A Tuition-Free Houston Charter School Where Your Child Will Be Known, Supported and Successful.
PK4–6th Grade | Small Group Instruction | Personalized Learning Plans | Strong Reading and Math Foundation
At UP Excellence Academy, your child will receive the structure, support, and high-quality instruction they need to grow with confidence from day one.
Small group instruction so students get the support they need
Strong reading and math foundations for academic success
Hands-on learning that builds confidence and real-world skills
Now Enrolling for 2026–2027 — Give Your Child the Strong Start They Deserve
Apply Now — Seats Are Filling Quickly Across Grade Levels
Secure your child’s spot before seats are filled.
Choosing the right school for your child is one of the most important decisions you will make. At UP Excellence Academy, your child will receive the attention, support, and strong academic instruction they need to grow with confidence and succeed.
✔ Small group instruction so your child gets the attention they need—not lost in a crowded classroom
✔ Daily reading and math instruction to build strong academic foundations and confidence
✔ A safe, structured environment where students can focus, grow, and succeed
✔ Hands-on learning experiences that help your child apply what they learn in real life
Seats are filling quickly across grade levels—apply now to secure your child’s spot.
Founded with Purpose. Built for Your Child’s Success.
UP Excellence Academy was founded to ensure that every child receives the attention, support, and high-quality education they deserve.
After building a successful career, I returned to education with a clear purpose—to create a school where students are truly seen, supported, and prepared for success.
I saw firsthand that too many students were not receiving the individualized attention they needed to thrive. UP Excellence Academy was created to change that.
When your child walks through our doors, they are not just another student—they are known, supported, and challenged to succeed.
Tamika Griffin, MBA
Founder & Superintendent, UP Excellence Academy
"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."
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Here’s what your child’s learning experience will look like every day at UP Excellence Academy:
We assess your child to understand exactly where they need support, then create a plan to help them grow.
Personalized Learning
Small Group Instruction
Students work in small groups so teachers can provide focused support and ensure understanding.
Your child receives daily reading and math instruction to build confidence and mastery.
Strong Academic Foundation
Your child applies what they learn through real-world projects that build confidence and critical thinking.
Hands-on Learning
Structured Environment
Clear routines and expectations help your child stay focused, safe, and ready to learn every day.
What’s a typical school day at UP Excellence Academy?
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
Simple, Tuition-Free Enrollment — Secure Your Child’s Seat Today
Applications are now open for PK 4 - 6th Grade for the 2026-2027 school year! Apply today. Seats are limited.
Step 1: Apply Online
Submit your application in just a few minutes.
Step 2: Connect With Our Team
We will reach out to support you, answer questions, and guide you through next steps.
Step 3: Complete Enrollment
Submit required documents and secure your child’s seat.
Seats are limited and filling quickly across grade levels—apply now to secure your child’s spot.
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UP Excellence Board of Directors
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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