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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
![A central purple banner announcing "Student Count Day" for University Prep Schools is surrounded by a collage of photos featuring diverse students and teachers in classroom settings.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1791486798/uprepschoolscom/kg2oe96l6a5xbiyrqtzz/UPrepprincipalsappreciationmural.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1791486798/uprepschoolscom/kg2oe96l6a5xbiyrqtzz/UPrepprincipalsappreciationmural.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1791486798/uprepschoolscom/kg2oe96l6a5xbiyrqtzz/UPrepprincipalsappreciationmural.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1791486798/uprepschoolscom/kg2oe96l6a5xbiyrqtzz/UPrepprincipalsappreciationmural.png","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1791486798/uprepschoolscom/kg2oe96l6a5xbiyrqtzz/UPrepprincipalsappreciationmural.png","width":1536}])
As we return from Fall Break, we’re celebrating the principals who lead U Prep’s 10 school communities. Meet our school leaders and join us in thanking them during Principals Appreciation Month this October.
![U Prep Families: Request Tickets for the Pistons Season Opener]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1791513948/uprepschoolscom/ixzzkafmvadpakssybez/det_26-27_mktg_DetroitClockIn_web_800x450.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1791513948/uprepschoolscom/ixzzkafmvadpakssybez/det_26-27_mktg_DetroitClockIn_web_800x450.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1791513948/uprepschoolscom/ixzzkafmvadpakssybez/det_26-27_mktg_DetroitClockIn_web_800x450.png","width":800}])
U Prep students, families, and staff can request tickets for the Detroit Pistons season opener against the Boston Celtics on Tuesday, October 20, at Little Caesars Arena. Tickets are first come, first served, with a maximum of five per family. Review ticket deadlines and required parent pickup details before registering.
![Math teacher leading a classroom]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1790791152/uprepschoolscom/hjo50grsy7ne4wqfocgo/UPREP_ModelTeacher_WhyUPrep_Classroom_1200x800.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1790791152/uprepschoolscom/hjo50grsy7ne4wqfocgo/UPREP_ModelTeacher_WhyUPrep_Classroom_1200x800.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1790791152/uprepschoolscom/hjo50grsy7ne4wqfocgo/UPREP_ModelTeacher_WhyUPrep_Classroom_1200x800.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1790791152/uprepschoolscom/hjo50grsy7ne4wqfocgo/UPREP_ModelTeacher_WhyUPrep_Classroom_1200x800.jpg","width":1200}])
U Prep hiring $100K Model Teachers of Secondary Mathematics.
![U Prep Schools 2026-2027 Board Meeting Schedule]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1787768594/uprepschoolscom/lpzsgj59wikg0mbthezp/PSAD_26-27Meetings800x582.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1787768594/uprepschoolscom/lpzsgj59wikg0mbthezp/PSAD_26-27Meetings800x582.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1787768594/uprepschoolscom/lpzsgj59wikg0mbthezp/PSAD_26-27Meetings800x582.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1787768594/uprepschoolscom/lpzsgj59wikg0mbthezp/PSAD_26-27Meetings800x582.png","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1787768594/uprepschoolscom/lpzsgj59wikg0mbthezp/PSAD_26-27Meetings800x582.png","width":1470}])
U Prep Schools is a free public charter school network. That means the people who run it answer to the public, and that includes you. Every Public School Academies of Detroit (PSAD) board meeting is open. Parents, scholars, staff, and anyone from the Detroit community can walk in and watch how decisions get made about the schools your scholars attend.
![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. 🤖
News & Events
- Network News
- UPA News
- UPAD News
- UPSM News
As we return from Fall Break, we’re celebrating the principals who lead U Prep’s 10 school communities. Meet our school leaders and join us in thanking them during Principals Appreciation Month this October.
- Announcements
- UPA sports
- UPAD sports
- UPSM sports
U Prep students, families, and staff can request tickets for the Detroit Pistons season opener against the Boston Celtics on Tuesday, October 20, at Little Caesars Arena. Tickets are first come, first served, with a maximum of five per family. Review ticket deadlines and required parent pickup details before registering.
- Announcements
- Network News
U Prep hiring $100K Model Teachers of Secondary Mathematics.
U Prep Schools is a free public charter school network. That means the people who run it answer to the public, and that includes you. Every Public School Academies of Detroit (PSAD) board meeting is open. Parents, scholars, staff, and anyone from the Detroit community can walk in and watch how decisions get made about the schools your scholars attend.