University Academy Upper School is the first charter school in Missouri to become a Blue Ribbon School.
The National Blue Ribbon Program recognizes schools all across the country excelling in academic achievement and closing subgroup achievement gaps for a period of five years.
Principal Clem Ukaoma says he credits their Mastery program, teachers, parents and students on the achievement.
“To me it feels like, the school feels like a family because everybody in it gets involved and that's what I can point at. It's not just one thing, which is magical about it. It's everyone,” Ukaoma said.
University Academy was one of eight schools in Missouri that received the honor.
Voy Spears Jr. Elementary School and Fox Hill Elementary were also named 2017 Blue Ribbon Schools.
