Our Story
Uplift Education is the largest, FREE public charter school network in North Texas. Established in 1996 with one school in Irving, we have now grown to a network serving more than 23,000 scholars in pre-k through 12th grade on 20 campuses across the D/FW metroplex. Our schools have received national recognition and 100% of our graduates have been accepted to college. Uplift Education is a non-profit organization.
Our Mission
Uplift’s mission is to create and sustain public schools of excellence that empower students to reach their highest potential in college and the global marketplace and that inspire in students a life-long love of learning, achievement, and service in order to positively change their world.
Uplift Education Quick Facts
History:
Uplift Education was established in 1996 and was one of the first authorizations granted to open a charter school in Texas. Led by Rosemary Perlmeter and a group of active parents and teachers, Uplift opened its first school in 1997, North Hills Preparatory in Irving, Texas.
In 2004, founders decided to expand on their initial success to form Uplift Education and with a generous gift from the Communities Foundation of Texas, opened their first inner city school, Peak Preparatory (later renamed Uplift Atlas Preparatory).
Current Network: 24,000 students in grades PreK through 12th grade; 45 primary, middle, and high schools on 20 campuses in 6 cities – Dallas, Fort Worth, Irving, Arlington, Grand Prairie, DeSoto.
Structure:
Charter school led by a CEO and an appointed Board of Trustees
Demographics:
72% Hispanic American | 15% Black | 8% Asian | 3% White | 2% Other
Income Status:
80% of students economically disadvantaged
College Attendance:
100% of graduates accepted to college since 2002 (first graduating class).
85% college matriculation
78% first generation college attendees
Academics:
Uplift utilizes the International Baccalaureate as its curriculum for all students. 38 of its 45 schools are fully authorized IB schools, and 100% of its high schools offer the IB Diploma Programme.
Accolades:
All eligible high schools named among best high schools in the nation by U.S. News and World Report