Frequently Asked Questions
To answer some of your questions as quickly as possible, we’ve compiled a list of those most frequently asked by University Park parents. Be sure to read more throughout this website and in our student handbook so you’re well-informed and prepared to support your teenager throughout their educational journey.
How do I enroll my child at University Park?
We are thrilled to welcome new members to our community! Please visit our Enrollment page for information about enrolling your child at University Park.
Back to TopDoes your school offer breakfast and lunch?
We operate an excellent nutrition program at all NDCS campuses. Our cafeteria serves lunch and snacks every school day for a reasonable price. We participate in the National School Lunch Program.
Back to TopWhat if my child requires medication during the school day?
We will administer prescription medication in accordance with state regulations and with physician and parental approval. Please complete our medication authorization form, and bring medications in the original, labeled packaging to the front office. Students may not carry or self-administer any form of medication.
Back to TopWhat is PowerSchool and how do I get a username and password to use it?
PowerSchool is just another way we keep communication between home and school strong. It provides you with almost real-time access to your child’s grades, attendance history, and other important information. To receive your login information, please call the front office.
Back to TopWhat are the school hours?
Before-School Tutoring: 7:00–7:50 a.m.
First Bell: 8:00 a.m.
Regular Dismissal: 3:45 p.m.
Detention: 3:45–4:45 p.m., Wednesdays and Fridays only
ExLA: 3:45–6:45 p.m.
Saturday School: 8:00 a.m.–Noon
To view all high school bell schedules, please visit Our School page.
Back to TopWhat do I need to do if my child will be absent from school?
If your child must miss school, please call the school office on the day of his/her absence. For information about attendance requirements and what qualifies as an excused absence, please refer to our student handbook.
Back to TopDo you enforce a dress code at University Park?
University Park (and all NDCS schools) enforces a uniform policy to keep students free from threats or influence of groups and gangs that advocate violence, vulgarity, drug and alcohol use, or other inappropriate or illegal behaviors. While on campus or at any school-sponsored event, we expect students to dress and groom in a manner that does not detract from or interfere with the educational program. Our approved uniform includes:
- Khaki pants for 9–11th graders
- Black pants for seniors
- We require students to wear uniform pants (without exterior pockets or rivets). We do not consider corduroy and cargo-style pants to be a “uniform.”
- White button-down shirt with UP-logoed burgundy vest and tie for 9–11th graders
- White button-down UP-logoed shirt with gold and black tie for seniors
- Student outerwear must be solid blue, black, white, gray, brown, or NDCS-logoed.
- Plain black, brown, gray, or white sneakers (such as Vans or Converse) with matching shoe strings
We require students to wear the burgundy vest with its corresponding pathway patch (technology students will have a technology patch, medical students will have the medical patch, etc.).
Generally, we do not allow:
- Hats or headgear to be worn on campus
- Clothing that advertises other schools or businesses
- Clothing with holes or frayed edges
- Oversized/undersized (super tight or super short) clothing
- Uncovered tattoos/body art or exposed piercings
- Unnaturally colored hair or designs cut into the hair
- Jewelry/accessories that pose a safety risk or could damage school property (spikes, wallet chains, dangling earrings, long necklaces, etc.)
- Hooded sweatshirts or denim jackets
Please see our student handbook for more details.
What is the cell phone policy at University Park?
We encourage all students to keep personal electronic devices at home, including cell phones. While we understand that parents may wish to stay connected to their child during the school day, we cannot be held responsible for the loss, theft, or damage of any personal electronic device. If your child must bring a cell phone or other electronic communication device to school, it should remain powered off and out of sight unless otherwise directed by the teacher. Students may not use their cell phones for personal use at any time during the school day—even on scheduled breaks. Please review our student handbook for more information.
Back to TopHow can I get more involved?
Parent involvement is a critical component of effective schooling and we strongly encourage your involvement. If you would like to volunteer, please contact our main office staff. They will alert you to current needs and safety requirements. Besides volunteering, you can help your child succeed by:
- Encouraging them to be an active and responsible learner completing assignments and turning them in on time, or seeking assistance when needed
- Ensuring your child arrives at school on time and ready to learn
- Supporting school policies on discipline and attendance, safety and equipment use, dress code, etc.
- Frequently monitoring your child’s overall progress; not waiting until report cards are issued
- Helping your child establish a regular time and place to study
- Talking to your student about what is happening at school
- Attending all scheduled parent-teacher conferences, school activities, and parent workshops
We also invite you to join us every other Friday morning (from 8:30–9:30 a.m.) for “Coffee With the Principal,” and/or joining one of our various committees and attending CMO meetings.