University Lake School

For nearly 60 years, University Lake School has been Lake Country’s independent school of choice for college preparation. We are a campus of rigorous academics, individual exploration and a place where students grow their confidence to achieve their personal best. You will find our faculty goes above and beyond — daily — to unlock and bring forth the brilliance that lies within each student.

University Lake School is a college preparatory school that delivers an incomparable education driven by high standards and a unique approach to learning. Our dynamic and rigorous curriculum challenges the whole student by integrating innovative academic, leadership, athletic, artistic and service learning experiences within a vibrant and joyful community.

University Lake School does not just create 100 percent college-accepted students at highly competitive universities. Our belief is that every student has untapped brilliance that simply needs to be cultivated. At ULS, we exist to bring out that individual brilliance. With award-winning faculty, an intimate learning environment, and a belief in shaping the unique gifts of students, ULS offers more than just challenging academics. Here, curiosity is rewarded, academia is expressed in and out of the classroom, and students have the opportunity to engage across a wide range of extracurricular activities on a stunning 180-acre campus. What we really teach at ULS is the power of resourcefulness and the ability of students to shape their destiny by putting their education in their own hands.

We promote authentic learning through student-led research, publishing and presentation across our curriculum. Student and teacher voices combine to bring learning and conversations to life. We continually challenge our students through a college preparatory design that incrementally raises the level of structure and rigor across academic divisions.

ULS students thrive as a result of the individualized attention they receive in our classrooms. Team-building activities and service projects – inside and outside of the ULS community – instill solid character traits that last a lifetime. Students build upon their academic knowledge and are challenged to apply their understanding to new situations. Our curriculum integrates fine arts, foreign language, technology and physical education across all divisions. Our incomparable 180-acre campus is the ultimate outdoor classroom. From forest studies and nature observation to tapping maple trees, students in all grade levels experience learning through nature.

ULS coursework is consistently a grade ahead of area public schools and is adjusted to make sure each individual student is academically challenged. Our teachers create an inspiring environment where students are confident in their ability to achieve academic excellence. In addition, our exceptional faculty hones in on an individualized learning experience, emphasizing character development and respect for the individual.

Students at ULS apply critical-thinking skills to the knowledge they acquire, going far beyond the mere memorization of facts. Our students become lifelong learners capable of analyzing new situations, relating new information to what they already know and thinking critically and creatively to solve problems and improve processes.

Teachers encourage students to make sense of the world based on their own experiences. As students show an interest in a particular topic, they explore the topic in depth, in their own way. ULS promotes students to ask questions and find answers using a variety of tools and resources. Teachers reinforce that experimentation is part of effective problem solving. ULS students have the ability to discern what they hear, see and believe, preparing them to become innovative and thoughtful adults.

At ULS, we help our students generate knowledge through connecting experiences and ideas. Students learn by doing and taking an active role in the learning process in ways that are personally significant and engaging to them. When intellect, senses, feelings and personality are involved in the learning process, concepts become deeply embedded in the learner’s knowledge base.

Leaders are individuals who are passionate, show integrity, inspire others and have strong initiative. The ULS culture, traditions and curriculum foster these traits in our students. Students are expected to be actively engaged and often take the lead. In addition, ULS provides all students with opportunities and encouragement to practice servant leadership. Servant leadership emphasizes collaboration, trust, empathy and the ethical use of power. The individual is a servant first, making the conscious decision to lead for the betterment of the group or community. The emphasis on leadership at ULS helps our graduates become self-actualized adults who navigate the world in a mindful and compassionate manner.