UMS-Wright Preparatory School

Here at UMS-Wright, we build the foundation for excellence through our devotion to advancing our students in mind, body, and spirit. We strive to provide each student with a quality education while instilling character, respect, and honor. UMS-Wright teachers, administrators, and staff are dedicated to equipping our students with the skills necessary to be successful in life and beneficial to the community.

Student life outside the classroom is also an integral part of the UMS-Wright educational experience. We encourage students to pursue other personal interests through myriad activities offered in our Arts, Athletics, and Student Life Departments. We firmly believe that the lessons learned and the qualities developed through participation in such activities help students internalize positive characteristics such as self-discipline, respect for others, and selflessness. We ensure that each student has the opportunity to explore and fulfill all interests and that we have the appropriate facilities, expertise, and support for students to do so.

Our Mission is “For the UMS-Wright Family to educate all students to their highest potential in mind, body, and spirit; and to produce in each student character of the highest possible order.” Our wonderful families, skilled faculty, and loyal alumni are the heart of UMS-Wright and help us to advance our mission each year. We wish for our children to consider us more than a school, but a place to call home.

Every day UMS-Wright guides students to reach their highest potential in mind, body and spirit through a curriculum that is infused with the best educational practices. As the core of its infused education, UMS-Wright has always believed the most valuable asset in each classroom is the teacher. The textbook does not drive the curriculum, and a device will not drive the curriculum; both are viewed as tools available to the teachers. Critical thinking, thoughtful debate, hands-on activities, collaboration, and much more infuse the education at UMS-Wright daily. Over time, teachers have infused technology into the education through SMARTboards, clicker response systems, computer labs, and web-enhanced activities. At UMS-Wright, each student has access to a personal device. Excitement grows every day as UMS-Wright continues to prepare students for tomorrow.

UMS-Wright Preparatory School enjoys a 124 year tradition of academic excellence. In 1900, our secondary school was the first in Alabama to be accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS). Currently, the school holds duel accreditation through SACS and the Southern Association of Independent Schools (SAIS). Additionally, UMS-Wright is a member of the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS).

The UMS-Wright chapter of The Cum Laude Society is one of only three in the state of Alabama. Some 370 schools in the United States and abroad hold Cum Laude charters. Membership in this prestigious society is afforded to only a small percentage of students.

UMS-Wright offers approximately 20 Advanced Placement® courses. In 2017, 62 UMS-Wright students were recognized as AP® Scholars for their outstanding achievement on the AP Exams. Students from the class of 2017 were accepted to 75 schools across the country, with 90% of the students receiving over $12 million in merit-based scholarships. Additionally, 35 out of 88 received ACT scores of 30 or higher. Four students in the Class of 2017 earned recognition as National AP Scholars.

Campus Life outside the classroom is an integral part of the UMS-Wright educational experience. Students of all ages are presented with numerous opportunities to interact with each other and with their teachers in one on one and group settings. In addition, students are encouraged to be active in local, state, national and world communities with specific emphasis being placed upon our obligation to serve others.