Summary:
In the 95125 zip code of San Jose, CA, parents will find two distinct high school options: the large, traditional Willow Glen High and the smaller University Preparatory Academy Charter, which serves grades 7-12.
University Preparatory Academy Charter stands out as a top performer, consistently ranking in the state's 97th percentile with a 5-star rating, exceptionally high test scores in English and Math, and a remarkably low chronic absenteeism rate of 4.4%. In contrast, Willow Glen High, while achieving a solid 93.6% graduation rate, faces significant challenges with a high chronic absenteeism rate of 30.5% and lower academic proficiency, particularly in mathematics and 12th-grade science.
The schools also differ in their governance and resources; University Prep operates within its own highly-ranked University Preparatory Academy Charter District and spends about $7,200 less per student than Willow Glen, which is part of the San Jose Unified district. This creates a notable contrast where the charter school achieves stronger academic results with lower per-student funding, highlighting differences in school environment and student engagement between the two institutions.
Thank you for your feedback!