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UPA Mark Murray
About Us
University Preparatory Academy Elementary – Mark Murray Campus in Detroit offers a safe, state-of-the-art facility with smaller classes. We provide hands-on, culturally responsive education through Expeditionary and Project-Based Learning, prioritizing scholars' social-emotional well-being.
Meet the Principal
435 Amsterdam St Detroit, MI 48202 | (313) 309-0552 • (313) 309-0483
Network News & Announcements
![The image features a smiling woman with long dark hair wearing a white top against a teal background. The text "Leaders Who Inspire U" and "Celebrating the U Prep Network's Leading Voices" is displayed above the woman's image, along with the logo for "University Prep Art & Design".]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1776874070/uprepschoolscom/twsisdyacgkihruxrxwn/UPREP_LeadersWhoInspireU_ShanayGilchristApr2026.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1776874070/uprepschoolscom/twsisdyacgkihruxrxwn/UPREP_LeadersWhoInspireU_ShanayGilchristApr2026.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1776874070/uprepschoolscom/twsisdyacgkihruxrxwn/UPREP_LeadersWhoInspireU_ShanayGilchristApr2026.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1776874070/uprepschoolscom/twsisdyacgkihruxrxwn/UPREP_LeadersWhoInspireU_ShanayGilchristApr2026.png","width":940}])
She's been in the building — as a teacher, coach, and AP — for over a decade. Now, as Principal of UPAD Elementary, Shanay Gilchrist is exactly where she's meant to be.
![The image shows a group of people standing near a swimming pool, with some individuals wearing casual clothing and others in what appears to be athletic or workout attire.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1777492365/uprepschoolscom/mxyvkplazaenxvef1gui/UPREP_POST-UPSMunderwater_Apri2026.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1777492365/uprepschoolscom/mxyvkplazaenxvef1gui/UPREP_POST-UPSMunderwater_Apri2026.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1777492365/uprepschoolscom/mxyvkplazaenxvef1gui/UPREP_POST-UPSMunderwater_Apri2026.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1777492365/uprepschoolscom/mxyvkplazaenxvef1gui/UPREP_POST-UPSMunderwater_Apri2026.png","width":940}])
UPSM High’s Jason Mattison & Janae Styles master underwater robotics and secure vital funding for future innovators. 🤖
![A smiling woman with glasses is featured in a circular frame against a blurred background of a brick building, with text announcing her as the new CEO.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1777910574/uprepschoolscom/fwo0mknniatrhjcghvnb/DjenebaDJCherifCEO.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1777910574/uprepschoolscom/fwo0mknniatrhjcghvnb/DjenebaDJCherifCEO.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1777910574/uprepschoolscom/fwo0mknniatrhjcghvnb/DjenebaDJCherifCEO.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1777910574/uprepschoolscom/fwo0mknniatrhjcghvnb/DjenebaDJCherifCEO.png","width":1080}])
University Prep Schools | Detroit 90/90 has a new CEO — and she's been here all along. Meet Djeneba "DJ" Cherif, a Detroit classroom teacher turned chief executive, stepping into the top role on May 11, 2026.
![The image features the logo and text of the University Prep Schools (UPREP) organization, celebrating 25 years of first-class staff. The background depicts a sunset sky with a silhouetted airplane, conveying the theme of "Take Flight!"]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1777659949/uprepschoolscom/umbgficguyisxzzibdhq/TeacherAppWeek2026.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1777659949/uprepschoolscom/umbgficguyisxzzibdhq/TeacherAppWeek2026.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1777659949/uprepschoolscom/umbgficguyisxzzibdhq/TeacherAppWeek2026.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1777659949/uprepschoolscom/umbgficguyisxzzibdhq/TeacherAppWeek2026.png","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1777659949/uprepschoolscom/umbgficguyisxzzibdhq/TeacherAppWeek2026.png","width":1536}])
University Prep Schools marks Teacher Appreciation Week 2026 by honoring the teachers and staff across UPA, UPAD, and UPSM in Detroit — while celebrating a major milestone: 25 years of first-class educators helping scholars soar. This year's theme is "Take Flight: Celebrating 25 Years of First-Class Staff."
![The image celebrates National School Principals Day on May 1, 2026, featuring a diverse group of school principals from the University Prep Schools program.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1777659949/uprepschoolscom/ptwhgeccymtzxd3ccrzg/2026_UPREP_PrincipalsApprecation2.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1777659949/uprepschoolscom/ptwhgeccymtzxd3ccrzg/2026_UPREP_PrincipalsApprecation2.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1777659949/uprepschoolscom/ptwhgeccymtzxd3ccrzg/2026_UPREP_PrincipalsApprecation2.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1777659949/uprepschoolscom/ptwhgeccymtzxd3ccrzg/2026_UPREP_PrincipalsApprecation2.png","width":1080}])
University Prep Schools honors ten principals across its three Detroit campuses — University Prep Academy (UPA), University Prep Art & Design (UPAD), and University Prep Science & Math (UPSM) — on National School Principals Day, May 1, 2026. Each principal leads with purpose, builds strong school cultures, and helps UPrep scholars thrive every day
![A group of people wearing white shirts and blue ties are walking together in front of a building with ornate architectural features.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1777494342/uprepschoolscom/zmn3m4f4ovjpkijewsiq/UPREP_POST-UPSMstepteam_Apri2026.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1777494342/uprepschoolscom/zmn3m4f4ovjpkijewsiq/UPREP_POST-UPSMstepteam_Apri2026.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1777494342/uprepschoolscom/zmn3m4f4ovjpkijewsiq/UPREP_POST-UPSMstepteam_Apri2026.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1777494342/uprepschoolscom/zmn3m4f4ovjpkijewsiq/UPREP_POST-UPSMstepteam_Apri2026.png","width":940}])
UPSM Middle’s Step Team takes over Lansing, while UPA's Ms. Brandis Bean is honored by state legislators for her regional impact. ⚡🏛️
News & Events
- Network News
- UPAD News
She's been in the building — as a teacher, coach, and AP — for over a decade. Now, as Principal of UPAD Elementary, Shanay Gilchrist is exactly where she's meant to be.
UPSM High’s Jason Mattison & Janae Styles master underwater robotics and secure vital funding for future innovators. 🤖
- Announcements
- Network News
- Points of Pride
- UPA News
- UPAD News
- UPSM News
University Prep Schools | Detroit 90/90 has a new CEO — and she's been here all along. Meet Djeneba "DJ" Cherif, a Detroit classroom teacher turned chief executive, stepping into the top role on May 11, 2026.
University Prep Schools marks Teacher Appreciation Week 2026 by honoring the teachers and staff across UPA, UPAD, and UPSM in Detroit — while celebrating a major milestone: 25 years of first-class educators helping scholars soar. This year's theme is "Take Flight: Celebrating 25 Years of First-Class Staff."