Universal Academy

Posted: August 28, 2026

As an educator for 10 years, I have never experienced chaos and dysfunction to this disagree. My experience was a living nightmare. I don’t have enemies but if I did, they would be the only ones I’d speak highly of this school to.

Posted: August 28, 2026

Posted: August 28, 2026

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Posted: April 22, 2024

I really recommend sending your child to universal academy! All the staff and facility is really kind and nice. The students their are amazing and the classes there are spectacular! Especially the high school courses. Amazing dual credit classes for free. My kids there really enjoy it.

Posted: April 22, 2024

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Posted: June 19, 2021

The performing arts program at Universal Academy put on the Wiz and our son was one of many great performers in the show. The diverse group of students performing was wonderful to witness. They came together as a great example to all.

Posted: June 19, 2021

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Posted: December 27, 2019

Universal Academy has a very firm structure which is exactly what my teenage son needed. At first he thought the school was very strict and he hated it, but over time, with encouragement from his teachers, counselor, and myself, he realized the structure was a good thing. It provided him with standards and expectations that will ultimately help him succeed in life.

Posted: December 27, 2019

Posted: December 27, 2019

Posted: April 29, 2019

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Posted: April 29, 2019

Posted: April 29, 2019

Posted: April 29, 2019

The place looked nice during my tour, and ultimately I left the decision up to my daughter as to whether or not she would like to attend. She concluded that yes, she wanted to go to school here. She’s been doing very well with her grades and has made many friends that seem to be respectful, honest people. Overall, she is doing quite well at this academy.

Posted: April 29, 2019

Posted: April 19, 2019

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Posted: April 19, 2019

Posted: April 19, 2019

My daughter has been achieving scholastic excellence at Universal Academy, far beyond my previous expectations. With a much more focused environment that a typical public school, it seems they have the ability to get through the minds of students in a much more effective manor.

Posted: November 18, 2018

Posted: November 18, 2018

Posted: November 18, 2018

Posted: November 18, 2018

Posted: November 18, 2018

My child's experience at this school was sub par. She was dubbed a "bad" kid by the principle who happened to over hear a conversation she and some other students were having during their free time. They were discussing a gaming system and her older brother who had returned from the military. The principle told a newer student he should make better choices in friends, and told my daughter nobody cared about her brother. My daughter has never had any trouble at school, has always accelled academically and has always been liked by all her teachers. I'm not sure what the motivation was behind the principle's statement, as my daughter has not had any trouble since starting this school either. I would say our experience at this school was a 2/5 at best. She did make friends relatively quickly, which helped with her time there.

Posted: November 18, 2018

Directions are not thoroughly explained to students, and then students are reprimanded for missing small details.

Posted: November 18, 2018

There is no real interaction between the teachers and parents.

Posted: May 20, 2017

My son is strong in reading but needs help in math. His class is structured in a way that he is able to excel in both subjects with out falling behind or being bored.

Posted: May 20, 2017

My experience has been positive. Any issues or situations are handled immediately and my son is thriving much better here than in a public school. Even the students were very welcoming and contribute to the family like environment.

Posted: May 20, 2017

They use different outlets for homework. It can be done both online or on paper, depending on the assignment.

Posted: May 20, 2017

Posted: May 20, 2017

Posted: May 20, 2017

Administration is more available to parents than I've experienced at other schools. Parent suggestions are taken into consideration

Posted: May 19, 2017

Posted: May 19, 2017

Posted: May 19, 2017

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Posted: May 19, 2017

The staff has created a positive learning environment that encourages all students to do their personal best. They are dedicated to excellence and expect results. And they are excelling.

Posted: August 4, 2016

Excellent service and extremely high academic results! My boys were in this school for 8 years. Both of them were taught by highly qualified and dedicated teachers.One is in Med school and the second one is doing his MBA currently.I am all about Universal Academy.

Posted: August 4, 2016

Highly qualified and dedicated teachers who are always ready to take students under the spot light so that they can see the best performance of their own teaching.

Posted: August 4, 2016

I always thought homework was not enough.I definitely think there should be more homework. I never had any issue with homework.

Posted: August 4, 2016

Dedication and endurance is the motto of this school. All students get treated equally without their race and color.

Posted: June 14, 2016

This school tells your child exactly what they need to hear. Many schools will try to sugar coat your child's progress in school, however UA will NEVER do that. The problem with most parents is that they want people to sugar coat everything for their kids and make them only see the good in life. In order for your kid to be successful they must know their academic strengths and weaknesses. Sugar coating will never breed success!

Posted: June 14, 2016

I agree with some other parents postings. Yes, every single school has it's problems and Universal Academy is no different, my child has gone to the Coppell campus for 3 years now and we have had no REAL issues. I will say that if your child has disciplinary issues or problems complying with adult authority, then of course they are NOT going to like this school. Most likely your child will have issues at other schools as well. Great teachers, great opportunities for your child. They strive in high academic success! If you are ok with your child having a mediocre academic standards then I would definitely not recommend this school.

Posted: May 4, 2016

Posted: May 4, 2016

Posted: May 4, 2016

Posted: May 4, 2016

my son has had the PE coach yelling and humiliting him infront of classmates and the principal does nothing, so the coach basically gets away with bullying my child. this is at coppell campus. glad year is almost over and we can get out fast.

Posted: January 11, 2016

Posted: January 11, 2016

I put a review on here a few months ago, and it ripped UA a new one. That's probably why someone took it down. What's the point of leaving a review if schools/businesses have the power to do that??? Just saying. This school is the most horrible place I've ever been a part of. Don't send your kids here.

Posted: December 9, 2015

Excellent school, facilities and wonderful teachers! No one is left behind! There is simply no better place to prepare your children for a successful life. I highly recommend Universal Academy.

Posted: September 6, 2015

This school has two campuses: Irving and Coppell. This review is for the universal academy Irving.
I experienced the following:
- The admission process was unorganized (coppell campus administration)
- I never got the campus tour I requested from the irving campus president
- The extra curricular activities (golf and chess for 1st grade) were for the coppell campus
- I saw a little of the irving campus facility at the first parent teacher meeting before the school year began and i was not impressed
---the teacher's classroom was very small and the room was bare
---i was not allowed to see any other part of the school but the class and the nearby restroom, which didn't have any locks on the stall
- the parent teacher meeting was pointless
---there was no information given to the parents on: school lunch, school procedures during the first week, pto information, teacher contact info

I had also enrolled my son at his zoned school and I had a very different experience:
- the pto was there selling tshirts, accepting memberships for $7 and recruiting volunteers diffrent

Posted: March 31, 2015

Universal Academy is a great place for children to learn. The school is free for students to attend, but extracurricular actives do cost a minimal amount. Overall children receive a quality education free of charge, compared to some of the private schools in the area. Check out the schools ranking and make your own choice.

Posted: January 11, 2015

Staff is rude to parents. School should have TEA check them out. Most classes are over ratio for the size of classroom. School is meant for low income families but all they do is ask for money, money, money!!

Posted: October 20, 2014

Parents of Universal Academy Irving just completed their Parent/Teacher meeting and parents were thrilled to have the opportunity to learn about their child's progress this school year. Many parents were very interested in learning about volunteer opportunities at the campus and different ways they can get involved.

Posted: September 3, 2014

School DOES NOT have adequate bathroom sizes for the amount of children attending this school; only two (2) stalls each for boys & girls; high sinks; paper towel holder mounted too high on the wall for kids to reach; bathrooms DO NOT meet city code compliance; cafeteria is totally INADEQUATE for the census of students, lower grades eat their lunches in rooms; ANTS are rampant in classrooms; NO TRASH CANS in classes; some teachers received computers late; some teachers do not have desks; street signs that read "ENTER ONLY" are left standing in the large foyer in the corner with NO protection from falling over; these have sharp edges on the ends of them; superintendant disrespectful & demeaning to principal and teachers; NO professionalism adhered to ! WATCH OUT; the name of the school DOES NOT match what they are saying; BE AWARE !

Posted: May 4, 2014

In response to the April 14, 2014 post/review. You must be talking about a different campus. These reviews are for Universal Academy in Coppell Texas. Your review is clearly Not for this campus because it does Not go through High School & they have Not been around 14 years. This next school year 2014/2015 is the 1st year they are going up to 9th grade. So disregard the post from April 14, 2014 as it is obviously Not the same campus.

Posted: May 4, 2014

This school is so rude to the students, our children. My kids will not be attending next year. My daughters self esteem was crushed by a teacher making fun of her and when approached by me it only made the rest of the school year even worse for her. I should have pulled her out of the school right then but I kept thinking it would get better. I was wrong. This school will be shut down soon if the down make some major changes!

Posted: April 13, 2014

In response to the April 8, 2014 comment addressed to two administrators at Universal Academy. I am a proud parent of Universal Academy. My oldest son started at Universal Academy and greaduated from Universal Academy in 2013. My youngest children still attend UA. I have known these two administrators for 14 years and I can say without hesitation or doubt they are most certainly carin, compassionate and respectful to all students. Everyone at UA cares tremendously about the well-being and academic success of every child at this school. I have just as much faith in UA as I had in them when my family first came to the school 14 years ago. To the administrators, faculty, staff, teachers and students continue doing the things that have made you great. Never let anyone deter you, stay the course, keep your eyes on the prize and know that the best is yet to come! To soar to the heights of eagles is to find a place where few go and only the very best can reach! Universal Academy I still believe - Together We Fly! - Y. Brown

Posted: April 13, 2014

In response to the April 8, 2014 comment addressed to two administrators at Universal Academy. I am a proud parent of Universal Academy. My oldest son started at Universal Academy and greaduated from Universal Academy in 2013. My youngest children still attend UA. I have known these two administrators for 14 years and I can say without hesitation or doubt they are most certainly carin, compassionate and respectful to all students. Everyone at UA cares tremendously about the well-being and academic success of every child at this school. I have just as much faith in UA as I had in them when my family first came to the school 14 years ago. To the administrators, faculty, staff, teachers and students continue doing the things that have made you great. Never let anyone deter you, stay the course, keep your eyes on the prize and know that the best is yet to come! To soar to the heights of eagles is to find a place where few go and only the very best can reach! Universal Academy I still believe - Together We Fly! - Y. Brown

Posted: April 13, 2014

This school is very rigorous and structured. If your child is not respectful or disciplined then UA will not be the right school for your child. If you are a parent of very little academic involvement, again this is not YOUR school of choice. Universal Academy is a school of high expectations- academically and behaviorally.

Posted: September 12, 2013

This is the most HORRIBLE mistake I have made by sending my daughter to this school. If you haven't experienced difficulty keep your child there and I promise you will. The staff is disrespectful. They curse and as ignorant as it sounds they have also been known to make fun of the kids!!! My child has told me some of the things that was said to her and other kids that you would not believe a grown up or most important an educator would say to a kid. The so called principal or owners are a nightmare. The teachers are rude because she gives them the ok to do so. Take your kids out now!!! I have filed complaints with BBB and has spoken with TEA and watch the news they will one day be shut down. They have violated several government rules and are under investigation.

Posted: August 22, 2013

Honestly, I have not experienced the issues that the other parents are speaking on. My child has been a A&B student ever since I've enrolled her. Not only that she has received many UIL awards. My child had never made commended on a test until she was also enrolled in Universal Academy. What people fail to realize is that Universal Academy has a low tolerance for disrespect from students, which puts them on top. If the students aren't learning how to respect a teacher at home they are learning it at their school. My child will be at Universal Academy till her senior year.

Posted: August 4, 2013

My greatest regret as a parent! My son was bullied in a way you would never expect in 1st grde. For weeks I tried to talk to Mrs. David (the principal) who refused to address the issue. I pulled my son out the day I picked him up early for a doctor appointment and noticed he had a handprint on his face and neck (yes I took pictures and reported it) the principal closed the door to her office and refused to speak with me. I told them I wouldn't bring him back until they provided a solution. After not hearing from them for two weeks I pulled him out. That was the only day Mrs. Davis spoke to me, and all she said was that she was glad she wouldn't have to deal with me. I was shocked! I have never been so disrespected...not to mention the fact that she never had to "deal" with me because she refused to talk to me! I have 4 friends who've pulled their children out for un-addressed bullying. Basically, if your child isn't Indian, they'll be different and will not be accepted. I had to pay $75 a week for 6 months of therapy and had to homeschool! Do not SEND your children here. I wish there were a way those who have been victims here could start an investigation!

Posted: July 27, 2013

The monster administrator causing all the problems is GONE! Expect greatness again. Thank ya! Thank ya! Thank ya! Duffey ROCKS!

Posted: July 8, 2013

I'm so glad to take my son out of this school this year he didn't learn nothing at all plus the number one reason I'm taking him out is because I got a call from the school that my 7 yr old had urinated his pants when I talked with my son he told me that the teacher didn't let him and she told him to be quiet!! I also witness how the teachers scream at the children infront of their parents so unprofessional that made me so angry! This school is also all about money school supplies you have to buy tons copy paper? Large sanitize bottles? And when my child came home with homework he will never bring a pencil to do his homework after purchasing packs after packs? This school is not like elementary schools that that school pictures he never brought home picture packages to buy? I dnt have no school pictures of my son they also dnt communicate well with you no school notes or nothing. Oh and with the school uniforms what a ripoff $30 bucks a shirt when I can buy regular $5.97 at Walmart for a regular elementary school I'm glad I'ma save much more this year 2013-2014 at another school. This school was so worthless and expensive and my son didn't learn nothing.

Posted: May 23, 2013

I used to teach here and this school is a nightmare! Teachers are threatened with loss of their jobs for things such as not paying and joining the PTO and for unsatisfactory State test scores. (Maybe that's why the scores are higher here than one might expect?) There is nepotism in the administration (sisters, mothers, sons, sister-in-laws) and funds don't seem to be spent on necessities for the students. My friend works at the Coppell campus and things seem to be better there probably because the area is more affluent and parents probably expect and demand more. Adminstration is just plain mean, as someone else said in their review. Horrible place to work. I'm glad I was hired by an ISD and able to get out of there. I can't believe this place hasn't be investigated!

Posted: May 5, 2013

I used to teach here also. It was a horrible expierence. The satff is stressed the administrators are mean and the facilities are very poor. I have to say that I do not belive the children learned and were intimidated. I do not understand how the school hasn't been investigated yet as everyone I talk to says there is a problem. As a former teacher there I would NOT allow my child to attend this school. Just because you have Academy in your name doesn't mean you are an academy. Please parents do your research before you allow your child to go there.

Posted: May 4, 2013

I also used to teach at this school. I completely agree with the comments of the teacher below. The entire experience was a nightmare for me as a teacher. Facilities were almost unacceptable. Library was minimal. Administration only interested in numbers.

Posted: December 10, 2012

no matter what you do dont sent your child here me i know from experience i sent my child here and he always came home crying saying that the teachers treated him bad so i have moved him to a public school where the district actually uses the money to help the schools . This school is owed by a old lady and her daughters and they dont seem to help the school out the school has no technology at all the teachers are not even certified to teach