview of this school's test results, and is based on a comparison of test results for all schools in the state. More information on School Ratings (www.greatschools.net)
Universal Academy - Flower Mound
8 out of 10
School FactsSchool Facts| | | Total Enrollment | 477 | 742 | | Students per Teacher | 15.9 | 15.8 | | Expenditure per Student | $6,621 | $8,167 | | Students in Free Lunch Program | 0% | 2% |
Parent Ratings and Reviews
Universal Academy - Flower Mound: 3.3
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Latest Review
Posted April 11, 2008
i go to the school and i personally don't like it anymore after going there for 5 years there is no extra activities for the older kids like 6th and up. We also don't have any grass area to play, no cafeterias,...
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Overall Parent Rating
Rate Universal Academy - Flower Mound
71 reviews | Add your review
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| Posted April 11, 2008
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i go to the school and i personally don't like it anymore after going there for 5 years there is no extra activities for the older kids like 6th and up. We also don't have any grass area to play, no cafeterias, and you have to bring your lunch everyday. So if you only want to focus on your education and no activities go to U.A.
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Submitted by a student
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| Posted February 27, 2008
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This is the perfect place for the students that want to learn. Teachers work hard in bringing the students to their highest potential. If you are into academics, this is the place to send your child.
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Submitted by a parent
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| Posted November 15, 2007
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I used to teach at this school. The whole idea behind the school is great. If your child needs a challenge, it's a great school for them. I feel that the lower grades Prek-3rd are probably the strongest. I think that if the school was more particular about the students they accept, they could really go somewhere with the 'gifted and talented' program. They seem to accept a lot of discipline problems, or kids who are below grade level. This makes it very difficult for the teachers to maintain a learning friendly classroom.
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Submitted by a teacher
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| Posted June 13, 2007
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The teachers are great, most of the exceptional teachers are gone. The education (1st through 12th)would be great, if some of the basic fundamentals were not left out. Students who return to public school after attending 1st through 11th at UA struggle. The Pre-K and Kindergarten education at UA is the best of any school. Students who return to public school after Kindergarten at UA have a great foundation. Discipline is awful, if you ever get an opportunity to observe your child's classroom you will see that it is very hard for most students to focus due to the disciplinary issues. Administration is no help in this area, so teachers have to deal the best they can. Ms. Harris is a wonderful educator with a great vision, but due to a lot of 'issues' and 'politics' this vision has not exceeded its fullest potential.
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Submitted by a parent
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| Posted May 17, 2007
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Huge disappointment. Events that are planned are totally chaotic with an apparent lack of organization. The teachers are too concerned with uniforms and whether the child is wearing something from Parker or not (and besides they are ugliest color scheme I have ever seen- gold and navy). The teachers have lost their focus on education. Extracurricular activity list is sparse and uninteresting. The lack of communication to parents is frustrating. I highly suggest not enrolling your child in this school.
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Submitted by a parent
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| Posted May 16, 2007
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Too many empty promises,no organization,no homework,no sports.Parent night meetings is also not organised.i think it's easier to have them done per grade than all at once since some parents have more than one child in the school and miss out alot.Education is very important and kids deserve the best for their own future.In todays world without education and a good foundation you end up no where.The children are young and have the will and energy to learn.i think they can do better than that.start sport and extra curriculum activities,let the children be motivated to wake up and be look forward to a bright and educative day.
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Submitted by a parent
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| Posted March 8, 2007
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Let's just go down the list. The principle does the best she can, Irving sisters tie her hands on $ issues, A lot of parents think that the $'s that we raise at our school goes to the Irving school. There are a few great teachers still there. The Kindergarten teachers are great. Mrs. Ski was wonderful the year we had her. Don't care for my childs teacher this year, a few discipline issues in the class keep her from having a great class. As far as parent involvement Forget it, there are a few that help but it appears the rest think they don't have to, someone else will do it. They promise a whole lot, tell you what you want to hear and then nothing. No our child is not going back. Gave it our best and now we think if our child stays it will only hurt their education.
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Submitted by a parent
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| Posted March 2, 2007
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Administration is extremely poor and inefficient. Parents are never given a clear answer. Absolutely no extracurricular activities and kids are expected to remain in their seats all day except for 1 hr of the day. Not enough time for kids to eat their lunch or snack.
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Submitted by a parent
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| Posted October 30, 2006
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We attended UA 02-05 and didn't go to the Coppell location. I had a 4th grader there in 04-05. When coming to my exemp. lisd school he did poorly for the 1st 6 weeks. Math and reading were lacking from UA. Now he's back on track in 6th. There is a gap in education there. It seems the lower grade classes are better than the upper grades. It's hit or miss with the lower grade teachers though.
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Submitted by a parent
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| Posted October 5, 2006
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My daughter currently attends UA in the 1st grade. The curriculum is definitely more advance and challenging. She spends up to 1 1/2 hours a night on homework on Monday thru Thursday. Students are taught based on abilities (which is good). The play ground is built but not completed. There is no cafeteria despite promises since last year so students must pack their lunches. The students to teacher ratio is high due to cut back in staff (24:1). The administration is still unorganized and make a lot of empty promises. There isn't any extra activities. Communication between teacher/parent is poor with the exception of mandatory meeting once a month. Parents are not informed till the last minute. Good academics but poor in everything else. Also has preschool, Satori Learning Center, curriculum is not age appropriate and very strict in policies. Not a very loving and nurturing environment for 3-4 yr. old.
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Submitted by a parent
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| Posted August 18, 2006
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I moved my 5-year-old son to UA from his public kindergarten in CFBISD because he wasn't being challenged enough. Overall, UA was a good experience for him. The nightly homework taught him discipline. Longtime teacher Ms. Frantz was great, had good control of her kindergarten class and challenged my son. We were disappointed in the uncommunicative principal, who never tried to meet us. A year later, there was still no playground, gym or full cafeteria as promised a long time ago. The drama teacher and nurse are nice. The new classrooms are very small. They need a stage because you couldn't see the performers at the Christmas program. The Parker uniforms are costly but quite durable. The student body is very diverse. The parents are very supportive of this back-to-basics education. The kids had to bring their own lunches every day. I just wish they had a playground.
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Submitted by a parent
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| Posted June 19, 2006
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Our son has had a very good experience at Universal Academy!
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Submitted by a parent
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| Posted May 29, 2006
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Communication is poor. You have to know the right questions to ask to get your answer, because information is not offered to you. You can't even get a hardcopy handbook or a facilities tour. Parents are not told of the requirements for the advanced classes. The administration refers you to the website which is never updated. The bus system is terrible because kids are made to wait in hot buses and then mixed in with the older kids with very little supervision. However, the education is far superior to the local schools depending on which teacher you get. The pe coaches are great. The art class is substandard for the lower levels despite what i had previously learned. I am debating whether or not we return due to my frustraion with the administation's lack of communication and guidance. Maybe if they had been educated at universal....
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Submitted by a parent
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| Posted May 4, 2006
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Facilty not big enough, no cafeteria. Good teaching standards.
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Submitted by a parent
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| Posted March 28, 2006
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If you are thinking about attending this school, be sure to find out how long they are planning to stay at their current location. This is their fourth location in five years. Continuity is a real problem at this school. I have moved my children to public school, and I realize how much was really missing at UA. They are much happier now.
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Submitted by a parent
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| Posted February 15, 2006
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The school needs a lot of help adminstratively. Hopefully, it will turn around before it is too late.
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Submitted by a parent
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| Posted October 23, 2005
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UAs new campus is awesome. They have a wonderful new building and it is the best thing that could have happened to them to move to Coppell. The campsu administration is great and they are doing a great job of educating our children to the highest standards.
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Submitted by a parent
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| Posted September 29, 2005
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My child is attending Pre-K at the Coppell campus. Everyday I ask her how her day went and she responds in a positive manner. This means a lot to me because the children are the ones that become close to the teachers and staff. Every teacher and staff I speak to are polite and intriguing and the attention thye give all the kids is remarkable. We drive about 50 miles to Universal and the drive is worth it. The school uses a great cirrculm and the staff is supportive.
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Submitted by a parent
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| Posted September 7, 2005
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My son attended prek-1st grade i as a parent loved the school, my son started to dislike it due to a lot of work they were given on a daily basis. So I had to moved him to a public school I realize how behind public schools are, my son loved it, it made him feel secure of him self knowing a little more than the average kid. That I thanks universal for, to me it will always be a great school I just feel bad my son didn't like it.
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Submitted by a parent
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| Posted August 20, 2005
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My oldest has attended K and 1st at UA and I have been very pleased with the quality of his teachers and how much they care about each student. I am hoping that the school will relocate back to the Lewisville/Flower Mound area, but for now we have been pleased enough with the school that I am willing to travel to Coppell.
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Submitted by a parent
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| Posted August 6, 2005
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The kindergarten teacher our child had was wonderful. HER instruction was excellent; however, the school facilities and support were horrible. We only stayed a year. There were many promises of improvement made that never came to pass. Had the physical conditions of the building and the attitudes of the staff been better, we would have considered staying. BUT I am not so certain since most of the good teachers left a while ago.
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Submitted by a parent
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| Posted August 1, 2005
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Constantly in the dark. Less than a month now until new school year, & still don't have building to attend. Communication is poor. Education great in my experience for lower grades, however weak in 4th, & have been advised by other parents 5th is worse. Undecided whether to return!
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Submitted by a parent
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| Posted July 5, 2005
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As a parent of 2 at UA the academics for my 2nd grader were great. It appears 4th grade was uncertain I'm not sure if she was taught everything she should have. The real disappointment is never knowing what's going on in the school until the last minute and most of what the admin. says ends up not coming true. The new principal is kind and the nurse is great.
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Submitted by a parent
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| Posted June 23, 2005
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We have heard wonderful things about the academic focus at Universal Academy. The feedback that we have received from parents of students that attend there has all been positive. The student to teacher ratio is small compared to a traditional public school and staff and administration make a point to become involved with each student.
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Submitted by a parent
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| Posted June 14, 2005
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Quality program with a lot of parent involvement. Teachers, parents and students work together to strengthen test scores.
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Submitted by a parent
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| Posted May 30, 2005
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Please talk to parents whose children have left this school. I put my children back in public school and was shocked to see the children of my child's teacher at Universal Academy attending the public school also. This school is lacking in so many areas. There is no way for a child to receive a balanced, complete education at this school.
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Submitted by a parent
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| Posted May 2, 2005
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I just drove by UA Flower Mound, and noticed their sign advertizes 'gifted and talented eduaction', yet when I withdrew my children on the state standardized transfer form there is a box for 'gifted and talented ed' and the box was marked 'No'. This school is not what it is cracked up to be.
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Submitted by a parent
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| Posted April 2, 2005
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The administration makes horrible educational decisions that affect children long range. Social development is not fostered, breaks are minimal. Please don't buy the line about their advanced curriculum. The curriculum depends completely on the individual teacher. Ask about their teacher and student turnover rate before enrolling.
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Submitted by a parent
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| Posted April 1, 2005
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It angers me when a few parents with sour grapes try to ruin the reputation of a quality school. Other than a few administrative issues, I have only good to say about UA. My daughter is black and has always been treated with respect, even on occasions when she may not have been respectful in return. She is getting a first rate education by very qualified and caring teachers. She is held accountable and appropriately disciplined, but only when she has earned it. I am proud to send my daughter to UA.
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Submitted by a parent
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| Posted February 24, 2005
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This school is horrible. it is made out of styrofoam. After a hail storm there were little holes in it. Half the teachers are not even qualified to be teaching the classes they teach. I will never send my kid there again.
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Submitted by a parent
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| Posted February 17, 2005
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The Flower Mound site was a very negative place. I actually heard the principle talk down to a parent, for asking a question, in front of (around 300) parents and children. The Flower Mound site was very unbalanced. I tried to get my daughter used to it from Aug-Dec...She cried EVERYDAY when I dropped her off. The kept telling me it was okay, she was just suffering from separation anxiety. The principle said she would get her to the counselor but the counselor s office never got setup while I was there. I feel so bad for having my daughter attend the school. Her Pre-K teachers were nice but seemed like they were lacking in experience.
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Submitted by a parent
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| Posted December 10, 2004
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Universal Academy is not a good environment for anyone (especially young children). The atmosphere in this school is negative. This attitude rubs off on the teachers and students. Even very young children are yelled at. These children need to be nurtured and loved. Social interaction and physical development are essential to young childrens growth. Young children need to do physical activities to develop their gross motor skills, and have opportunities for non-directed social interaction to grow emotionaly and socially. None of these things are offered at this school. Actually they are looked down on by administration. Your child deseves these opportunities. Most of the teachers are good teachers, but work under so much hostility that it is shown in there classroom. Notice how many teachers left last year. Do you want your child in an environment that promotes such hostility.
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Submitted by a staff
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| Posted October 4, 2004
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My son was in kindergarten at UA for 5 months last year. We transferred him to our local elementary mid year. The administration is atrocious. Very rude, condescending. Not organized at all. Very poor at communication. Parents please do not put your children in this school.
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Submitted by a parent
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| Posted September 4, 2004
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UAFM is off to a great start? The building was in foreclosure weeks before school started. (School officials vehemently denied this at parent meetings) More than 60% of the teachers did not return. Most returning teachers have pulled their own children from UA. (Ask your child's teacher where their children attend!) Secondary grades were cancelled at the last minute. Just remember if it waddles like a duck, quacks like a duck, smells like a duck, it's probably still a duck. The more things change the more they truly stay the same.
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Submitted by a staff
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| Posted July 30, 2004
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Do you really want your child to attend a school where they cannot even handle their money efficiently? They have not paid their teachers for the past month and instead of their full paycheck they were given a $500 check and were told that maybe once financial problems were worked out, they might see the rest of their payment. They also terminated the teachers health insurance without official notification. I feel the teachers are excellent within the school but the so called 'administration' is unprofessional. Teachers and staff are exploited; they are not given recognition for all the hard work and time that is put into the education of the students.
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Submitted by a teacher
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| Posted July 21, 2004
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Some teachers are good. Some are unprofessional. Uncertified teachers. Very little break time for Kindergarteners. Nice principals were laid off by Administration. Administration is very unprofessional. I'm rating this school low because of unbalanced program, lack of facilities, poor & rude administration. 4th new location in 4 years. Please compare your local public school to this school before going to this school.
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Submitted by a parent
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| Posted July 15, 2004
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I am impressed with the school. Teachers do care about the students and students receive quality education. Students are given the opportunity to to reach for their potential.
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Submitted by a parent
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| Posted July 15, 2004
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I have been impressed with the school ever since my children enrolled. I have seen my kids blossom, happy and confident. I appreciate the teachers' hands on teaching the kids and I can tell that the teachers do care for their students. I have had no regrets about my decision for my kids to attend the school. I only wished I had known sooner. I definitely recommend the school for any one ready to work with the teachers and kids. They do work hard, and you will see your kids improve and reach their potential. Parents are very involved at this school.
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Submitted by a parent
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| Posted July 7, 2004
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This school is excelent, my children are above their grade levels. UA promotes a love for learing, while teaching at a higher level than the other schools in the area. Yes their has been a lot of moving and changing for this school, but the education of the children has not been affected.
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Submitted by a parent
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| Posted June 30, 2004
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Do your homework before sending your child to this school. It is a toxic environment. The teachers are stressed out and burned out. There is no true curriculum. Teachers are supposed to create 'learning experiences', but they lack the experience and training to do so. There are no computers, no science labs, very limited supplies. The school is moving to an undisclosed campus which will make four locations in four years. Teacher and student turn-over are very high. Children are constantly withdrawing, and are replaced by new students. This is very disruptive to the learning environment. The administration makes terrible educational decisions, and are very unapproachable.
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Submitted by a parent
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| Posted May 20, 2004
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Being a charter school, teachers are able to teach the students on a much fast and advanced pace. Unfortunately, it is run without a good planning and over sight. The person who runs the school makes up rules and policies as she see fit. They are definitely anti parent s participation in the school affairs by making it difficulty for parents to voice their concerns.
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Submitted by a parent
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| Posted May 6, 2004
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I would not recommend this school. Very unprofessional administration(director). Pleasant Principals were let go by this same person. Teachers are not certified. We pulled our son out and put him in another school(private).
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Submitted by a parent
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| Posted May 3, 2004
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Universal Academy is a wonderful school. It offers many things but for elementary. The high school is not well prepared and doesn't have anything at all compared to other high schools. The students are not exactly at pre-a-p statis right now. I know my son has difficulties at school and we put him in more special classes but now he's either the only kid in his class or the class is completely packed.
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Submitted by a parent
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| Posted April 30, 2004
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I gave the principal leadership a 2 because we have no principle. But it's not a 1 because Mrs. Blackmon fills the space of authority. I rated my teachers highly because I like my teachers and I learn alot. I rated the extracurricular activities a 2 because they do have after school acitivtes but only a very very small selection of them. Parental involvement was a 1 because I never see parents except on the only feild trip we have had. Saftey and disipline got a 2, disipline isn't what upsets me. Saftey at school has gotten steadily better.
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Submitted by a student
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| Posted March 26, 2004
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This school has a revolving door that is turning at mach speed. I have never seen so much turnover at a school. This school does not have computers, so hands on technology is not taught. There are no science labs or equipment. How can you learn Chemistry or Biology without any labs??? This school has 2 drinking fountains for the entire elementary school, and students are not allowed to have a water bottle at their desk. Students are bounced back and forth between Spanish and French as if they were interchangable. Teachers routinely teach subjects in which they are not certified. Most of their secondary teachers who are certified have elementary certification. Many teachers are not certified at all. They claim to be a gifted and talented school, yet this is not reflected in anyway on the students' transcripts. Do your homework before sending your child to this school.
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Submitted by a former student
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| Posted March 23, 2004
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Coming from Asian country we always use to worry about the school system, teaching methods, student & teacher getting in sync. But after one year all of the doubts have gone away. My daughter goes to KG. I am so glad that we selected UA at Flower Mound. Every evening I ask her what she learned in school and her answers amazes me. We like the school discipline and informative sessions between teacher and parents. Thanks a lot Universal Academy.
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Submitted by a parent
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| Posted March 22, 2004
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I can't say enough about the quality of education my child has received. I have another child who will be attending UA next year and I am thrilled that he will be offered the same opportunity to excel as my daughter has. We live in Denton - a good 20 minute drive each way - when we live in walking distance to our DISD school. This is a sacrafice we gladly give in to for the quality of education they are receiving. I admit there is some disorganization within the administrative side of the school - which is why I choose to volunteer and try and help iron out the kinks wherever I can. The teachers are available via cell phone from 7:30 to 4:30 to answer any questions I may have - unheard of in a normal school district. Thank you UA for what you do for my kids.
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Submitted by a parent
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| Posted March 14, 2004
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I am so thankful that my daughter has the chance to attend Universal Academy. At first, I was a little worried bc it was pretty challenging, but she has caught up and is doing a wonderful job in her Kindergarten class! Both of her teachers are very kind and work hard to help the children understand what they are being taught. She is getting a private school education and is so smart! I am so thankful that Universal is giving her the chance to learn so much in kindergaten. Children have a high capability to learn even more advanced curriculum when given the chance, and I know that my child is being challenged in many ways, growing, and learning a lot. Thank you Universal!!
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Submitted by a other
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| Posted March 13, 2004
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I just cannot say enough nice things about Universal Academy! I am amazed at the staff and parent involvment. It is so great to have your child in a classroom where all the parents care about education just as much as you do! The curriculum is outstanding. I love the philosphy that the kids are sponges and if you expose them to things that they will learn them. Yes, you will need to spend some extra time with your children and on their education but isn't that what helping our kids become successful is all about?
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Submitted by a parent
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| Posted March 13, 2004
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My grandson is a kindergarten student at UA. I am amazed at the education he is receiving and all he has accomplished in 6 short months. He is far ahead of his public school peers in reading, spelling, phonics, math, science etc. It has amazed me. The staff at the school are not only friendly, but also very supportive of each child and seem genuinely happy to be there. I have another grandson who is starting kindergarten next year and we can only hope he gets to go to UA. What a fabulous school and such a blessing that our 2 grandsons can attend this fine school. We hope it stays around for the next 13 years. Thank you UA Staff!!!!!!!
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Submitted by a other
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| Posted March 12, 2004
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This is our first year at UA but the school has made a big difference in our girls life. It was once a struggle to get to school and it is now what they want to do everyday. The small classes are wonderful, the teachers are wonderful and the way they teach the kids makes every child excel. The PreK program is outstanding! Our family is very glad we discovered this school.
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Submitted by a parent
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| Posted March 12, 2004
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This is our first year at UAFM. We have children in various grade levels. It was our below standard experiences in public school that brought us here. The moral, academic, disciplinary climate at UA exceeds our expectation. Our children have excelled academically in an environment that has given them that opportunity via a challenging curriculum and caring, exceptional teaching staff (in all grade levels). I believe with the anticipated funding that UAFM will receive from private investors/grants, this school will be held in highest esteem as a model for its quality education and for facilitating an environment that produces exceedingly well-behaved, well educated, children (from a multitude of ethnic and religious backgrounds) that exhibit exemplary character. The admnistration goes up and beyond the call of duty to show their care and concern for our children. We couldn't imagine ever returning to anything less. Mrs. & Mrs. Rauch
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Submitted by a parent
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| Posted March 11, 2004
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I am the parent of three students at UA, two of whom are in their third year at this school. If you are interested in a disciplined, yet loving environment that emphasizes academic and personal excellence, this is the school for you. Terms that are rhetoric elsewhere have real meaning here. Students truly are taught and challenged at their own level. There is real diversity in the ethnicity of the student population. Not canned, or spun diversity. Everyone gets along, enjoying the differences and the sameness of others, and honestly respecting each other. I am so thankful to have UA we enjoy the best of all worlds in this charter school. Between my three children, we have experienced a total of 9 years in expensive private school programs, and 4 years in the public schools. UA certainly outshines these other alternatives!
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Submitted by a parent
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| Posted March 11, 2004
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My daughter went to a private Pre-K and learned numerous aspects of life, but since my daughter has been enrolled in Universal Academy, she has excelled beyond belief. I whole-heartedly recommend UA for any age.
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Submitted by a parent
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| Posted March 11, 2004
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Our daughter transferred to UAFM a few weeks into the school year from public school. In the few short weeks she was in the public school she brought home homework one time - she was to identify the letter B and tell me the sound it made. She was not being challenged at all. She is a bright kid who gets bored easily when her mind is not kept busy. LISD was not keeping her busy. For the first time in years we were having problems with her behavior at home and had no clue what to do. Thankfully we got a call from UA saying that a space had opened up. we snatched her up as quickly as possible and moved her to UA the next day. She was nervous and scared but after talking with Ms. Blackmon for a few minutes she was excited and jumped into the classroom activities with both feet. She came home that night with homework and a spelling list. She loves it at UA. We love it at UA.
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Submitted by a parent
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| Posted March 10, 2004
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We are extremely happy with Universal. We send all three of our children to the school. We feel that they are way ahead of their peers that attend flower mound public schools.
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Submitted by a parent
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| Posted March 10, 2004
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As a parent of eight children I have a greater experience with a variety of school types than most. Each child certainly has unique and individual needs that some schools are better equiped to manage. I will summarize my experience with UA by saying that I am most impressed with: 1)the professionalism and intelligence of the administration, 2)the warmth and love that the teachers show the children, 3)the high code of conduct and moral values that is promoted, and 4)the academic values portrayed by the school uniforms. With such a miniscule source of funds compared to the public school system UA has excelled in providing, in my experience, a very high level of well rounded education. My child loves going to UA and has developed such a love of learning as a result of his experiences there. That's probably the most valuable compliment that a school could get.
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Submitted by a teacher
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| Posted March 9, 2004
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We transferred our daughter to UA last year with 12 weeks left in the school year. We wondered if we were making a wise choice. After three weeks at UA, we knew me made the right choice. Our daughter has grown tremendously since changing schools. We currently have a child in Kindergarten and in Pre-K also. Our child that is in Pre-K is doing more than our daughter ever did in Kindergarten. The teachers are devoted, educated and love their students. Every school has areas to grow in. I see UA problem-solving and trying to make a difference. We chose Universal Academy. It was the best decision we ever made.
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Submitted by a parent
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| Posted March 9, 2004
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Our son is in 4th and our daughters are in the Pre-K program. We couldn't be happier. Our son was in the inaugural class that attended the Irving campus. He's an advanced student and UAFM allows him to move ahead at his own pace. When we moved into our new neighborhood with the 'exemplary school' we considered moving him. Then we looked at their curriculum - they were 2 years behind where he was at UAFM! Our daughters are learning things in Pre-K that their brother wasn't introduced to until late kindergarten at the neighborhood elementary school. But the girls are learning these things because they want to - they certainly aren't forced. What's the point in having your kids repeat info. but not understand it? That's never the case at UAFM. Thanks to Diane Harris, Janice Blackmon and Leslie Young!
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Submitted by a parent
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| Posted March 9, 2004
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This school has been through more than its fair share of ups and downs and yet it still never ceases to amaze me how much the teachers and administration care about the education of the students. The teachers go way above the call of duty. The kids take pride in their work and their school. You can find fault in anything and some folks are quick to point out the bad instead of focusing on the good, and working together to achieve the goal-the best education possible for our kids. I committed 4 years ago to take advantage of this opportunity for my kids to learn from the best, and I don't intend to change my mind because a few sourpusses say the glass is half empty. I say it's half full! Soar Eagles Soar!
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Submitted by a parent
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| Posted March 9, 2004
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My son has been going to UA Flower Mound for three (3) years. Yes, it is hectic at times. OK, my job is hectic and just driving to work in Dallas traffic is a struggle! However, I have a son in 10th grade public school and try to have a positive adult conversation with the staff. Ask why your child is not attending his classes. The answer I got was 'we have too many children to keep an eye on all of them'. However, I can tell you that UA and the staff at UA will know where my child is at all times. Why, because no matter what they will not have 1,000 plus students in their (our) school! I have been pleased with my son's education since he started. I am very much considering putting my 15 year old in UA because he needs the structure and a positive environment. I can see him as being a student not a number. I work full-time and do not have much time for volunteering but I know any little thing I do is appreciated. I can pick up the phone anytime and call my son's teachers and take the time to talk....try this at public schools! Yes, this web-site might have some negative comments, but you can not please everyone...UA is not for everyone...just like living in a particular house or working at a certain company or choosing what furniture you want for dinner is not everyone. For those that do not like it, I do not know what to tell you but maybe putting your child in a school with over 1000 students and putting them on a overcrowded bus every day and not knowing what maybe going on during the day your child is at school..knock yourself out. For those that want our children raised in a family and receive a good education, without having to take out a 2nd or 3rd mortgage. I'm happy and my son is happy and that is all that matters.
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Submitted by a parent
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| Posted March 9, 2004
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My 2 girls have been at the school for 4 years now, all of their teachers have been top notch (of the 10 teachers they've had 8 have been fabulous all have been good),the gifted/talented arena has been hands down better than our previous school. I love the respect that is expected from the children. The uniforms make school life so much less competitive, there doesn't seem to be much peer pressure. My girls went from tolerating school to loving it and being excited for challanges and learning. I love how involved many of the parents get, the school would love you helping as much as you can. The extra curricular activities needed work and they are improving-chess club rocks, I'm thrilled with all the trophies they've brought home in their 3 tournaments. The school isn't perfect but with the limited resources we have (no where near the state funding other districts get and none of the property tax money) I'm amazed at how much better my children are being educated. Thank you U.A.
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Submitted by a teacher
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| Posted March 9, 2004
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Our son has been attending UA for 8 months. We are extremely pleased with his progress. The ability groups program along with our evolvement allowed him to advance two levels. Our son is a straight A student in an environment which encourages him to learn. Our son still runs from the car to the front door every morning eagerly and excited to start the day. He enjoys his teacher, class, principal and fellow students. UA was a great alternative to our local public school. We also understand any difficulty we face with a new school. However, we are extremely excited to be part of the foundation which helps mold UA students for future generations.
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Submitted by a parent
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| Posted February 26, 2004
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Our children have been educated at Universal Academy Flower Mound for three years. We've experienced a broad spectrum of grade levels and teachers in that time period. The PreK through 6th Grade programs are solid. The teachers are exceptional in their field. My children represent a broad spectrum of educational abilities. Whether they are high achievers or struggling students, the teachers and administration have strived to meet their individual educational needs. The early College enrollment opportunity for High School Students is the Secondary Program's best feature. Although, the Secondary school is small, it is growing and developing. I have found the Secondary Students at Universal Academy to be goal oriented and more mature than students from other area high schools. The students seem to take pride in their behavior as well as academic accomplishments. However, if social activities, a wide variety of electives, or extensive extra-curricular activities are a priority for you, this may not be the school for you.
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Submitted by a parent
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| Posted February 22, 2004
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UA is evolving. Enrollment doubled in 2003. By far, most students who have left desire to return! Complications outside administration control interfered with plans to build. Again, UA creates a Plan B and goes forward. The main concern has always been a safe, quality education for students. There are no drugs, gangs, or unseemly dress or behavior tolerated here at UA. FMd had 98% passing the 2003 TAKS! I've never seen an administration so open to parent comment, the best interests of the student, finding the best solution to a problem. It takes time to train new teachers to the level UA expects. It is very demanding to teach classes in the PBL, GT format UA requires -it takes time to acquire those skills. Every year UA comes closer to meeting its high goals. My advice: (1)Bring concerns to the administration. (2)Refrain from gossiping and spreading ill will -don't be a part of the problem - 99% of the UA gossip is based on fiction. Leslie Young 214-513-1608
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Submitted by a teacher
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| Posted February 14, 2004
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We've had kids in this school since it started. Each year shows dramatic strides. The school's focus is academics first. Extracurricular activities are limited, though this is changing. The teachers push the kids, based on individual ability. The faculty and administration is very approachable. Parental involvement is high. UA gives a solid, no frills, education. If you want amenities, go elsewhere. If you want a solid foundation in the 3Rs, UA is the best option in Flower Mound.
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Submitted by a parent
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| Posted January 3, 2004
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We have four children at UAFM. We appreciate the educational opportunities our children have. They are being taught on thier individual level, whether that is; on grade level, above grade level or if there has been a need for additional instruction.Teachers are instructing children on 'how to learn'. So they may develope 'a life long love of learning'. We have been welcomed to Volunteer, give imput in our childrens education and possible ways of enhancing UAFM. We are blessed to find a school that meets 'our' families needs.
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Submitted by a parent
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| Posted August 26, 2003
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This school is not for everyone, but for my kids it is wonderful. The gifted and talented curriculum far exceeds anything they received in regular public schools. The school is relatively new, and is moving in a positive direction. The teachers are outstanding.
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Submitted by a parent
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| Posted August 12, 2003
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While attending school for 1.5 years my daughter's class went 3 months w/o ANY math instruction, her hand writing skills worsened and her reading level, which started very high, weakened. The reason I chose this school was because they said each child would be taught on the level they needed, they could accelerate as far as they were capable. That was not the case.
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Submitted by a parent
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| Posted July 6, 2003
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My children attended this school for nearly two years. This was one of the worst school situations I was ever involved in. The administration constantly avoided real issues and repeatedly told lies about new school facilities. It is a charted school which basically means you choose to take your kids there. I can't for the life of me understand why when there are great schools available in surrounding neighborhoods.
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Submitted by a
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| Posted May 6, 2003
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The school is very new, so I understand some of the disorganization. The principals need to relax - they seem too much on edge. However, Mrs. Blackmon seems very in touch with her school, her parents and her students. My son has learned alot in the short time he has been going to Universal. His teacher and teacher's assistant have shown a commitment above and beyond what is expected of them (Thanks Mrs. Ski and Miss Sharon). Overall we are very pleased with Universal Academy and continue to reccomend the school to our friends.
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Submitted by a
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If you're looking for a home in Irving, TX and you have or plan to have children, you will want to learn more about the area schools. Get school information for Universal Academy - Flower Mound at Cyberhomes.com. See how many students are enrolled in each grade level and how many students there are per teacher. Compare test scores for Universal Academy - Flower Mound against scores in the rest of Texas.
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