A university-model school (UMS) is a hybrid educational approach where students attend classes on campus 2-3 days per week with professional teachers, then complete the remaining schoolwork at home under parental supervision in what's called the satellite classroom.
What Is a University Model School?
University-model schools split instruction between a physical campus and home. Elementary students typically attend two days per week; middle and high schoolers attend three days. On campus days, certified teachers deliver lessons and introduce new concepts. On home days - the "satellite classroom" - parents supervise practice work and enrichment following teacher-prepared assignments. The model originated in 1992 at Grace Preparatory Academy in Texas and has since grown to roughly 88 schools across 19 states. The National Association of University-Model Schools holds the trademark and certifies member schools that meet specific standards.
Key Takeaways
- Students attend campus 2 days per week (K-5) or 3 days per week (grades 6-12)
- Professional teachers prepare all lessons including home-day assignments
- Tuition typically runs 40-75% less than full-time private schools
- All certified NAUMS member schools are Christian and pursue accreditation
- The model progressively develops student independence, mimicking college scheduling
How It Differs from Co-ops and Hybrid Schools
The Satellite Classroom Concept
What makes university-model unique is the structured relationship between campus and home. Teachers don't just assign homework - they prepare complete lesson plans for both environments. Parents receive detailed instruction for each home day, including what concepts to reinforce and how. You're not designing curriculum; you're implementing what trained educators have planned. This support makes the model accessible to parents who don't feel qualified to teach every subject themselves. The school maintains oversight of both classrooms, ensuring consistency.
Progressive Independence
UMS intentionally shifts responsibility from parent to student over time. In elementary years, parents function as co-teachers, working closely alongside their children. By middle school, that role transitions to guide and mentor. High schoolers are expected to manage their own assignments with parents serving as monitors rather than tutors. This progression prepares students for college where no one checks their homework. Many UMS graduates report that college felt like a natural continuation rather than an abrupt adjustment.
Finding a UMS Near You
The NAUMS school directory lists certified member schools by state. Coverage is strongest in Texas, Florida, and the Southeast, with growing presence in other regions. If no school exists nearby, some families have started their own - NAUMS provides resources for founding new schools. Keep in mind that schools calling themselves "hybrid" or "university-model" without NAUMS certification may operate differently than the trademarked model.
The Bottom Line
University-model schools offer a middle path between full homeschooling and traditional private school. You get professional teachers handling curriculum design and challenging subjects while preserving significant family time and parental involvement. The cost savings - typically 40-75% less than five-day private schools - make Christian college-prep education accessible to more families. The model works best when at least one parent has flexibility on home days and when families genuinely want that partnership between school and home rather than simply outsourcing education.
