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Very Good

#714 of 2,221 schools in MO

Top 32% in state

University Academy-lower

Elementary School · UNIVERSITY ACADEMY

6801 HOLMES RD, Kansas City, MO 64131

Charter

Enrollment

605

Student-Teacher

15.1:1

Score

7.1

Grades

Pre-K – 5th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

Missouri schools

#714 of 2,221

In Kansas City

#40 of 147

public schools

In district

#3 of 3

UNIVERSITY ACADEMY

Academic growth

8.1 / 10

Excellent

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University Academy-lower

7.1/10

Elementary School in Kansas City · grades Pre-K – 5th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.

University Academy-upper

7.3/10

0.0 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.

University Academy-middle

8.8/10

0.0 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.

About University Academy-lower

University Academy-lower is a public elementary school in Kansas City, MO, part of UNIVERSITY ACADEMY. University Academy-lower serves approximately 605 students, and covers grades Pre-K-5th, and has a 15.1:1 student-teacher ratio. University Academy-lower has a current MySchoolScout rating of 7.1 out of 10 and ranks #714 of 2,221 schools in MO.

Structured state assessment records for University Academy-lower show 40% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 41% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).

How it compares0.7 pts above MO schools
  • This school 7.1 · Very Good
  • MO avg 6.4

What Parents Should Know

University Academy-lower is a charter school: publicly funded, but run with more independence than a traditional district school. Many charters are built around a specific model or focus, so it's worth understanding this one's mission, how enrollment works, and how it differs from the district schools nearby.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 3/3 metrics
Student Progress8.1Excellent50%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data16
Annual Change+1.85 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2025
TrendImproving
Academics5.6Average30%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency30.9% (2025 MAP)
Reading/ELA Proficiency28.5% (2025 MAP)
Math vs. State Avg-16.9 pts
Reading vs. State Avg-17.8 pts
Overall Proficiency30% (2025 MAP, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)25% (model expectation from 2025 MAP)
vs. Expected+4.5 pts
Adjusted Percentile38th
Resources & Environment6.8Average20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio15.1:1
Per-Pupil Spending$15,199
Chronic Absenteeism15.5%

University Academy-lower — Students at University Academy-lower score 30% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 25%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

100%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores MO MAP (2024-25)

Math Proficiency 40.4% (multi-year average, 2009-2025)
School
State
47.8% (multi-year state average, 2024-2025)
ELA Proficiency 40.5% (multi-year average, 2009-2025)
School
State
48.0% (multi-year state average, 2024-2025)

Based on 38 test records from MO state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

→ Stable

Average proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.

2009
Math
49%
ELA
42%
2010
Math
56%
ELA
42%
2011
Math
63%
ELA
48%
2012
Math
54%
ELA
51%
2013
Math
37%
ELA
41%
2014
Math
41%
ELA
62%
2015
Math
65%
ELA
72%
2016
Math
64%
ELA
70%
2017
Math
56%
ELA
51%
2018
Math
46%
ELA
39%
2019
Math
46%
ELA
39%
2020*
Math
13%
ELA
23%
2021*
Math
13%
ELA
23%
2022
Math
19%
ELA
23%
2024
Math
26.7%
ELA
29%
2025
Math
30.9%
ELA
28.5%

* COVID-affected year — test participation was uneven nationwide. This data is weighted at 50% in the Growth score calculation.

Source: EdFacts (NCES) and state assessment data. Growth score: 8.1/10.

How University Academy-lower Compares

See how University Academy-lower performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
7.1/10
68th percentile in MO
Academic
5.6/10
Average
Growth
8.1/10
Excellent
Environment
6.8/10
Average

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
100%
Teaching Staff
15:1 student-teacher ratio
40 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
15.5%

Location

6801 HOLMES RD, Kansas City, MO 64131

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering University Academy-lower may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. BORDER STAR MONTESSORI (rated 8.4/10, 1.0 miles away), which scores notably higher. Another option is ST ELIZABETH ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (rated 7.1/10, 1.0 miles away), with a very similar rating. Additionally, ACADEMY FOR INTEGRATED ARTS (rated 6.9/10, 1.3 miles away), with a very similar rating. For more schools in Kansas City, see our Kansas City schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 1.6 mi
School Distance Rating
UNIVERSITY ACADEMY-UPPER Kansas City 0.0 mi 7.3
UNIVERSITY ACADEMY-MIDDLE Kansas City 0.0 mi 8.8
Academie Lafayette Oak Elem Kansas City 0.3 mi 3.8
ST PETER'S SCHOOL Kansas City 0.5 mi 6.5
HOGAN PREPARATORY ACADEMY Kansas City 0.6 mi 5.4
Ewing Marion Kauffman Middle Kansas City 0.8 mi 6.2
EWING MARION KAUFFMAN HIGH Kansas City 0.8 mi 8.4
ST ELIZABETH ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Kansas City 1.0 mi 7.1
BORDER STAR MONTESSORI Kansas City 1.0 mi 8.4
BROOKSIDE CHARTER ELEMENTARY Kansas City 1.0 mi 5.6
BROOKSIDE CHARTER MIDDLE SCHL Kansas City 1.0 mi 6.0
ACADEMY FOR INTEGRATED ARTS Kansas City 1.3 mi 6.9
HALE COOK ELEMENTARY Kansas City 1.1 mi 5.7
FRONTIER SCHL OF EXCELLENCE-M Kansas City 1.5 mi 4.3
FRONTIER SCHL OF EXCELLENCE-U Kansas City 1.5 mi 5.3
7933 MAIN ST. Kansas City 1.5 mi 7.4
PROVIDENCE SCHOOL OF ARTS Kansas City 1.5 mi 6.7
JOHN T. HARTMAN ELEMENTARY Kansas City 1.6 mi 6.0
ST TERESA'S ACADEMY Kansas City 1.6 mi 5.5
HOGAN PREPARATORY ACAD MIDDLE Kansas City 1.6 mi 3.2

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 64131 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$63,374

Median Home Value

$217,700

Median Rent

$1,139/mo

Population

21,972

College Educated

39.1%

Homeownership

48.6%

Avg Commute

22.8 min

Poverty Rate

10.4%

Median Age

35.6

Similar Schools

Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings

School Rating
BLADES ELEM. St. Louis, MO 7.1
CECIL FLOYD ELEM. Joplin, MO 7.1
COLD WATER ELEM. Florissant, MO 7.1
DANIEL BOONE ELEM. Wentzville, MO 7.1
LAFAYETTE PREPARATORY ACADEMY St. Louis, MO 7.1
LEWIS CLARK ELEM. St. Peters, MO 7.1

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about University Academy-lower

What grades does University Academy-lower serve?

University Academy-lower serves students in grades Pre-K through 5th.

How many students attend University Academy-lower?

University Academy-lower has an enrollment of approximately 605 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at University Academy-lower?

The student-teacher ratio at University Academy-lower is 15.1:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does University Academy-lower rank in MO?

University Academy-lower ranks #714 of 2,221 schools in MO.

What is University Academy-lower's MySchoolScout rating?

University Academy-lower has a current MySchoolScout rating of 7.1 out of 10. This score combines the level-appropriate components shown in the rating breakdown; equity data is shown separately for context.

What are the test scores at University Academy-lower?

Based on loaded state assessment records, University Academy-lower has 40% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 41% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).

Is University Academy-lower a charter school?

Yes, University Academy-lower is a charter school. Charter schools are publicly funded but independently operated, often with more flexibility in curriculum and teaching methods.

Is University Academy-lower a Title I school?

No, University Academy-lower is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for University Academy-lower?

100.0% of students at University Academy-lower qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. This is a commonly used indicator of economic need and provides important context when interpreting test scores.

11 schools nearby View map →

Neighborhood Context

Walk Score
48 Car-Dependent
Transit Score
38 Some Transit
Bike Score
37 Somewhat Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
Pre-K – 5th
Enrollment
605
Student-Teacher Ratio
15.1:1
Teachers (FTE)
40
Free/Reduced Lunch
100.0%
Type
regular
Setting
Large City
County
Jackson County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
15.5%

District

UNIVERSITY ACADEMY
District Enrollment
1,091
Schools in District
3
Per-Pupil Spending
$15,199
District Rank
#3 of 3

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