Univ Place Elementary School

University Place Elementary School, located at 2000 First Avenue in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, is a public PK-5 institution serving roughly 610 students with a student-teacher ratio near 17:1.

The school offers a full Pre-K program, Kindergarten through Grade 5, and supports diverse learners with gifted and talented tracks.UPES integrates STEM/STEAM learning through project-based curricula, using its Lego lab, school garden, and computer-based instruction to build critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration skills.Led by Principal Nakelya Mullins and Assistant Principal Kiera Ezell, the school emphasizes a safe, responsible, kind, and excellence-oriented culture.Socio-economically, a majority of students are eligible for free or reduced-price lunch, reflecting a community with financial need.

UPES has reported dramatic growth in reading scores for 2025, according to school-district announcements.

The school is implementing new bus notifications for the 2025-26 academic year to improve communication with families about transportation changes.

1. What academic support or specialized programs does UPES offer for students who are ahead or behind their peers?

Ans. UPES has a Gifted & Talented program that serves advanced learners, and its project-based STEM/STEAM curriculum integrates differentiated instruction so students who need extra help or acceleration can receive it through classroom support and specialized activities.

2. What is the student demographic breakdown at University Place Elementary?

Ans. The student body is predominantly Black, with smaller proportions of Hispanic, White, Asian, and multiracial students. A substantial share of students (around 60-70%) qualify for free or reduced-price lunch, indicating a considerable number of low-income families.

3. What extracurricular or enrichment activities are available at UPES?

Ans. Enrichment at University Place includes hands-on STEM labs, gardens, computer usage, and arts integration as part of its STEAM efforts. While not every extracurricular club is listed publicly, project-based learning and school-wide initiatives support student engagement beyond core subjects.

4. How has the school been rated or evaluated by external sources?

Ans. According to GreatSchools, UPES scores above average compared with similar public schools in Alabama. On Niche, it receives a C+ overall, with reading proficiency higher than math proficiency (about 33% vs. 18%).

5. Who leads the school, and how is the governance structured?

Ans. The principal is Nakelya Mullins, supported by Assistant Principal Kiera Ezell and administrative staff including Jamie Cain. The school forms part of the Tuscaloosa City Schools district, which provides oversight, policy, funding, and resource allocation.