University City High School

Principal's Welcome

Dear University City High School Students, Families and Community:

Welcome to University City High School, home of the Lions and heart of our community! For the past eight years, it has been my privilege to serve as Principal of University City High School.  On behalf of the UCHS team, I welcome you to the school year 2024-25!  Each year brings a new generation of leaders that we have the ability to teach and to learn from as well. 

Having just presided over the 2024 graduation of my own twin girls in May, I assure you that I want success for all students as much as I do for my own. Our team personally works with students and families to ensure the best possible educational experience we can offer. That starts in the first week of school where we devote our time to getting to know each and every student.  We don’t dive right into the curriculum, the real work is in building relationships that will carry through to graduation.

Serving grades nine through 12, we offer a rigorous and challenging curriculum and strong Advanced Placement options.

Principal Peoples

We work very closely with our students to deliver a variety of leadership, internship and other enrichment opportunities. In addition to academics, we prioritize social emotional support, extracurricular programs and athletics because they are integral to high school life – and to every student’s personal well-being and joy.  

As young adults, our students deserve the opportunity to guide their educational experiences. I respect that and –  I expect personal responsibility in their treatment of self and others. This is outlined in our Student Expectations Guide and I hope our families will review that information together.

We hold high expectations for our students and for ourselves as well. Each school year is an opportunity to rededicate ourselves to fulfilling the promise of Learning Reimagined. Learning Reimagined is a living, game plan that is built on three pillars: We PERSONALIZE instruction to meet the needs of each student; HUMANIZE by building and prioritizing relationships with students and families and PROBLEMATIZE; empowering students to problem-solve solutions to real world issues. 

On every grade level, you can look forward to hearing about exciting and rewarding school experiences and opportunities that will make this and every year special. Students will not only succeed at UCHS, they will thrive through targeted programs, practices and partnerships. 

We invite you – parents, guardians and community – to join the UCHS team and to help us as we build individual game plans for every student’s success. Together, we will be there to guide, challenge and care for them so that they might achieve greatness in whatever path they choose.

Thank you for your support, for choosing UCHS and – welcome to the team!

Respectfully,

Mike Peoples, Ph.D.
Director of Secondary Education/Principal, University City High School