What Is A University-Model School?
A University-Model School is a blend of the most positive aspects from traditional public and private schools as well as home schools, to give elementary through high school a highly successful, college-preparatory education, set in a Christian environment. The key is professional classroom instruction partnered with caring parenting at home.
The immediate goal of the UMS is quality, cost-effective, college-preparatory education accomplished in
a way that gives parents more time for imparting the faith and values they hold precious. The ultimate
goal is that of producing wholesome, competent men and women of character who make a positive
difference for Christ in the next generation.
National Association of University-Model Schools (NAUMS)
University-Model Schooling began in 1992 with the implementation of the GPA Project. This project was a private effort designed to test educational theories surrounding the (1) significance of parental involvement and (2) character development in the educational success of students in grades 1-12 and in their preparation for success in college. Although these theories were supported by the US Department of Education studies (and many others), practical, nationwide implementation had been severely limited due to the traditional structure of schools, both public and private. In addition, these theories suggested that academically average students could be successfully and consistently prepared to overcome the significant dropout rate prevalent in colleges and universities throughout the country.
As a result, project organizers developed a new educational model called University-Model Schooling or UMS.
This new model, with its university-structured schedule, was first implemented in a UMS test school formally established on December 18, 1992. The test school opened for its first year of operation in the fall of 1993.
Positive results were experienced almost immediately and exceeded the project organizers original expectations. After only two years of operation, interest was expressed by others to open similar schools in other communities. Project organizers, therefore, formed an outreach program to facilitate this purpose and to serve as the GPA Projects second phase. As new UM schools opened in many communities and states across the country, the University-Model School name was registered as a certification trademark, and the outreach program was transformed into the National Association of University-Model Schools (NAUMS, Inc.), a distinctly Christian organization.
Formally established on April 8, 2005, NAUMS, Inc. now serves as the centerpiece of the University-Model School Christian movement. With the establishment of NAUMS, Inc., the initial test school phase of the GPA Project ended, and ongoing improvements to the UMS model are now coordinated by NAUMS, Inc., through the collective efforts and successful practices of University-Model Schools across the country.