Unleashing Personal Potential through Experiential Learning

UP Excellence Academy is a Prekindergarten - 8th grade tuition-free public charter school in Houston’s North Side for scholars who will identify and embrace their unique pathway to success in school and life.

Students deserve to graduate with the skills and experience
to make a difference for themselves & their community.

We all desire economic mobility for our children. A quality education, which equips students with essential skills and experiences, is the key to a life of purpose and financial freedom.

Students will gain these life-changing skills through collaborative hands-on experiences.

UP Excellence Academy provides experiential learning experiences with a focus on entrepreneurship and economics to kickstart lives of impact and freedom for scholars in the Fifth Ward.

Houston Charter School Student
Entrepreneurial Curriculum

Founded by a successful entrepreneur from Houston’s Fifth Ward

Tamika Griffin was raised and educated in Houston’s Fifth Ward. She knows firsthand the gap between your dreams for your child's future and the limitations of the status quo.

With a combined background in entrepreneurship and education, Ms. Griffin has committed over 17 years to revolutionizing the educational landscape for young learners. Her journey has been marked by inspiring classrooms, crafting dynamic curricula, and revitalizing schools across multiple campuses in Texas.

Now, Ms. Griffin has returned home to establish the type of school she wishes she could have attended as a student.

UP Excellence Tamika Griffin

"Tamika Griffin isn't just a beacon of hope for Houston's North Side; she's its beating heart. Having watched her transform dreams into thriving businesses and now laying the foundation for UP Excellence Academy, it's clear – when Tamika envisions the future, she sees a brighter, educated, and empowered community. We're not just lucky to have her; we're transformed by her passion and vision."

_

_

Here’s how UP Excellence prepares students to thrive.

Every student takes a universal screener to pinpoint growth areas to inform a personalized learning plan.

Personalized Plans

Entrepreneurial Focus

Students study entrepreneurship and economics through community partnerships and projects.

Students work in cooperative groups to foster strong communication and problem-solving skills.

Cooperative Learning

Upon completion of 8th grade, all scholars will receive a personalized career path plan based on interest, goals, and a whole-person strength assessment that will assist in guiding the family’s decision on high school and course selection.

Personalized Pathway

What’s a typical school day at UP Excellence Academy?

  • Each day our school begins with a meaningful and unifying tradition known as "The Excellent Day." This special school community huddle serves as a vital foundation for our daily journey of learning, growth, and camaraderie.

    Following our empowering "The Excellent Day" kickoff, scholars embark on their instructional journey with dynamic, hands-on math labs that prioritize focus, rigor, and coherence.

  • In our approach to ELA (English Language Arts) and Social Studies, we prioritize explicit instruction and a systematic approach to building foundational skills. Our goal is to nurture exceptional readers, adept problem solvers, and astute critical thinkers.

  • Scholars will kickstart the afternoon with interactive science classes that promote experiential learning. Following this engaging start, they will transition into smaller groups to receive personalized instruction tailored to their unique learning needs.

  • At UP Excellence, we extend our commitment to education beyond regular school hours by offering after-school programming from 4-6 pm. This initiative not only provides students with valuable additional learning opportunities but also grants parents the flexibility they need in their busy schedules.

Easy, Tuition-Free Enrollment

Applying to enroll at UP Excellence is completely free and takes 5 minutes.

  1. Complete an application online

  2. We’ll follow up with an offer to enroll

  3. Complete Registration Documents & attend Family Orientation!

Houston Elementary School Student

_

_

UP Excellence Board of Directors

  • Kyra Hardwick, MBA

    Board Chair
    Managing Consultant, The Kyra Company, LLC

  • Tamika Bartley, M.Ed.

    Board Secretary
    Curriculum Coordinator, Sheldon ISD

  • Shawn Spearman

    Vice Chair
    Global Manager, People Initiatives and Projects

  • Iralee Acosta, M.Ed

    Board Member
    Professional Development Coordinator, Houston ISD

  • H. Nicole Beasley

    Treasurer
    CEO, Emergent Ed Childcare Consulting

  • Christine Aboud

    Board Member
    CEO, St. Michael’s Learning Academy